Firearm Registration in Oregon

FortunateSon · Feb 17, 2011

I am in possession of firearms that were given to me by my father who recently passed away. They were not left to me in a will, simply given to me with a verbal agreement. I wanted to make sure that I am "registered" as the legal owner of these firearms now (one rifle, two handguns) so I called the Marion County Sheriff's Department and was told that Oregon does not register guns of any kind.

My questions are,
is this true?
how can I document that I am the legal owner of these firearms?

Thanks in advance for all help given...........

SheepDog223 · Feb 17, 2011

I don't know about deaths but if he were to have sold them to you when he was alive there is no, zero paperwork filling or notice needed by anyone. You do not need a paper trail to own a gun. Unless he was in a different state.

I would make sure that if there is any other family that they agree to the way you say it is and maybe get it in writing for later when they forget. But that's the only thing you need to worry about.

BillM · Feb 17, 2011

Good question. Write yourself a receipt or make a statement of ownership and have it notarized? Heck--how do you prove that you own anything that doesn't have a paper trail?

Kimber Custom · Feb 17, 2011

They are yours. Photograph them and jot down the serial numbers for insurance purposes and then take them out and use em.

Arleyg · Feb 17, 2011

As Kimber Custom said, they are yours. Again, write down serial numbers and photograph the serial numbers and the gun.

I would then call OSP and have them run the serial numbers to verify they are not stolen, so you are not caught off guard if LE contacts you in the field and runs them.

If you are certain they are clear, like your father bought them from a store, then you are probably fine, but if not sure, then call OSP. Call OSP dispatch and they can help you out. 503-375-3555.

I hope this helps.

DinhRose · Feb 17, 2011

Kimber Custom said:
They are yours. Photograph them and jot down the serial numbers for insurance purposes and then take them out and use em.

This is a great idea. I'll remember to do this on all of my guns as well. There is no registration in oregon. if you buy a gun new from a store then there is technically a paper trail but it's used for protecting the gun store rather than registering your weapon. Some argue that this is technically a registration. However, if you bought through a private sale or attained the weapon through a deceased family member than you should be fine.

oa98pistol512 · Feb 17, 2011

You can allways pawn them for a small amount then go back and get them the next day.
When going thru that they become your property when instant background is done.

glockguy · Feb 17, 2011

Couldn't u just go to a gun shop with a buddy or something and say this person is selling it to u n requires a transfer an all that?

pioneer461 · Feb 17, 2011

BillM said:
Good question. Write yourself a receipt or make a statement of ownership and have it notarized? Heck--how do you prove that you own anything that doesn't have a paper trail?

I've recently learned, in dealing with my late brother's estate, in Oregon, Notaries can only notarize certain types of documents, and a self written letter isn't one of them, and it varies from state - to - state. You've heard of the old saying; "Possession is 9/10 of the law?" In this case, that would be true. If you wish to document ownership, perhaps putting them, by serial number, in an insurance policy may work.

Thebastidge · Feb 17, 2011

You don't have any need to register your TV, or any other posession except you car. If I had firearms off the books, I would keep them off the books. Why make confiscation easier?

madcratebuilder · Feb 18, 2011

Thebastidge said:
You don't have any need to register your TV, or any other posession except you car. If I had firearms off the books, I would keep them off the books. Why make confiscation easier?

+1000

You do not need anything to prove ownership. If you are really concerned about it, take a digital photo (time stamped) burn it on a CD and put it in storage. List it on your home insurance policy.

MA Duce · Feb 18, 2011

madcratebuilder said:
+1000

You do not need anything to prove ownership. If you are really concerned about it, take a digital photo (time stamped) burn it on a CD and put it in storage. List it on your home insurance policy.

+2000

Trlsmn · Feb 18, 2011

Thebastidge said:
You don't have any need to register your TV, or any other posession except you car. If I had firearms off the books, I would keep them off the books. Why make confiscation easier?

Exactly! I always live my life with the notion that I was not born a product of the government, I am a free man and I am not servant nor do I have a master so I don't consider what is good for the government over what is good for me and my own family.

lowly monk · Feb 18, 2011

Maybe we should delete this post then?

FortunateSon · Feb 18, 2011

lowly monk said:
Maybe we should delete this post then?

Thanks to all for sharing your opinions and suggestions. Now that I know I am not legally required to register any of my weapons, I will simply document ownership by photographing them, documenting serial numbers for each, and add to list of possessions on my Homeowners Policy.

Mr. Monk, have anything to add other than a suggestion to delete a post that at least generated SOME discussion? Or were you just being sarcastic?