Pawn Brokers operate under some slightly different rules than an 01 FFL holder. As an FFL holder, I can tell you that in the process of an FBI NICS background check, the make, model and serial number of the firearm are NOT submitted to the FBI. Some states require the background check to be done by a state agency, not the Feds. This will bring about a slightly different situation as far as submitting the serial number of the firearm. A pawn broker is typically required by state law, (and of course, this can vary from state to state), to submit the serial numbers of ALL items received, (purchased or pawned), including stereos, cameras, tools, etc. to the LOCAL police for a serial number check for stolen items. If an item comes up "hot", then the LOCAL police will attempt to recover, investigate, and return the item to the lawful owner. The ATF is only interested in serial numbers when they are running a trace through the ATF National tracing center. These serial number traces are usually requested by local police agencies seeking info on a recovered firearm from a crime scene or a theft. Just thought I'd try to clarify the water here.
|