Tracking a purchase of a rifle

[Tribal]

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could track the original purchaser of a rifle? Its a .30.30 Marlin from I am guessing late sixties to early seventies. I bought the gun from one of my cousins and I believe it use to be my grandfathers but I am not sure. I even know the store of where it was purchased. They are no longer there. Where would I find records or persons who could help me? Any comments would be appreciated! Thanks.

[brother hal]

I'd ask the police.

[Briman]

Only records kept are form 4473s. If the original gun dealer went out of business, the 4473s now belong to the BATF. If the gun was purchased before 1968, there probably won't be a record anywhere of the purchase.

It might be better to let this sleeping dog lie. There's no paper trail on the gun, the federal gov doesn't know that you own it, it might be wise not to inquire about it in case for some reason in the future, the government decides that you don't need to own a rifle anymore.

[USMC PMI]

It scares me to say so but Briman is 1000% correct. I would not probe any further with this one. I'm not 100% percent on this but I think BATF can not give you the name(s) of gun purchasers, it is supposed to be illegal for them to disclose this information.

[oldelkhunter]

Ditto what USMC and BRiman said..no need to open a can of worms

[Tribal]

Thanks much, I guess I will just keep the rifle and assume. I appreciate the feedback fellas.

[HighDesertWolf]

Ask your cousin where he got it from, then whoever he got it from ask them. Im sure if the gun has been in the family long enough somebody knows where it come from.