I got angry

[Chickenman]

Not long ago I asked about a service or process to clear serial numbers on firearms. The initial response was go to police and then spend some time in cuffs if it comes up with a hit.

I just needed an answer not a suggestion that because I asked the question my character was suspect. My topic was hijacked and some saw it my way but it seemed that just asking the question raised some doubts about why someone would even check a serial number.

A cousin wanted to sell me a handgun he inherited from is wife's father. I didn't know the man. All my weapons will eventually go to my son and I certainly don't want to own or my son to own a weapon that might be stolen. We have laws and laws keep the honest man honest.

I had HPD check out the number and I learned several things that most of you probably know, but I will pass them on:

1: as of Monday the data base is Texas wide only
2: weapons are dropped after five years
3: weapons are reported stolen without the owner able to report serial #
Now some one is going to dispute all of this but this is what I was told I have every reason to trust the HPD

By the by the weapon checked out clean and I purchased a nice Model 19 for $ 60.00.

The real reason I wanted to post this is because some day I might want to post again or make a purchase/sell something and I felt like rotten after posting the other night. My good name is all that means anything to me and I thank you for reading this.

[seamusTX]

Thanks for the information.

Some people are going to interpret everything in the worst possible way or take potshots. I try to ignore these people unless I can think of a snappy comeback. Please don't let them keep you from posting.

- Jim

[DSARGE]

That's good information I didn't realize. Kinda surprising, actually. Thanks for the post.

[mrbug]

The real reason I wanted to post this is because some day I might want to post again or make a purchase/sell something and I felt like crap after posting the other night. My good name is all that means anything to me and I thank you for reading this.

Nothing hits my hot button quicker or harder than someone questioning my integrity. I agree with you 100% and then some.

[rm9792]

How do you report it stolen without a serial number? How is that even checked when plice find a similar gun?

[Chickenman]

I don't know I guess you have a responsibility to report a stolen weapon and do the best you can to describe it and assist in tracking down number through the dealer that sold the weapon.

[Dougmyers5]

Hi Chickenman

I will say I understand your frustration and remind you that all any of us have is our word and what we stand up for.
The fact that you want to obey the law by checking says tons about you to me......you are a stand up guy for sure!
Your son will be proud of you and I am sure he already is.

You just keep on doing what your doing and you will be fine.

Your Friend

[stevie_d_64]

Integrity is a button you do not want to push when you are seeking resolution and being as brutally honest as you were in that thread...

We can all be cavalier in our knowledge and experiences, but assuming one (you) has done something wrong when seeking an honest answer, (that person) was not using common sense...That kinda bugged me a little bit...Certainly not a good PR move on their part...

There is some real gold in the information provided above about information retention in regards to property and other items in databases Law Enforcement has access to...

[srothstein]

While the HPD officer may have said that, I would think that it was still a national check. He could have just run the TCIC check, which is just guns reported stolen in Texas, but most of the time, the computer sends it to NCIC as well as TCIC.

On the rest of it, he is spot on. Both TCIC and NCIC remove stolen records from the active file after 5 years. This applies to cars, boats, guns, and any other property entered. They do this to keep the database searchable in a reasonable time. They figure the odds of finding stolen property after five years are pretty slim. If an officer does have a reason to suspect something is stolen, he can request an off-line search. This can take up to 48 hours or so but involves the NCIC techs doing a search of the old dead files. There have been a few things found that way, but I think I have only done it about 3 times so far in my career.

As for the reporting stolen with no serial number, it is probably more common that people having the number. The databases actually contain all property reported stolen that has any identifying number, either a factory serial number or an owner applied number (like if you engrave your TXDL in it). Most people do not record serial numbers. This is true for guns, TV sets, stereos, washing machines, cars, and any item. How many of you have the serial number recorded for everything in your home? And I do mean everything, like the blender, microwave, TV, power screwdriver, etc.?

So why do they report it? People are not usually reporting that the item was stolen to get it entered. They are reporting a crime, such as a burglary. They then have to tell the officer what was stolen, as an element of the crime. In addition, many of them have more faith in police than we really deserve. We do try to solve crimes and recover your property, but some think we will do it as well as CSI does and it just ain't so.

[Commander]

In addition to what srothstein stated - Stolen guns are purged from TCIC/NCIC unless the entering agency revalidates the entry. TCIC sends a list of stolen guns that are subject to being purged to the entering agency. The entering agency can validate that the entry is still good. We've been revalidating an officer's stolen gun for almost 20 years.

[Thane]

and I purchased a nice Model 19 for $ 60.00.

Well, if it wasn't stolen before...

VERY nice deal there, sir!. I'm jealous. As penance for securing such a deal, I insist you post pictures!

[chewy555]

Chickenman, Thanks for the info about the database. I did not know that, as I am still looking for some weapons that were stolen from my father-in-law. I will have to call to see if they can be added back on the database.
I hope what happened on the other post will not keep you from posting more. Again, thanks for the info about the database.