let's say someone inherits a nice .38 S&W nickle-plated snub nose revolver. let's say it was bought over 20 odd yrs. ago down south, at a informal gunshow. the gun was never registered, and the history of the gun is unknown (well, before it was bought 20 odd yrs ago anyways).

would a state (let's say NJ) give me crap about registering and licencing this firearm? let's say this state has strict firearm laws... this someone would like to own it and shoot it legally.

any hypothetical help would be appreciated!

thanks :D

btw, what .38 load cost these days? s&w brand that is...

I would say as long as the serial number isn't scratched off you wouldn't deserve to much crap.

I gotta tell you... not to be irresponsible or illegal...


I would NOT register it. There may come a day, when guns are outlawed in N.J. like CA, and then you'd be up a creek... because they'll know right where it is.

Me, I'd buy a gun box, and keep it separately from my "legal" guns.

Besides, there may come a day, when you need to practice a little old fashioned retribution, and you'll need a way to accomplish it. What better way than a throwaway (unregistered) gun?


Oh, and BTW... 38 SPC is only about $6 a box here... 50 shells.

Hypothetically speaking, you're playing with fire. Better get some real, expert advice before you have to end up telling someone under oath that "The guy on the internet told me it would be OK..."
BTW, I hear that NJ isn't very gun-friendly, just may end up with a chrome manhole-cover if yer not careful about who you ask.

Originally posted by Griff
Hypothetically speaking, you're playing with fire. Better get some real, expert advice before you have to end up telling someone under oath that "The guy on the internet told me it would be OK..."
BTW, I hear that NJ isn't very gun-friendly, just may end up with a chrome manhole-cover if yer not careful about who you ask.

just thought i'd look for some advice from some fellow pro gun ppl first before i talk to my lawyer. i'll be talking to my lawyer tuesday ;)

keep it unregistered, then don't take it out in public.

I have a few that way. Been like that for YEARS


especially my 2 WWII Nazi Officers weapons



if you are really uncertain, ask a cop friend

I am assuming this came about in the inheritance? If so, a copy of the will may help if you decide to register