Missing gun What should I do?

[oldman45]

A relative came by this morning wanting to borrow one of my small caliber guns for fun on the range. I had the perfect gun for him so I went to get it.

The problem is it was not where it should have been. I searched all my gun cabinets, safes, closets, desk, file cabinets and it is not here.

I let him have another gun and he left for the range. Then I went to my computer records and did an inventory of the guns. All handguns are in place except the one I loaned the relative and the missing .22, which happens to be a S&W.

Since I know the house has not had a burglary, I have not used the gun in over two years and have not loaned it out, I cannot figure what I should do. It has not been stolen that I can say for sure. It is not where I can locate it. But a missing gun is not funny either.

What should I do other than keep looking for it?

 

[feralmerril]

Better clean your house. You probley will find it and a couple more you forgot to enter in your records! You might also mow your back yard. Might find a 57 chev?

 

[BarbC]

Did you check your range bag?

 

[Andy Griffith]

I've lost one or two over the years...usually just misplaced it.

I did lose a 20ga shotgun off the tractor a few years ago- I walked a 15 acre field looking for it for hours. I found it right behind where I parked the tractor.

If you are certain it isn't stolen or lost somewhere outside your home, there is no need to report it.

However, if there is a chance that it was lost outside the home, report it as "lost/stolen." If you find it, be certain to report that you have found it.

 

[loutent]

I can sort of identify with you. Last week at the range, I reached in my bag for a Keltec P32 that I brought along (with 3 or 4 others) just to put a few rounds through it. I could not find that gun anywhere - I thought that I was crazy because I remember putting it there a few days before. When I got home, I went through all the safes & other bags and it was nowhere to be found. Finally, I emptied the bag that I had at the range again, and noticed one small zippered side pocket that was not undone and of course, there it was (these bags have lots of pockets and the P32 is so small that it didn't "print" at all.)

I would suggest that it is still somewhere in your house - relax for a few hours and methodically look more carefully in all the likely places. Maybe completely empty the safe(s) etc. With how careful you are (computerized lists etc) I would bet that it will turn up for you. Good luck!

 

[oldman45]

The range bag is empty.

Now if I find a 57 Chevy, it better be a black BelAir convertible with white interior. Been trying to buy one for the last five yrs but the seller wants too much money for it and I am a poor man.

Seeing as I know that guns reported lost are often found and then remain on the lost or stolen report, I am leary of reporting it. I am leaning toward a continued search for a week or so before doing anything. It is insured under my homeowners insurance rider but the deuctible on such a cheap gun is way more than the gun is worth. In fact the gun is not worth stealing even though it is in like new condition. I usually let new shooters that I take to the range with me use it until they get used to shooting but it has been two yrs since i remember doing that.

 

[BarbC]

Well, you're doing the right thing by posting this because, as we all know, anything can be found on the internet!

 

[ladder13]

Youse guys are too funny

Last time I looked, I had more guns than I thought.

 

[oldman45]

Well, you're doing the right thing by posting this because, as we all know, anything can be found on the internet!

Everything but a S&W 422 and the stats on law enforcement I need.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Keep looking, I found two I had misplaced this weekend when I organized a closet. I was sure I had them, just wasn't sure where.

Hey, I only moved 18 months ago, whatya expect?

 

[NFrameFred]

Being afflicted with old-timers disease, I can relate - I'd check coat pockets, and likely places where it may have not made it back to the safe the last time it was shot. Jackets or coats that get worn seasonally are great places to lose things.

Since I don't loan my wife, my guns, or my guitars, I would not forget loaning it to someone but I know of some folks who have done just that.

Unfortunately, I also knew a feller who had some family in to visit and one of his Colt 357's turned up missing later. Sad, but only you would know about that sort of thing.

And then there was the guy I knew who traded cars and remembered TWO MONTHS LATER that he'd left one under the seat. The new owners of the car didn't know a thing about it . . . .

 

[mlk18]

Are you sure you didn't set it on top of the toilet paper dispenser in a restroom up in Alaska? It happens.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Rburg will tell you that if you know one is missing-you don't have enough!
I've had a few go missing for a few months and they've all turned up sooner or later.

 

[woodsltc]

I hate admitting I lost anything because then my wife always finds it and laughs at me !!!

Do you want me to tell my wife what you lost? Heck, she will find it and give you a hard time for a few days but at least you will have your revolver back.

Don

 

[oldman45]

Since I don't loan my wife, my guns, or my guitars, I would not forget loaning it to someone but I know of some folks who have done just that.

I would loan my wife but cannot find anyone willing to put up for her for the little benefit they might receive every six months.

Guns are ok to loan to some. I figure if they do not have one, they should have.

I would not loan my Gibson flat top but I would love to watch someone play it that can.

 

[dave b]

Heck, I spent an hour looking for my glasses the other day. They were on the dashboard of my truck. I know that I looked in the truck at least twice. If you are a NRA member you may be covered.

 

[oldman45]

Rburg will tell you that if you know one is missing-you don't have enough!
I've had a few go missing for a few months and they've all turned up sooner or later.

The problem according to the one that lives here with me just to make my life miserable is I already own more guns than the National Guard.

I would have never missed this gun if I had not been going to loan it out.

 

[ladder13]

Heck, I spent an hour looking for my glasses the other day. They were on the dashboard of my truck.

I once thought I lost my sunglasses at the Home Depot store, which I had just come from. Drove all the way back then realized they were on my hat.

 

[Dan Cash]

Try a prayer to St. Anthony, patron saint of lost stuff. Tony, Tony, turn around; help me find what can't be found. It has worked for me.

 

[Brian41]

I looked almost everywhere for a .22 rifle once. I even asked my neighbor and my brother if I gave it to them.
Two years later it turned up beween two studs in my gun room and I swore I looked there several times.
I hope your's shows up too sooner than mine did.