1. Once you have searched and assured yourself it is no longer in your possession, contact the local authorities and file a lost/missing firearm report. Give as much information as possible, model, make, serial number, and attachments (laser/flashlight, unique color). If you suspect someone has taken it, give that information as well.
2. After filing the report, contact the local pawn shops ( I recommend up to 50-60 miles from your home) immediately and provide them with the information and what law enforcement agency took your report.
3. Contact local gun shops. Firearms can be sold to or traded in at a gun shop. In either case, photo ID’s are required (same with a pawn shop).
4. Visit local gun shows. If a firearm was stolen, in most cases the thief wants to get rid of it. Bring a flyer with the information. Be pro-active.
5. Stay in contact with your local law enforcement agency.
6. If you own firearms, take the time and photograph them, including serial number and the box (the end of most boxes provides make, model and serial number) and email the photos to yourself and store them. In the event of a lost or stolen firearm, you have the information available from any computer. Also, this is a good time to inspect your firearms for rust or other issues.
7. Avoid bragging to people about how many firearms you have or showing photos on social media that include your gun safe. Thieves are everywhere.
8. If you keep a firearm in your glovebox (or safe in your vehicle) check on it periodically.
9. When having home renovations and repairs done, make sure your firearms are secured and out of reach. After hurricanes or storm damage repairs, we get a lot of calls about missing firearms.
10. Owning a firearm is a big responsibility. If you need a gun lock or gun safe, visit your local gun shop.
If you are going out of town for an extended period of time, contact your local gun shop and see about dropping off your firearms for a maintenance cleaning/inspection and pick them up when you return. Let the shop know your plans.
Remember knowledge is power and protecting your firearm from theft and keeping it out of the hands of someone who should not have access is your responsibility. Putting a firearm in a safe or locking it only takes a matter of seconds but may save a life and give you peace of mind.