Buying used guns (or used anything for that matter)

[NM_Shooter]

I'm sniffing around after a used revolver, seeing as how all my guns were washed away in the flood.
So I started wondering..... what do I do to protect myself when buying a used gun.  Last thing I want to be holding is a stolen gun that I bought from somebody.  

As twitchy as folks are these days, I don't really want to ask for ID from the person I am buying it from.  I sure don't want to be providing ID to the guy that I am buying it from either, but that is a different topic.

I suppose I can get a bill of sale, but without a notary there and the seller's ID, I'm not sure that will matter.  I don't want to check with the police to run the serial number either.  

What to do???

[phalynx]

Honestly, the best way is to call the police department anonymously and ask if the serial number is stolen.  It is perfectly legal to purchase a used gun.  The other thing is location....  If you buy by meeting someone someplace, well, it's a potential sign.  Obviously, a filed off serial,,, yea...  The "caliber" of the person you purchase from is a good measure.

[NM_Shooter]

Hmmmm... will the police allow you to do an anonymous serial number check?  I wonder if I could convince someone to let me call before I purchase.

I had considered saving a copy of the classified ad, asking for a receipt showing the serial number, and possibly making a note of the address / license plate of the seller as I leave. 

I suppose that none of this would help me in the instance that the gun was actually stolen, but I guess it couldn't hurt.

[peternap]

I am the original DON'T ASK ME FOR ID OR PAPERWORK PERSON.
When I buy a gun (almost always used) I quietly write down the name and lic number of the fellow I bought it from. I have a friend on one of the PD's that will run the Serial number for me.

[phalynx]

It's better to try and get the police to check.  just call and say you are looking at a used firearm and want to know if it is stolen.  If it is, you have the option of being a "good citizen" or just walking away. 

If you don't check the serial number, you won't be held for the stolen firearm if you can tell them where you bought it and when and by who.  Writing that down will get you out of the pickle, but it won't let you keep the firearm... 

[peternap]

If you can get someone to run it off the record, there isn't a trail back to you....just in case the new one gets lost in a boating accident.