Most reported stolen gun brands in North Carolina
From North Carolina police reports that list the manufacturer.
Most reported stolen gun models in North Carolina
From reports that list both the make and the model.
Buying a used gun privately in North Carolina
North Carolina law does not require a background check on private sales between residents, so checking the serial number may be the only check that happens before a private sale. Federal law still requires a sale to someone who lives in another state to go through a licensed dealer.
Before you pay: ask for a photo of the serial number before you meet, check it here, then make sure the serial on the frame or receiver matches and hasn't been scratched, ground or altered. Possessing a gun with an obliterated serial number is a federal crime, whoever removed it.
If the serial number comes back as stolen, don't buy the gun and don't confront the seller. Leave, and give the serial number and the seller's details to local police on their non-emergency line.
About the North Carolina records
These are reports of stolen and lost guns filed with police in North Carolina, dated 2006–2017. They are historical and not complete: many stolen guns are never reported, and not every agency's records are included. Of the 8,455 reports, 1,527 are marked recovered. A check shows a gun as outstanding only when its latest report is still stolen or lost. SafeOrStolen never publishes serial numbers; the only way to look one up is to check it. See the national stolen gun statistics.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a gun is stolen in North Carolina?
Enter the gun's serial number at SafeOrStolen (safeorstolen.com/gun-serial-number-lookup/north-carolina). SafeOrStolen searches 8,455 police reports of stolen and lost guns from North Carolina, dated 2006–2017, 234,384 reports from 33 other jurisdictions, live Ohio law-enforcement records and SafeOrStolen's own theft reports. You get a result in a few seconds, and the first 2 checks are free.
How many stolen gun reports does SafeOrStolen have for North Carolina?
8,455 police reports, dated 2006–2017: 6,892 reported stolen, 36 reported lost and 1,527 marked recovered. That is 3.5% of the 242,839 reports SafeOrStolen holds, and ranks North Carolina 6 of the 34 jurisdictions covered.
What guns are reported stolen most in North Carolina?
In North Carolina's reports, the most reported brand is Smith & Wesson (1,271 reports) and the most reported model is the Glock 23 (113).
Do I need a background check to buy a gun privately in North Carolina?
North Carolina law does not require a background check on private sales between residents, so checking the serial number may be the only check that happens before a private sale. Federal law still requires a sale to someone who lives in another state to go through a licensed dealer.
Is a gun that isn't in these records definitely not stolen?
No. Many stolen guns are never reported, and these are historical police records. A no-match result on SafeOrStolen means nothing was found in the records searched. Ask for the receipt or transfer paperwork, and use a licensed dealer for the transfer when you can.