Is That Gun Clean? Why Estate Professionals Need to Worry About Stolen Firearms

Drew McDermott
Aug 5
4 min read

Updated: Oct 29

At a Glance:

Licensed FFLs can now access the FBI's NCIC stolen firearm database
MDRF runs every estate gun through this check before transfer or appraisal
This service helps estate professionals avoid liability under federal law
No private seller or auctioneer can offer this level of protection

Introduction: Don’t Let a Forgotten Gun Become a Federal Problem

Handling firearms from an estate involves more than just assigning value or filling out transfer paperwork. Whether you are an executor, an attorney, or a family member involved in a cleanout, you may assume the guns you find are legal and clear.

But what if one is not?

What if one of those guns was reported stolen in another state 20 years ago? What happens when that gun is traced through probate or a future sale back to your name?

Why This Risk Is Real and Growing

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Gun File, managed by the FBI, contains millions of records on firearms that have been reported as:

Stolen
Lost or missing
Recovered by law enforcement
Used in the commission of a felony

The NCIC Gun File is a national database maintained by the FBI that contains records of firearms reported as stolen, lost, missing, recovered, or used in felony investigations. It is not accessible to the public. Only licensed FFLs and law enforcement agencies can legally search this system.

Once a firearm is entered into this federal database, it remains listed unless the record is officially cleared by law enforcement. That means a pistol stolen in 1994 could still show up today.

With the passage of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, licensed firearm dealers are now authorized to check firearm serial numbers against the NCIC Gun File. This is a new capability. Private sellers, estate attorneys, and unlicensed buyers cannot legally access this system.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(j)) makes it illegal to knowingly possess or transfer a stolen firearm, even during probate.

How MDRF Screens Every Firearm

MDRF Enterprises is a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). As of 2025, we are authorized to use the FBI's secure NICS E-Check portal to run serial numbers through the NCIC Gun File.

We use this access as part of every appraisal, acquisition, and resale process. Here is what that looks like in practice:

We submit the firearm’s serial number to the NICS E-Check system
The NCIC database returns a match or confirms “No Record”
If a match is found, we receive a record that includes:
- Serial Number
- Make
- Model
- Caliber
- Firearm Type
If there is a potential match, we notify the ATF and local law enforcement
You are informed and protected, with no liability or exposure

Every firearm we handle goes through both a stolen gun database check and, when needed, a certified appraisal to establish fair value. This is especially critical for funeral directors and estate professionals who may be the first to encounter these firearms during arrangements or cleanouts.

This screening is fast and discreet. It gives families, attorneys, and fiduciaries peace of mind and legal clarity.

What Happens If a Gun Comes Back Stolen

If a firearm is flagged as stolen in the NCIC system:

MDRF does not take possession of the firearm
We notify the appropriate agencies and provide documentation
You receive written confirmation of the result
No one in the estate is held liable for unknowingly possessing the firearm
You avoid a delayed probate process or unwanted legal scrutiny

If you take possession of a stolen firearm, even unknowingly, you may be violating federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). This law prohibits receiving or transferring any firearm that has been stolen, regardless of intent.

Who Benefits from This Safeguard

This level of screening is especially valuable for:

Heirs or surviving family members who do not have firearms expertise
Probate attorneys who want a clean, legally documented transfer
Estate auctioneers and liquidators who are not licensed FFLs
Trust departments and fiduciaries who must manage risk and exposure
Individuals applying for SSI or Medicaid who need to offload assets cleanly

MDRF makes sure every firearm is clean before it moves through the estate process.

Why You Cannot Do This Yourself

There is no public access to the NCIC Gun File. Only FFLs and law enforcement agencies are authorized to run stolen firearm queries.

That means:

You cannot check a gun’s status by searching online
You cannot rely on GunBroker listings or pawn shop advice
You cannot accept or transfer a gun without risk unless it has been cleared through the correct federal system

We provide that clearance. We include it in every appraisal and acquisition. It is part of our process and our commitment to protecting the people we work with.

Final Word: Risk Removed, Reputation Preserved

If you are handling firearms as part of a probate case, cleanout, or liquidation, the last thing you want is a legal complication that could have been avoided.

We do not just appraise guns. We verify their legal status, protect your liability, and provide peace of mind.

MDRF Enterprises checks every firearm against the NCIC stolen gun database before acquisition. This helps protect you, your clients, and the integrity of the estate process.

Need help verifying firearms in an estate?

MDRF Enterprises offers full-service firearm appraisals, compliance checks, and legal transfers for families, attorneys, and fiduciaries across Missouri and Illinois.

If you're searching for “how to check if a gun is stolen” or “who can verify firearms during probate,” you've found your answer.

👉 Need to verify a firearm is legal before distribution or sale? MDRF runs every estate gun through the FBI NCIC stolen database. Contact us here.

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t guess.📞 Call a trusted, licensed professional. In the Saint Louis area, MDRF Enterprises is here to help.