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Is Legal to Sell a gun that isn't registered in my proper name?

Texas is classed every bit a "shall effect" state with the constabulary granting ownership of firearms to whatsoever person at least 18 years sometime. Texas gun laws do not regulate the possession of firearms, pregnant any person can possess a firearm as long as they are not a felon. Popular to common belief, you don't actually "register" guns in the Country of Texas – there is no formal database. In fact, The Firearm Owners' Protection Human activity of 1986 ensures that the authorities can't implement this kind of database even if they wanted to.

To hash out the applied application of gun buying, Ft. Bend County defense attorney Shawn McDonald explains how Texans can own and sell guns without criminal liability. Y'all may non be aware that if you lot lawfully and civically obtain a firearm from someone, you can proceed to use at your discretion or sell the firearm to someone else entirely. As long as you lot did not make a borough agreement with the original owner and the gun was non stolen, you are within your rights to keep or sell it.

This brings upwards a few lingering questions. What happens if yous are a victim of gun theft? And, what precautions should yous take earlier buying someone else's firearm?

If you are a victim of gun theft, it'southward important that yous report the crime to police enforcement immediately. Hopefully, yous accept kept a tape of firearms in your possession and can recite the brand, model, and the series number of the firearm to the constabulary. From in that location, they volition enter it into a stolen database they utilise, which increases the likelihood information technology will be returned to you and out of the hand of the criminals.

On the flip side, if you are the potential heir-apparent of a gun from a friend or associate, arm yourself with knowledge before purchasing the firearm. It is impossible to know a gun's history 100%, but you can check online or with local police enforcement to see if the gun has been reported stolen. As a 2d precaution, consider the trustworthiness of the seller. Whether information technology's a gun show vendor or an onetime friend, exercise caution. You should be able to obtain a bill of sale or other proof to ostend the buy. Lastly, exist knowledgeable about gun prices and resale value. If you are being offered a gun at a suspiciously low cost, that should be a red flag.

Given the possible consequences of buying and selling guns, both parties should exist well-informed before acting.