Gifting a gun

[lumbergreg]

My dad lives in Washington state and has offered to me, as a gift, a 357 Mag pistol he no longer uses. Upon receiving this gift here in Montana, how and where do I register it to be legal? Or do I need all registering completed before taking possession? Anyone know?

 

[Wally Dog]

You don't need to do anything at all. Just enjoy it.
WD

 

[T Bone]

My understanding is that if it's shipped via USPS or FedEx, it needs to be shipped to a FFL.

 

[TBass]

The act of shipping isn't what requires it to go through a FFL. It's the act of transferring ownership between residents of different states that does. The transfer would need to go through a FFL in the state of residence of the receiver. If he gave it to you when you were both residents of the same state, you would not need to do a FFL transfer. Local/state laws notwithstanding.

 

[cowboy]

How old is the gun? Has it ever been registered in any State?

I would take the position you are borrowing the gun from your father - no paperwork needed.

 

[WV Hunter]

The act of shipping isn't what requires it to go through a FFL. It's the act of transferring ownership between residents of different states that does. The transfer would need to go through a FFL in the state of residence of the receiver. If he gave it to you when you were both residents of the same state, you would not need to do a FFL transfer. Local/state laws notwithstanding.

This.....and there ain't no gun registration, I know I know, form 4473.........

And if he were to ship it straight to you and for some reason Fed Ex, UPS, etc destroy the box and open the contents and see a gun inside, they will contact the ATF and you will be breaking federal law.

 

[mrmedora]

Good thread. I was just going ask you fellas about an auction I am going to this weekend. They have quite a few rifles listed and am hoping to pick a couple up. All my rifles/shotguns have been given to me by my grandfather, and was wondering if I had any obligations legally if I buy any this weekend. Looks like I have my answers already.

Thanks boys!

 

[MThuntr]

sometimes auctions will have an FFL do a transfer.

 

[huntme]

just go down and pick kit up at father inlaws house,bring it home and enjoy it.
it is no ones bussiness when or wear you recieved the gun,and as long as it was not used in a crime,then it is not illegal to own a firearm,and if the powers that be do not like it,tell them to go lay by there dish.

 

[camo308]

If you ship a gun to someone else, regardless of method of shipment, it must go to an FFL dealer. The only exceptions are, you can ship a gun to yourself and a firearm that you sent to the manufacturer for a repair may be returned directly to you by the manufacturer.

That said, some shippers will not accept the firearm for shipment unless it is going to a FFL dealer.

A 4473 is a record of sale/transfer, not a registration form as in "major searchable database". Dealers need to retain the form but the information on the form remains with the dealer until they stop doing business or 20 years whichever comes first. Some states, like the People's Socialist Republic of Kalifornia have a more restrictive, detailed form for transfer that fits the "registration" scenario better.