I'm about to trade my rifle for a different used rifle plus some cash, my ? Is should I have my local pd check the numbers? Also what about my old rifle will those numbers come back to me if something is done illegal with it?
Thanks
You are correct sir the NICS check does nothing for running anything other than the buyers background only. If you get a dated bill of sale then IF the gun was hot or had been used in a crime BEFORE the date you purchased it then you are not liable. C-Y-A! Also when the gun is ran by LE we only get if it is stolen or not.I was under the impression that transferring through an FFL did nothing related to checking the serial # on the firearm, but rather was just the background check on the person who is purchasing the firearm. Also, I have never heard of an FFL that would process a transfer without some fee for their trouble. You can find FFLs that will process transfers usually starting at a minimum of about $25 or so.
Of course none of that is actually required for a FTF:
ATF Online - Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Unlicensed Persons
: What record-keeping procedures should be followed when two private individuals want to engage in a firearms transaction? When a transaction takes place between private (unlicensed) persons who reside in the same State, the Gun Control Act (GCA) does not require any record keeping. A private person may sell a firearm to another private individual in his or her State of residence and, similarly, a private individual may buy a firearm from another private person who resides in the same State. It is not necessary under Federal law for a Federal firearms licensee (FFL) to assist in the sale or transfer when the buyer and seller are “same-State” residents. Of course, the transferor/seller may not knowingly transfer a firearm to someone who falls within any of the categories of prohibited persons contained in the GCA. See 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g) and (n). However, as stated above, there are no GCA-required records to be completed by either party to the transfer.
There may be State or local laws or regulations that govern this type of transaction. Contact State Police units or the office of your State Attorney General for information on any such requirements.
Please note that if a private person wants to obtain a firearm from a private person who resides in another State, the firearm will have to be shipped to an FFL in the buyer’s State. The FFL will be responsible for record keeping. See also Question B3.