“Unregistered Gun”

[V-Tach]

Yall are correct in saying that Texas doesn't have a registry. I also know that our purchases are tracked a little differently if we buy multiple handguns or rifles larger than 22 cal at once or withing 5 days of each other. This records go to the atf and chief LEO in your jurisdiction. The CLEO id mandated to destroy those records within 20 days if you are found to be a nonprohibbited person. I don't know what the atf does with those records but I bet they are kept for a few lifetimes. They say its to track illegal gun trafficking. The rifle tracking is new since 2011 and only in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. I am on their lists. I have purchased several guns at once, several times. They did say that receivers are not tracked this way because they are neither rifle nor pistol.

The only rifles.22 caliber or larger rifles that must be reported in Texas are of the often misidentified so called assault weapons and only if more than one is purchased within 5 business days of each other at the same dealer. If you buy them at other dealers ATF doesn't know about them.

 

[Texasjack]

Ignoring the laws and regulations for a moment, one should always consider that the "press" rarely has a clue what they are reporting about and the fact that they don't have any idea does not even slow them down in getting it reported. It's likely that the guy was carrying a pistol without a concealed carry permit, or the pistol wasn't listed on his permit. (I honestly don't know what The People's Republic of Kalifornia does with their concealed carry, but some places tie it to a specific pistol.)

I appreciate the OP's curiosity after seeing such a report, and it's always good to ask questions when you don't understand something. Now you can just sit back and thank God for letting you live in Texas.

 

[Shady]

it amazes me how many gun owners make up there own rules about buying/selling/owing firearms.

the rules about selling/transferring a home made gun are one of the few that are clear. If you did not make it with the intent to sell it your fine to sell it, gift it, destroy it

Now if you build 50 and sell them all I am sure they can make a case you built them with an intent to sell even if that is not the case. In law its what you can prove.

 

[toddnjoyce]

I was told last week that per new federal law (supposedly about 1 year old), all 4473s are now reported to the feds, whether 1 or more guns on the form. Is that correct? I am not a dealer so I cannot claim to know laws affecting FFLs. Thank you.

I have no idea. If I get a moment I’ll see what I can find. It still would have no bearing however as there’s no requirement for every transfer to be done via 4473.

 

[Tnhawk]

I was told last week that per new federal law (supposedly about 1 year old), all 4473s are now reported to the feds, whether 1 or more guns on the form. Is that correct? I am not a dealer so I cannot claim to know laws affecting FFLs. Thank you.

Many guns are bought/sold without use of a 4473. The feds are completely unable to track these transfers.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

If one is worried one should refrain from buying firearms Period! It's Texas you buy a gun at a yardsale Done deal! no one knows no one cares.