[trigger643]

Guns in most states of the US are not tracked at all. Almost all used guns with any age on them will have holes in the trail. The Government isn't allowed to keep records of purchases or weapons. Old guns, such as vet bring backs are not reported. When a transfer takes place at a dealer and the BATF backround check is done. The SER# is not reported, however the BATF does require reporting of whether or not it is a handgun or a longgun -- that, and the purchaser, is the extent of the information they receive. But after clearance, they are to destroy this record.

However, from personal experience, they can follow the trail of a new gun, for example...

I purchased a snub nosed .44 new in 1998. I traded it to a dealer at a gun show in 2000. In 2001 it was used in a crime in New Orleans. They went back to Taurus. Taurus put them in touch with the distributor in Georgia, who pointed them to the dealer in Shreveport, who gave them my name and number. I provided the law enforcement agency with a copy of the bill of sale describing my trade and who I'd traded it to. From there, they went to the New Orleans dealer who acquired the gun from me, and I assume, onto the person they in turn sold it to.

A long, slow process requiring a lot of legwork. I don't have a problem with this. I would have a problem if they wanted me to register all my weapons.

As a foot note. I can buy or sell a gun to an individual without disclosing the transaction to anyone or doing a backround check. One catch, if I knowingly sell it to a felon or have knowledge that the purchaser intends to use it in a crime, I could be held liable.