[mrerick]

I guess I have a big moral problem with people that have so little control over a firearm that they "lose" or "forget" it.

This is how children get killed.

What we don't know is anything about the seller...

Was is a widow or widower that passed away, and the house sold by their estate?

Were they criminals?

We just don't know.

Years ago, when I was still buying used police cars from the local state auction, I was cleaning my Crown Vic when a gold colored high school class ring fell out of the front passenger seat.

Using the school name, year and the inscription on the inside, I was able to locate the original owner and return it. In their case, it was stolen in a household burglary and the perp was caught. He was apparently transported in my car and hid the ring to reduce his association with the crime.

By rights I legally owned it at that point, but what importance was it to me. The owner was very happy to get it back.

But guns lost in a house could be something else again. I think I would contact the seller if they were the last resident of the house and ask them and confirm that they are not missing anything, and if they were satisfied with the closing. I would not disclose what it was or return it without positive identification (serial number / model / mfg) proof.

If the seller was not the last resident, that would eliminate sentimental value.

If they couldn't identify it, that would release my obligation to go further.

Marc