To Correct the Error or Not

[alfsauve]

So, let's just say, hypothetically you understand, that you're reviewing some of the paperwork from your FFL and you discover that the serial number is wrong on one of the transfers.  I don't mean, it's just got 2 digits transposed but the FFL recorded the frame number and not the serial number.   And lets say, that anyone familiar with that brand of firearm would recognize this right away.

What should the purchaser do?  Contact the FFL?  Pose the same hypothetical question to the FFL?  Just forget about it since the buyer isn't responsible for the FFLs portion of the paper work?

All hypothetical you understand.

[Hazcat]

Is the FFL a 'friend' and will it get him in trouble in a records check?

[fightingquaker13]

Another poster put it best when he said something to the effect of "Don't trust the cops and don't lie on the paperwork", its an inexact quote, but the point is made. Don't ever sign your name to a document that isn't true to the best of your knowledge. That's crminal law 101.
FQ13

[alfsauve]

Another poster put it best when he said something to the effect of "Don't trust the cops and don't lie on the paperwork", its an inexact quote, but the point is made. Don't ever sign your name to a document that isn't true to the best of your knowledge. That's crminal law 101.
FQ13

Since I'm famous for that quote, thanks for the nudge FQ.   But when I signed the a 4473, I am only testifying to the accuracy of the information I fill in, which does not include the firearm information.

The FFL in this case is not a personal friend, but I don't want them to get demerits screwed in an audit later.

I think I'll take it up with the head honcho tomorrow.....err,   I think if this were to occur to me, I'd discuss it with the shop owner next time I'm there.

Seriously this could all be for naught.  I do not possess a copy of the 4473, only a "bill of sale/transfer", so maybe everything is okay.  On the other hand, they use computers for everything, so an error like this might permeate all the paperwork.

 

[MikeBjerum]

Contact the FFL and take care of it as soon as possible.  In a spot check not only would they be in trouble, but you will get sucked in to an investigation.  Also, most likely he has another error laying there and it will just compound issues if he doesn't get it fixed.

I can see how it could happen.  I know more than one FFL that has forms already started for each gun in stock.  If he grabs the wrong form by mistake you can end up being cleared for a Ruger Single Six rather than the Colt 1911 you took home.

[Sponsor]

[kmitch200]

Since all oops on 4473's are felonies I'm sure that's a hornets nest nobody wants to kick.

Regardless of who gets the shaft in the end, not even a 10' pole is long enough to touch it.

[alfsauve]

Went to shoot today and the range personnel thought it best to correct all paper work.   They changed and initial their manual 4473s and then updated their computerized records.   

While on one hand the possibility of this ever being an issue is remote.....on the other if this were discovered it would be a major "de-merit" on their BATFE record.     

Since this was an 1980s S&W, anybody familiar with S&W serial numbers would know right off that, #####, is not a valid one.   It should be AAA##### (3 letters then 4 or 5 numbers......there are exceptions I know, but generally).   

The problem goes back to the "selling FFL" who mistakenly put a "frame" or "lot" number from the yoke on the bill of sale.  I've sent them an email (they're in CA).

Everybody's happy now.     AND OH YEAH,  it shot well.  A little stiffer pull than I'd like, but I'll see how it feels after 1,000 rounds.

[TAB]

Since all oops on 4473's are felonies I'm sure that's a hornets nest nobody wants to kick.

Regardless of who gets the shaft in the end, not even a 10' pole is long enough to touch it.

its not a felony, but it can be a misdemeanor.



I would point it out too them.  it could mean the diffrence between rather thier doors are open or not.

[CJS3]

Went to shoot today and the range personnel thought it best to correct all paper work.   They changed and initial their manual 4473s and then updated their computerized records.   

While on one hand the possibility of this ever being an issue is remote.....on the other if this were discovered it would be a major "de-merit" on their BATFE record.     

Since this was an 1980s S&W, anybody familiar with S&W serial numbers would know right off that, #####, is not a valid one.   It should be AAA##### (3 letters then 4 or 5 numbers......there are exceptions I know, but generally).   

The problem goes back to the "selling FFL" who mistakenly put a "frame" or "lot" number from the yoke on the bill of sale.  I've sent them an email (they're in CA).

Everybody's happy now.     AND OH YEAH,  it shot well.  A little stiffer pull than I'd like, but I'll see how it feels after 1,000 rounds.

Always wise to CYA when dealing with the gubmint. No reason to give them a reason to confiscate for admin purposes.