Firearm Question

[titelines]

Hi All,

I do not own a gun, and don't really hunt that often. I do have a friend who I hunt with that has many shotguns. He cannot always go when I'm available, so I asked him if he would be okay with me borrowing one to go hunting by myself sometime. He's completely fine with it and said "anytime, just let me know".

My question is: What would happen if I was out by myself and got stopped by a CO? I would be in possession of a gun that is not mine, and obviously not registered in my name. Do I need some type of proof that my friend let me borrow it?

Also: What if I got stopped for speeding and the Officer saw that I had a gun in the truck? Do they ask for registration etc. for it?

What should I have with me to prove that I have permission to use the gun? Buddy's phone number so they can call him and confirm? Copy of the registration?

Thanks!!

[96trigger]

You have done nothing wrong in either case by having the gun and wouild not need proof of ownership, they are different from cars or even snowmobiles. There is no way to track the owner of a shotgun, nor would the DNR or police ever need to unless it was used in a crime. You will need nothing with you except a valid drivers license and hunting license.

[Hitman54]

As long as you are not doing anything illegal with the gun a CO won't even think twice about it. I have been checked plenty of times by a CO and not once have I ever been asked about the firearm I was using.

[TR21]

There is no registration required for a shotgun, at least not in Minnesota.

[BobT]

Then what's with all the paperwork when you buy one?

[96trigger]

The paperwork is on you, not on the gun. Its your background check.

[iceman1603]

The nics check is for your background and also so big brother knows who bought the gun. Should never be an issue unless the anti gunners win the war and the government trys to collect them all. I dont see that happenin any time soon tho.

[Ufatz]

Titellines, I don't want to get all preachy on ya, but take a LOT of time becoming familiar with the gun you are going to use. You state you "don't hunt a lot" and we are left to conclude that you aren't totally familiar with firearms. A novice hunting with a new firearm can be tense. Please take your time, know your shot and enjoy the day, game or no game.

[SmilinBob]

The 4473 form is paperwork related to the individual having a background check done on them. The firearm is listed on that form, but the firearm info is not submitted to anyone, it stayes with the FFL holder for 20 years and can then be destroyed. If anyone wants access to whom has purchased what, they need to have a specific warrant for the individual or firearm in question, which would require a judge to approve it with some probable cause I would think. The ATF is more concerned with process and ensuring complete record keeping than the individual. Also in Minnesota there is no entity to register any firearm with.

[titelines]

Thanks for the replies all, I appreciate it. Sounds like I really don't need anything except my DL and my hunting license.

Ufatz - Thanks for your note. After reading my post I certainly see where you're coming from. Although I don't hunt a lot, I am very familiar with firearms and know how to shoot. I'm also very familiar with the shotgun I'd be using. It's the one I always use when I'm with my buddy and am very comfortable with it. Thanks again, very sound advice and not preachy at all.

[BobT]

So then technically you are only registered with the FFL holder. Define firearm registration.

Right now a warrant may be required to obtain that information but it wasn't long ago that we wouldn't force congress to tax us but that is no longer true.

We should not be required to register our firearm at all. Once a record is kept, it can be obtained, legally or otherwise.

[bigbucks]

Amen on that one brother.

[Cwboymn1]

you may not have an issue with the gun, you can buy a licence with out a problem, but do you have your Firearms Safty Cert.?

Depending on your age and what you are hunting, with out it you could get a ticket and possibly loose the gun while hunting!