Concerns about serial numbers

[cjwils]

In another forum where members discuss other types of guns, I posted the complete serial number of a gun that I own and that I was seeking information about. Members of that forum warned me not to do that, because someone could take down the complete information about my gun, including the serial number, and then report it as stolen from them. That seems pretty far fetched to me. How would they know who I really am? Is that a valid concern?

[A1A]

??Serial Numbers??

[Malysh]

I've heard this over and over. I've never heard of one incident where this happened in "real life".
I think it's really a personal thing. Some guys don't like to post serial numbers, some don't care. The ones who don't post probably feel they need some important sounding "reason" why they won't post the numbers.
It really doesn't matter either way.

[capstan]

I heard the same concern from others.Years ago,I was in a gun store, and I was looking at a colt. AfterI handed it back I realized I forgot to check the serial number. I asked the helper what the number was so i could check its dob. The owner then came out and told the helper only to give me the first 4 numbers or something like that. I was confused as I wasnt aware of the paranoia -maybe it was because he didnt know me too well then. He then went on to explain how someone claimed a gun He had was stolen once and He had it for sale.
I learned just never ask anything about serial numbers. when you look at the gun, just open the cylinder (on a colt) and look at the serial number and quickly memorize it- then go back and check out the dob.
I suppose its quite possible that many colectors have stolen guns and dont even know it.
For anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of having their guns stolen, Im sure they would be naturally curious to see the serial number on a gun that looks like theirs thats for sale. If they still had the list of serial numbers,Im sure they'd check.
Suppose you had a colt stolen 20 years ago but you still had the serial number written down on a scrap of paper. Then one day you go into this gunstore and you see what looks just like your gun for sale. Do you think youd look at the serial number. i sure would.
So I guess thats the concern -People are afraid they MIGHT have a stolen gun(they cant really know for sure unless they can absolutely confirm its entire history), and they dont want to loose it to the rightful owner who could lay claim to it if He knew.

There is a thread or two on this subject here somewhere I'm sure A1A knows where.

[twaits]

I asked this same question a while back. I stopped worrying about it long ago. I've posted lots of my serial numbers. Nobody gives me a hard time about it here but lots of people on other forums like to warn me about it. If people feel uncomfortable about it they usually post the last few digits as Xs which is fine with me. Whatever floats your boat. That's usually enough to nail down the DOB on anything.
Malysh is right on the money I think.

[Colt-SL]

I agree with you all. I have no concerns posting mine. I have records proving where and when each of mine were purchased and possession is stronger than someone trying to prove my gun was stolen from him. And speaking of numbers, Congrats again twaits on 3000 posts and for A1A's eclipse of the 8000 mark!! Now those are some GOOD numbers!

[CWO4USCGRET]

I have receipts for all the guns I own; if someone makes a claim that they own one of my guns...good luck; see you in court. Good news bad news; I live in MI; all hand guns get registered in MI. I took one to register it...and the desk sargent said he had to keep it because it was reported stolen. In actuality it had been stolen and recovered; the local MN PD never removed it from NCIC.

[Malysh]

I have receipts for all the guns I own; if someone makes a claim that they own one of my guns...good luck; see you in court. Good news bad news; I live in MI; all hand guns get registered in MI. I took one to register it...and the desk sargent said he had to keep it because it was reported stolen. In actuality it had been stolen and recovered; the local MN PD never removed it from NCIC.

Now, that's an interesting comment on the topic!
I also have kept all receipts I have for firearms. Some of them, I don't own anymore!

[tmd17]

This is definitely a "to each his own" topic. I do not post my numbers, and will cover numbers on photos of my guns. I may or may not "rolling eyes" own one or two of those infamous gun show loophole guns. Some consider that a desirable thing, and to unnecessarily disclose those serial numbers does "register" those guns to some degree.

Maybe a touch of paranoia in my corner, but that does not mean my concerns are not legitimate.

[azranger45]

If you bought a gun over the internet(i.e. GB) or at a gun shop, you filled out a DD4474(think thats the #). The cops would check NCIC and see whoever is claiming
you stole it, has never owned it. They would also know you are the rightful owner and how long you have owned the gun in question. I think you would have a hard
time getting a stolen gun registered in your name. Just saying. . .