Buy or not???

[blacknwhite]

OK, I have a situation...I have an old friend that I bumped into and he offered me a great deal on a hunting rifle,about half what its worth). But, I have previously heard that he had taken a hard turn to the dark side,drugs and so forth). So I am a little concerned that the rifle might be stolen,its probably not but I cant get the thought out of my head) and I was wondering if I could find out some how if it was stolen or not??? I asked another friend about it and he said you can ask a police officer but I unfortunately dont know one personally. Also I would feel terrible if I got this guy in trouble. So, I would like to just find out for sure and if its clean I would love to buy it and if its not I could just say I didn't have the money or something and he would never know why. He invited me over to shoot it so I could easily get the numbers off it, so what do you guys think? Is there a way to find out? Can any of you "run numbers"? Or should I just steer clear of this thing all together? I would really like your opinions...

 

[billmo]

If you got doubts about it I'd say let it slide. A good deal sometimes leads to more trouble than the "good" can be. Cops may not take it at face value if you were to ask about running numbers and jump to any conclusion. You never know. Just my opinion. Bill

 

[nonliberal]

I would either let it slide as Bill said or pay the $20-$30 for an FFL transfer. Chances are if its stolen he would not want to do that anyway. You could tell the guy the reason you want a transfer is you just want to get it in your name in case you ever get pulled over with it in the car to avoid any hassles.

 

[sewwhat89]

When in doubt, do without!

Why risk the hassle? is my thoughts.

 

[blacknwhite]

Thanks for the suggestions guys...I was hoping there was a way,maybe through an FFL dealer)to check it out before hand...

 

[Travelor]

Remember the old addage, "If it sounds toogood to be true, it probably is."

You can ask the local police department to run the serial number against their data base of stolen guns, BUT remember, if it turns up stolen, they are going to become very interested in you and want to know wher the gun is.

Except in Little Rock, Arkansas, where they are so "busy" they only issue tickets to burglers and other felony arrestees. Guess how high our bugulary rate is.

 

[FBecigneul]

Yeah, we know all about the leniency of Little Rock law enforcement; you let the two worse criminals, The Clintons, escape.
Don't rush into buying the rifle. If he's a druggie and the rifle is stolen, it's probably gone by now.

 

[CatShooter]

Get the serial number and call the police and check if it's stolen.

Not rocket science.


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[TerryPohl]

I would run the numbers friend are no friend.
1. If it was your gun you would like it back.
2. If it is hot and your friend gets in trouble with the law it might turn him around.
Just my thoughts on what I would do.

 

[Silverfox]

Yep, run the numbers. I was offered a "too good to be true deal" back in about 1980. I copied the serial number down and had the police department run them. It WAS NOT a stolen gun and I purchased the rifle. Once in a great while you can get one of those "too good to be true deals" that is legitamate.

 

[soonerredwhite]

OK, I think I will call the local police department...does anyone know how to approach it though? Should I call any special division or just call down there and say I've got a number for you?

 

[CatShooter]

Just call the police,go there is better) and tell them you were offered a rifle at a real low price, and you want to have it checked.

The good thing about it is that IF it is later found to be stolen,the owner was away on vacation, etc) you CANNOT be charged with possession of stolen property, and the owner can buy it back from you with the insurance money.


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[JimOliver]

If it is stolen, it won't be you that got your "friend" in trouble----sound like he is doing fine without any help.

Jim