Transfer vs. Registration

[utimmer43]

Is there a difference between transfer and registration? When I buy a gun from a friend, we must have it transfered at a FFL. Is that gun now registered? If not, what is the purpose of the transfer?

[rrc1962]

It probably depends on your state. In TN we do not have to go through a FFl on a private sale, however, the federal background check that the dealer does for an over the counter sale is just a background check to make sure you shouldn't own a gun. TN has no registration process and standard federal background check prior to buying a gun is not registration. The dealer told me that the feds do not keep any of the data sent in. They are not keeping a record of how many guns you have and what they are....Yet. The dealer has to keep the paperwork for a specific period of time though.

[utimmer43]

Thanks rrc. To clarify, I live in PA. I have read that long guns need not be "transfered" but handguns (unless given between parent/child, grandparent/grandchild, or spouses) must be "transfered" by a FFL. Just wondering if that is a sugarcoated way of saying registered?

[capo2186]

Welcome to USA Carry btw!

[rrc1962]

Originally Posted by utimmer43

Just wondering if that is a sugarcoated way of saying registered?

There is not federal gun registration currently. Some states require it.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by rrc1962

It probably depends on your state. In TN we do not have to go through a FFl on a private sale, however, the federal background check that the dealer does for an over the counter sale is just a background check to make sure you shouldn't own a gun. TN has no registration process and standard federal background check prior to buying a gun is not registration. The dealer told me that the feds do not keep any of the data sent in. They are not keeping a record of how many guns you have and what they are....Yet. The dealer has to keep the paperwork for a specific period of time though.

Make sure I "shouldn't own a gun" or make sure I'm "not prohibited from owning" or "eligible to purchase" a gun.



gf

[rrc1962]

You know what I mean. :) "Not prohibited from owning" would be most correct answer I guess.

[utimmer43]

OK, let me rephrase the question... Can anyone tell me, is there gun registration in PA?

(Being new to this site, I didn't realize that there were state-specific forums. I suppose this Q should be in the PA forum)

[rrc1962]

According to this, the only requirement PA has is a carry permit. No registration.

What are the Gun Laws in Pennsylvania?

[utimmer43]

Thanks again rrc. In that site you linked to it says "record of sale: Yes" Is this the "Transfer" that I asked about earlier? Is that basically to say that you need to pay a FFL to produce a reciept for a private sale between two friends?

BTW, the purpose of my question is that I am buying a handgun from my brother-in-law. I would just as soon give him the $$ and take the gun. But, he is hung up on this transfer thing. I'm just wondering what exactly is the purpose of the transfer?