I hope they check all guns that they have or can be traced to their sales and at least try to return them to their rightful owners. Too often the authorities pull them in as evidence, then destroy them rather than attempt to return them. It is easier and as far as police are concerned, removes a gun from the streets. ATF could also maintain a web site with lists of arms reported stolen, and anyone contemplating a purchase could check it, or even report it. A voluntary system could work, but a mandatory system would tend toward gun registration.
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