I posted this in the legal section but wanted to ask here as well as it seems to get more traffic.  I apologize to anyone that this tactic may offend.

I have a deal lined up with a guy local to me who has a revolver for sale.  The problem, if it is a problem, is that the revolver belonged to his now deceased father.  Since the wheelgun is not in his name, how would I legally be able to transfer the gun to my name?  Would we be able to just go to a gun store and do a regular transfer or will the fact that the pistol comes up in his father's name cause a problem?  Thanks.

State laws vary. In TN, as long as the gun is not stolen nor considered a "valued" part of the estate (rare & valuable piece) it would be no problem.

In CA, who the hell knows? Do you have to register a used gun you buy from an individual?

I understand that some bad people out in CA have bought things with cash and no reciept.

But YOU wouldn't do anything like that, would you?[;)]

Sheldon, Go to your favorite gun shop with the gun and other guy and they will take care of the transfer for you for a fee.

If the pistol is not in probate and if his father purchased it a long time ago then the pistol is likely registered in nobodies name and if he sold it to you nobody would know. But that would not be legal.

THISISME

Piccolo, I laughed when I read your post.

If he lived in AZ he could by it with cash and a hand shake. Hand shake not required though of course.

THISISME

Since I do have a few legal registered "assault rifles" I figure I'm more likely than most to possibly get checked and I wouldn't want to be less than legit with all my stuff.  I've done private party transfers before, but never where I wasn't actually buying from the actual owner of the gun.  I know they run the serial number and it will show the guys dad's name as the owner.  How do they handle that is what I need to know.  

I'm told the gun is rather new and will show up in their serial number check.  It was purchased at B&B Sales.....of the North Hollywood shootout fame.  They are the gun store that lent the LAPD the AR-15s.  This gun was purchased at their Westminster store.  Sadly they recently went out of business.

I'm going to call a gun shop up in the morning and ask them.....hope it's legal as I really want the gun.  

You could try first checking www.ca.gov
You can find a place to check the laws, also they have state agencies - you would want the DOJ.  Look for a FAQ.  You probably should first be sure that the son has met or can meet the law for him to have it, otherwise how can he do a FFL transfer to you?

Personally, I would have bought it and kept my mouth shut.
AB