What is HotGunz?
HotGunz is a free public database of stolen firearms with over 32,000 user-reported entries. Victims report their stolen guns directly, often before or in addition to police reports. It's a valuable resource, but it's just ONE database.
SafeOrStolen includes HotGunz data
When you search a firearm serial on SafeOrStolen, we query the HotGunz national stolen-firearms registry and analyze the serial for signs of alteration or obliteration. Federal systems (federal law-enforcement systems, ATF eTrace) are restricted to law enforcement and are not checked by us or by any other consumer service.
HotGunz and SafeOrStolen Comparison
| Feature | HotGunz | SafeOrStolen |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free + Paid |
| HotGunz Database | ||
| Serial integrity analysis (altered/obliterated) | ||
| Federal law-enforcement systems / ATF eTrace (law enforcement only) | ||
| Other item types (phones, vehicles, plates, serials, bikes) | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Check Other Items (Phones, Cars) | ||
| Report Stolen Items |
Why One Registry Is Never Enough
A stolen gun might be reported to police but never submitted to a public registry like HotGunz. Public sources only contain what victims and departments choose to share, so a clean result narrows the risk — it does not clear the firearm.
HotGunz registry
32,000+ victim-reported guns nationwide. A valuable public source, limited to voluntary reports.
SafeOrStolen
The HotGunz registry plus serial integrity analysis, six item categories, and a mobile app.
Finish the check
For certainty, ask local police to run the serial through federal law-enforcement systems before you buy.
Can I Still Use HotGunz?
Absolutely! HotGunz is a great community resource. Here's our recommendation:
- 1Use SafeOrStolen first - We search HotGunz + 100 other databases in one search
- 2Report to HotGunz - If your gun is stolen, report to both HotGunz and police
- 3Maximum coverage - Your report appears in HotGunz AND SafeOrStolen's searches