CountryBoy19
Grandmaster
+1Um, yeah, call the parents and explain the situation.
Tell them you learned some new information and would like you property returned.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain for trying.
Ex-friend? Are you really worried about offending a convicted armed robber?
Offending the parents? Their kid is a felon, he is the one that did the offending.
What happens if they are offended anyhow?
Zip, zero, nada.
You don't have a relationship with the ex friend or them so you are not out anyhow.
It was your family that provided you with the rifle, your heritage that was taken.
Someone else willingly took that from you.
Yes, I would recommend you make an attempt to regain what is rightfully yours.
You have nothing at all to lose by attempting. Make it clear that you don't want to get anybody in trouble and that you just want your sentimental rifle back. If the parents really are religious folks they'll do the right thing, either tell you the truth that they don't have it, or return it to you. The only other option is that they lie to you about it, and they're no better than the son is; you aren't out a single thing other than your time no matter what the outcome is.