[sirtirithon]

So when SAI replaces a receiver under warranty and issues you a new serial number, do they report the change in numbers to anyone? Or does that person now own an unregistered firearm?

 

[UrsaMajor]

Assuming you are referring to a long gun (rifle),
we do not register long guns in the US.
And pray that we never will.

UM

 

[sirtirithon]

Yes I was referring to a rifle. I wasn't aware that rifles aren't registered. I just assumed that they were due to the abundance of paperwork involved when purchasing one. Thanks for the information!

 

[Col. Colt]

The 4473 is used as a background check before transfering a firearm to an individual. Technically it is not a registration, and the Federal Government is supposed to destroy the record of the background check over the telephone used to authorize your purchase only as either a "long gun" or a "handgun".

A true Registration would make you personally legally responsible for the firearm at all times - you could not sell it privately, and if you lost or destroyed it you would have to report that to the government immediately. (In some countries you must purchase a state sanctioned safe at your expense to own a firearm, for instance.) Right now the firearm is your private property, and unless there is a state or local law to the contrary, you can dispose of it as you see fit, without keeping records or notifying anyone.

The 4473 form must be retained by the FFL Dealer for at least ten years - after which they could in theory destroy them, though I don't know any that do. And if the Dealer goes out of business he must send his records to the BATF. Many dealers are computerizing their sales records, which makes search and retrieval much easier, should anyone wish to.

Be aware that these forms can be inspected (and copied) by the BATF anytime they wish to conduct a dealer visit, so your information could be obtained by the government, if they wish to go to the trouble. But at least for now, you cannot be held accountable if you have sold or otherwise disposed of a firearm unless you sold it to a prohibited person, like a minor, a felon, a person who was under 21 in the case of a handgun, etc. Do an online search regarding Federal Firearms Law and Dealer requirements if you wish to know more - it is good to understand our firearms laws so as to stay in compliance. CC

 

[UrsaMajor]

The 4473 contains no information about the firearm other
than whether it is a handgun long gun or "other". No make,
model or serial number information is included on it.

UM

 

[nate68elky]

Some states do require long arms to be registered. Out here in the socialist utopia of Hawaii we have been required to register ALL post-1899 firearms since statehood (1959). Believe me, its a PITA to deal with, but at least we don't have an AWB or waiting period after the initial 14 day wait for a long arm permit, which is good for a year.

 

[ripsaw]

register

The 4473 contains no information about the firearm other
than whether it is a handgun long gun or "other". No make,
model or serial number information is included on it.

UM

Correct...except the phone call placed to NCIC releases the serial number....


Also this from Col. COLT....

"Be aware that these forms can be inspected (and copied) by the BATF anytime they wish to conduct a dealer visit, so your information could be obtained by the government, if they wish to go to the trouble."....
.Yes, but pursuant to Federal Law, unless involved in an ongoing investigation, these obtained information records must be destroyed !!! I can't remember the time period, ..I want to say 30 days, but not sure....I'm Old.....

 

[sirtirithon]

So the dealer retains a copy of the paperwork & serial number that the government can still obtain if they wish. But if the serial number was changed by the factory during warranty work and not shipped through a FFL dealer there shouldn't be any paperwork on that new firearm. I guess that's what I'm wondering.

 

[jameslawson71]

So the dealer retains a copy of the paperwork & serial number that the government can still obtain if they wish. But if the serial number was changed by the factory during warranty work and not shipped through a FFL dealer there shouldn't be any paperwork on that new firearm. I guess that's what I'm wondering.

Yeah but Springfield has it and you can bet that if the BATFE wanted records, for whatever dumb reason, they would happily comply....

 

[M1AallTheWay]

The 4473 contains no information about the firearm other than whether it is a handgun long gun or "other". No make, model or serial number information is included on it.

UM

The ATF Form 4473 (Revised July 2005), Section B, item 18 calls for a check mark indicating handgun, long gun or both (since multiple firearms can be covered by one 4473, though a Form 3310.4 must then be completed, too). But Section C itemizes the purchase, with a separate line for each firearm, and asks for Manufacturer or Importer, Model, Serial Number, Type, and Caliber or Gauge.

It's not a registration in the normal sense, but it is a record, and as has been pointed out, BATFE can inspect it.

 

[tmcfalls]

Correct...except the phone call placed to NCIC releases the serial number....


Also this from Col. COLT....

"Be aware that these forms can be inspected (and copied) by the BATF anytime they wish to conduct a dealer visit, so your information could be obtained by the government, if they wish to go to the trouble."....
.Yes, but pursuant to Federal Law, unless involved in an ongoing investigation, these obtained information records must be destroyed !!! I can't remember the time period, ..I want to say 30 days, but not sure....I'm Old.....

The ATF has already been caught storing info off 4473 once and had their hands mildly slapped by Congress.