Gun Zone Deals

Texas Stolen Gun Info - What to do.

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • majormadmax

    Úlfhéðnar
    Rating - 100%
    9   0   0
    Aug 27, 2009
    15,839
    96
    San Antonio!
    my father passed away about a year ago today. He had some gun in his possession which I believe prior to his death were sold without his permission ,, He had numerous strokes and was unable to communicate. It believed that a family member of my step-mom's sold them. i know his guns were registered . There is really only one gun in particular i am interested in . It was issued to my grandpa, his father. It was issued to my issued grandpa by the city of Goldsmith when he served as chief of police there. It was given to my dad was when grandpa passed away. It really has more sentimental value than monetary . When my aunt asked about this gun the family member about it he contacted the person sold all the gun to and said it was not among them so this person does know who sold them to. All i know at present is it was a pistol. However if these gun were registered in my dad's name. How would I go about find that information? You may contact by sending me a PM

    I replied to this post once already, but for some reason it disappeared. As mentioned, there is no firearms registration in Texas so either you are living somewhere else or you got back info. Secondly, unless the guns were reported stolen when they disappeared it's unlikely that the police will take action without proof of their theft. About the only option you have is to take with the family member that sold them and see if he would be willing to give you that person's contact info. If you're lucky and he does so, then maybe you can convince the buyer to sell the one you want back to you. Otherwise, you've not really go any recourse from what I see. It's a sad situation, and I'm doubtful that you'll be able to recover any of the weapons...
     

    Cyndi Bowers

    New Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 4, 2017
    2
    1
    Cyndi Bowers

    To all members of Texas Gun Talk.

    Allow me to expand a little further upon my introduction and comply with a request from Alan (Texas1911)

    I work the pawn shop detail for my police agency. I am a reserve police officer for the last 29+ years. I worked patrol with the sheriff's office for 5 1/2 years from 1978 until 1984, patrol with my police department from 1984 until 2000. In 1993 I was given the task of working pawn shop tickets in addition to patrol duties and in 2000 was hired as the property and evidence officer until 2002. With my full time job and P/E I was working in excess of 76 - 80 hours a week and starting to be real cranky when I did not need to be. I went back to reserve status and remained as the pawn shop detail assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division. I presently work from 12 to 16 hours a week. I am assigned cases regarding firearms recovery and firearms theft/burglary/robbery.

    Accordingly, I also deal with other stolen property along with other issues associated with pawn shop activities.

    When it comes to stolen firearms and maximizing your chance of getting your stolen gun returned to you (and I really wish to emphasize how much I want you to get your firearm back) I am listing some suggestions on what you should have for each and every firearm you own.

    1. A complete description of the gun to include:

    Brand - Kimber, Glock, etc.
    Type - handgun, rifle, shotgun, combo, etc.
    Action - pump, bolt action, semi, revolver, single shot, side by side, over under, etc.
    Caliber - self explainatory.
    Model Number or Name - Classic II, G19, etc.
    Serial number! - I cannot emphasize how important it is to have your serial number.
    Any Accessories - scope, custom grips, custom stock, sling, case, extra magazines, speed loaders, etc.
    Finish - blue steel, stainless steel, nickel, hard chrome, etc.
    Barrel Length - self explanatory.
    Sights - fixed, adjustable, front sight, etc.
    Magazine Capacity - self explanatory.
    Value - actual or replacement cost, I don't care.

    Any additional information YOU feel is important, the officer may not feel it is a big deal but if YOU think it needs to be included in the report, make sure it is included. Now most officers know what needs to be in the report but it is YOUR report.

    OK - if you don't know the serial number - and you should - where did you buy the gun? If it was from a Federal Firearms Dealer they will have the serial number. You need to know the date you purchased the gun as most dealers have their records by DATE OF TRANSACTION. This true even if the dealer has gone out of business. I can get that information, but will also need to know who purchased the gun. Have you ever pawned the gun? Because if you have, then the pawn shop will have the serial number. Have you ever had the gun in for repair? If you have, the dealer will have the serial number. It is essential to know when the gun was in for repair as most dealers have their records by DATE OF REPAIR.

    Another point, a large number of complainants (victims) are often very reluctant to actually accuse someone of the theft or burglary. I understand this but it is essential to me to know who had access to the gun (or any property for that matter). I explain to my victims, you are not accusing anyone of the crime, that is my job, you are telling me who had access to the property, I will do the accusing. Be certain to give the officer names of individuals along with contact information. I cannot tell you the number of family members and "close friends" who have stolen from my victims and I assure you I need those names. Now is not the time to hold back and be nice.

    Once you have filed a report, make certain that you stay in touch with the agency you filed the report with. One of my duties is called NCIC (National Crime Information Computer) validation. This means that we (the police department) must be able to make contact with the victim (complainant) on a yearly basis. If the complainant has moved, or the telephone number is no longer valid, then we are to remove the serial number once the statute of limitations has been reached. That means you are S-O-L. No chance of recovering your gun.

    If validated, guns stay in NCIC forever. I have recovered one gun from out of state, (Topeka, Kansas reported in 1979, Smith and Wesson Model 15, .38 Spl) and was able to return it to the rightful owner. I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to do that for a citizen.

    If your gun is recovered by an agency other than the one you filed the report with, make certain your agency places a hold on the gun. If not, there is a possibility it can fall through the cracks and you do not get your gun back. This is particularly true if your gun, (no fault of your own) is used in a crime. Even if it is used in a crime, you still have the right to get your property returned to you. Do not be surprised if it takes a number of months or even years to resolve the criminal case. I had a H&K USP recovered in Tennessee where the guy was charged with UCW (unlawfully carrying a weapon) and it took nearly eight (8) months to resolve that case (a really simple case) before I was able to get it sent back to me for recovery purposes.

    I have attempted to cover the high points, and certainly have not covered all the different variations. I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but this is what I do for my agency.

    If any one has any questions do feel free to make a comment and I will monitor this thread and try to help in any way I can.







    well It is just i as figured,,, since they were in fact registered i was thinking maybe that could find out that they were registered in his name (my Dad's that is ),,, As far checking with station were my grandpa well Goldsmith is a small town about 300 ,,, Ector County Sheriff now have that jurisdiction ,,, , when he served the town was more populated about 1500 ,,,tried contacting the step family members who did sell them suddenly they have amnesia,,lol,,, when i called them on the conversation they had with my aunt suddenly they became defensive . Their response was "prove it",, i have been advised to file theft against them in Polk County. It would allow an investigation to be opened in the matter. I have given them the option verbally to just return it ,,, and that will still be an option but if not that force me to take legal recourse. Any how thanks for your response to this.
     

    tomballpa

    Member
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Dec 27, 2016
    56
    11
    Bluewave,

    Quite honestly there is no absolute way to know if a firearm is stolen, unless you get directly from the factory.

    That is NOT completely true. New Firearms sold through an FFL are 99.9% legit. With regards to buying a used firearm, pawnshops are actually one of the safer places. We have to report descriptions and serial #'s to the police for both loans and purchases of used guns. At my location, we have to hold the weapon 21 days while the police check the serial # against known stolen guns. Therefore in a sense, the weapon has been cleared.

    Other FFL's do NOT HAVE TO REPORT serial numbers for used guns they purchase. I can tell you that the last 2 guns we had confiscated as stolen came from the same local dealer that shall remain unnamed.

    Buying from an individual there is no way to know if stolen or not.
     

    Kingarthur777

    Active Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Sep 22, 2018
    643
    46
    Livingston
    Everything goes into NCIS, warrants, stolen property, runaways. My chief frustration is by NCIC rules, the Agency with the Warrant is supposed to respond within 10 minutes. That never, ever happens at least in my experience. You make the request in NCIC, then they want you to fax or e-mail a letterhead. Then within a day or so you get your warrant on the guy you have. Some places, are well, you places are "Well, you have them detained, so you can wait." But, you better believe you get a bench warrant from Harris County on a guy you have, he goes to HCSO toot sweet. Man, I am so glad I am retired.
     

    gshayd

    Ugliest house on the block.
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Nov 25, 2018
    1,307
    96
    Beaumont, Texas
    Cyndi Bowers









    well It is just i as figured,,, since they were in fact registered i was thinking maybe that could find out that they were registered in his name (my Dad's that is ),,, As far checking with station were my grandpa well Goldsmith is a small town about 300 ,,, Ector County Sheriff now have that jurisdiction ,,, , when he served the town was more populated about 1500 ,,,tried contacting the step family members who did sell them suddenly they have amnesia,,lol,,, when i called them on the conversation they had with my aunt suddenly they became defensive . Their response was "prove it",, i have been advised to file theft against them in Polk County. It would allow an investigation to be opened in the matter. I have given them the option verbally to just return it ,,, and that will still be an option but if not that force me to take legal recourse. Any how thanks for your response to this.
    Was there an executor of the estate and a will? If not the State of Texas has a plan for disposal of the property. Was a probate done?
     

    bigwheel

    Active Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Oct 19, 2018
    993
    46
    Fort Worth
    Good scoop. Thanks. Back in my old copping days if the victim couldn’t come up with the serial of the gun the other identifiers were of not much use since it could not be entered into NCIC/TCiC. Not sure their rules or some kinda hog law the chief thunk up. lol. NRH is supposed to have a good pawn shop detail. You know any of those guys? Gals?
     

    Schwee

    New Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 18, 2019
    2
    1
    Florida
    pawncop,

    No crime was committed here in Florida, but the local Sheriff's Office ran the numbers on my firearms and my Python, which I bought at a Houston gun show in 1998, turned up "stolen" in Bexar County in 1983. The SO sent the Colt to San Antonio and told me it's now a civil case between me and the original victim and that I might get the gun back.
    However, the sergeant in charge of the Evidence Room at Bexar County told me that ALL stolen weapons are destroyed and I'll never see the revolver again.
    Is that true? Or do I have any recourse?
     

    BRD@66

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jan 23, 2014
    10,771
    96
    Liberty Hill
    Not applicable to Schwee's story but this may be why one should cover the serial number when taking gun pictures to post on the webz.
     

    Schwee

    New Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 18, 2019
    2
    1
    Florida
    Bought the gun from an individual; of course, if I had a receipt, it's long gone.
    Still the question, is it true what the sergeant in charge of the Evidence Room at Bexar County told me that ALL stolen weapons are destroyed? No exceptions?
     

    Southpaw

    Forum BSer
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Mar 30, 2009
    17,862
    96
    Guadalupe Co.
    Bought the gun from an individual; of course, if I had a receipt, it's long gone.
    Still the question, is it true what the sergeant in charge of the Evidence Room at Bexar County told me that ALL stolen weapons are destroyed? No exceptions?

    Whether they do or not, there is no chance of the gun ever being returned to you. If anyone would get it back, it would be the person who filed the report when it was originally stolen.


    Also, it doesn't look like pawncop has been around for a while, unfortunately...
     

    leVieux

    TSRA/NRA Life Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Whether they do or not, there is no chance of the gun ever being returned to you. If anyone would get it back, it would be the person who filed the report when it was originally stolen.


    Also, it doesn't look like pawncop has been around for a while, unfortunately...

    What you describe would be patently forbidden by the U S Constitution !

    leVieux
     

    Southpaw

    Forum BSer
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Mar 30, 2009
    17,862
    96
    Guadalupe Co.
    What you describe would be patently forbidden by the U S Constitution !

    leVieux

    Returning property to it's actual owner is unconstitutional?

    To refresh, since it's been a while, the post I was responding to said they purchased a stolen firearm unknowingly and it was confiscated by LE. I replied that if it was returned at all, it would be returned to the owner as listed on the Police report.

    Maybe I'm missing something, please explain if I am as this thread is old and haven't gone back through it in it's entirety.


    pawncop,

    No crime was committed here in Florida, but the local Sheriff's Office ran the numbers on my firearms and my Python, which I bought at a Houston gun show in 1998, turned up "stolen" in Bexar County in 1983. The SO sent the Colt to San Antonio and told me it's now a civil case between me and the original victim and that I might get the gun back.
    However, the sergeant in charge of the Evidence Room at Bexar County told me that ALL stolen weapons are destroyed and I'll never see the revolver again.
    Is that true? Or do I have any recourse?
     

    leVieux

    TSRA/NRA Life Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Returning property to it's actual owner is unconstitutional?

    To refresh, since it's been a while, the post I was responding to said they purchased a stolen firearm unknowingly and it was confiscated by LE. I replied that if it was returned at all, it would be returned to the owner as listed on the Police report.

    Maybe I'm missing something, please explain if I am as this thread is old and haven't gone back through it in it's entirety.


    I had understood that it said that the S.A. P.D. property folks would destroy all stolen but recovered firearms, even those with known identified noncriminal legal owners. Wouldn't that violate the "takings" clause? IANAL

    leVieux
     

    DavidApplegreen

    New Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 24, 2019
    16
    11
    Auburn, Wa
    To all members of Texas Gun Talk.

    Allow me to expand a little further upon my introduction and comply with a request from Alan (Texas1911)

    I work the pawn shop detail for my police agency. I am a reserve police officer for the last 29+ years. I worked patrol with the sheriff's office for 5 1/2 years from 1978 until 1984, patrol with my police department from 1984 until 2000. In 1993 I was given the task of working pawn shop tickets in addition to patrol duties and in 2000 was hired as the property and evidence officer until 2002. With my full time job and P/E I was working in excess of 76 - 80 hours a week and starting to be real cranky when I did not need to be. I went back to reserve status and remained as the pawn shop detail assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division. I presently work from 12 to 16 hours a week. I am assigned cases regarding firearms recovery and firearms theft/burglary/robbery.

    Accordingly, I also deal with other stolen property along with other issues associated with pawn shop activities.

    When it comes to stolen firearms and maximizing your chance of getting your stolen gun returned to you (and I really wish to emphasize how much I want you to get your firearm back) I am listing some suggestions on what you should have for each and every firearm you own.

    1. A complete description of the gun to include:

    Brand - Kimber, Glock, etc.
    Type - handgun, rifle, shotgun, combo, etc.
    Action - pump, bolt action, semi, revolver, single shot, side by side, over under, etc.
    Caliber - self explainatory.
    Model Number or Name - Classic II, G19, etc.
    Serial number! - I cannot emphasize how important it is to have your serial number.
    Any Accessories - scope, custom grips, custom stock, sling, case, extra magazines, speed loaders, etc.
    Finish - blue steel, stainless steel, nickel, hard chrome, etc.
    Barrel Length - self explanatory.
    Sights - fixed, adjustable, front sight, etc.
    Magazine Capacity - self explanatory.
    Value - actual or replacement cost, I don't care.

    Any additional information YOU feel is important, the officer may not feel it is a big deal but if YOU think it needs to be included in the report, make sure it is included. Now most officers know what needs to be in the report but it is YOUR report.

    OK - if you don't know the serial number - and you should - where did you buy the gun? If it was from a Federal Firearms Dealer they will have the serial number. You need to know the date you purchased the gun as most dealers have their records by DATE OF TRANSACTION. This true even if the dealer has gone out of business. I can get that information, but will also need to know who purchased the gun. Have you ever pawned the gun? Because if you have, then the pawn shop will have the serial number. Have you ever had the gun in for repair? If you have, the dealer will have the serial number. It is essential to know when the gun was in for repair as most dealers have their records by DATE OF REPAIR.

    Another point, a large number of complainants (victims) are often very reluctant to actually accuse someone of the theft or burglary. I understand this but it is essential to me to know who had access to the gun (or any property for that matter). I explain to my victims, you are not accusing anyone of the crime, that is my job, you are telling me who had access to the property, I will do the accusing. Be certain to give the officer names of individuals along with contact information. I cannot tell you the number of family members and "close friends" who have stolen from my victims and I assure you I need those names. Now is not the time to hold back and be nice.

    Once you have filed a report, make certain that you stay in touch with the agency you filed the report with. One of my duties is called NCIC (National Crime Information Computer) validation. This means that we (the police department) must be able to make contact with the victim (complainant) on a yearly basis. If the complainant has moved, or the telephone number is no longer valid, then we are to remove the serial number once the statute of limitations has been reached. That means you are S-O-L. No chance of recovering your gun.

    If validated, guns stay in NCIC forever. I have recovered one gun from out of state, (Topeka, Kansas reported in 1979, Smith and Wesson Model 15, .38 Spl) and was able to return it to the rightful owner. I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to do that for a citizen.

    If your gun is recovered by an agency other than the one you filed the report with, make certain your agency places a hold on the gun. If not, there is a possibility it can fall through the cracks and you do not get your gun back. This is particularly true if your gun, (no fault of your own) is used in a crime. Even if it is used in a crime, you still have the right to get your property returned to you. Do not be surprised if it takes a number of months or even years to resolve the criminal case. I had a H&K USP recovered in Tennessee where the guy was charged with UCW (unlawfully carrying a weapon) and it took nearly eight (8) months to resolve that case (a really simple case) before I was able to get it sent back to me for recovery purposes.

    I have attempted to cover the high points, and certainly have not covered all the different variations. I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but this is what I do for my agency.

    If any one has any questions do feel free to make a comment and I will monitor this thread and try to help in any way I can.
    Whats the statue of limitation, possession stolen fire arms. wa. st
     
    Top Bottom