How to Check if a Gun is Stolen — Free NCIC Serial Number Lookup

Why You Must Check Before Buying

An estimated 380,000 firearms are stolen in the United States each year, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Many of these end up in private sales — at gun shows, through classified ads, and on platforms like Armslist and GunBroker. Unlike licensed dealer sales, private transactions in most states don't require background checks, creating a gap where stolen firearms change hands.

The legal consequences of possessing a stolen firearm are severe. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(j)), knowingly receiving a stolen firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. Even if you didn't know it was stolen, the firearm will be seized by law enforcement with zero compensation to you. You lose the gun and the money you paid for it.

A 3-second serial number check before handing over cash is the minimum due diligence any responsible buyer should perform. It's free, fast, and could save you from a federal felony charge.

Step-by-Step: How to Check a Gun Serial Number

1. Locate the serial number — On handguns, check the frame near the trigger guard. On rifles/shotguns, check the receiver. If the serial number appears filed off, altered, or missing, do not purchase — possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number is a separate federal crime (18 U.S.C. § 922(k)).
2. Go to SafeOrStolen's firearms checker — Visit safeorstolen.com/firearms-check on any device (works on mobile at gun shows).
3. Enter the serial number — Type or paste the complete serial number exactly as engraved on the firearm.
4. Review results in ~3 seconds — SafeOrStolen simultaneously checks FBI NCIC, ATF eTrace, HotGunz, all 50 state databases, and insurance theft claims.
5. Act on the results — If clean, proceed with the purchase. If flagged as stolen, do NOT buy. Contact local law enforcement immediately.

What Databases Does SafeOrStolen Check?

• FBI NCIC — National Crime Information Center — over 7 million stolen firearm records from every law enforcement agency in the US
• ATF eTrace — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives firearms tracing system
• HotGunz — 32,000+ community-reported stolen firearms with detailed descriptions and police report numbers
• 50 State Databases — State-level law enforcement stolen property databases from all 50 states and DC
• Insurance Claims — Theft claims from major firearms insurers and homeowner policies covering firearm losses

Where to Find a Gun's Serial Number

Every legally manufactured firearm sold in the United States must have a unique serial number engraved by the manufacturer. Here's where to find it by firearm type:

• Semi-automatic pistols: Frame/receiver, usually near the trigger guard. Some also on the slide or barrel.
• Revolvers: Frame, typically on the butt or crane (the swing-out piece). Older revolvers may have it inside the grip.
• Rifles: Receiver (the main body where the action and barrel meet). AR-15 style rifles have it on the lower receiver.
• Shotguns: Receiver, usually on the left side. Pump-action shotguns typically have it on the receiver near the loading port.

Checking Guns at Gun Shows

Gun shows are one of the most common venues for private firearm sales. In many states, private sales at gun shows don't require background checks (the so-called "gun show loophole"). This makes serial number verification even more critical — it's the only check standing between you and potentially purchasing a stolen firearm.

SafeOrStolen works on any mobile device with an internet connection. At a gun show, simply:

1. Open safeorstolen.com on your phone
2. Enter the serial number from the firearm you're considering
3. Get results in 3 seconds — right at the table

If a seller refuses to let you check the serial number, that's a major red flag. Legitimate sellers have nothing to hide. Walk away.

What to Do if a Gun Comes Back as Stolen

1. Do NOT purchase the firearm.
2. Do NOT confront the seller. They may not know it's stolen — or they may be dangerous.
3. Leave the area safely and call local law enforcement.
4. Provide the serial number, seller description, and location to the police.
5. If you've already purchased a firearm that later comes back as stolen, contact law enforcement immediately. Cooperation is your best legal protection.

Frequently Asked Questions