While one should obey the law, my guess is that many times such an off-the-books transfer occurs and there is no way to track that it happened. At least around here, private sales are very popular for the reason of avoiding the gun owner databases that we all know exist via form 4473 and various state programs.

The OP did not mention the gun's make, model or origin, if he got it from an FFL on a 4473 or if it's a C&R or pre-1899 (I forget the the cutoff there), NFA or what. I mentioned the Clark County Blue Cards, as that could trace an otherwise non-4473'ed gun back to the OP. I think plenty of us have stuff from our dads or farther back that has no paper trail.

Obviously, a modern gun on a 4473 is traceable to the original transferee and likely the last transferee who did a 4473 or had any gunsmithing done, assuming the gunsmith logged it into his book. But even then, ATF would have to know where to look for that one.

Anyway, yeah, you should comply with federal law. IMHO, ATF isn't going after non-NFA family heirlooms of dubious or non-existent 4473 provenance. If the OP's daughter wants to have a 4473 done, she can come see me anytime, I'll log it into my book and 4473 it back to her, no charge. But I don't think it's .... well, you know.

Just want to give an update. I didn’t mean to start an argument with my original post. I was simply asking for opinions or suggestions on how to LEGALLY gift my pistol to my daughter who is a resident of AZ, and I (dad) is a resident of NV.

I purchased this pistol (M&P 2.0 Metal) in NV.

I drove to Phoenix, AZ yesterday. I met her at their local gun range (FFL), where we did an “official” person to person transfer (4473). I gave my NV Driver License, daughter gave her AZ driver license. FFL did everything on-line. Got cleared in less than 30 minutes. Daughter love her new pistol. Since I now know how to “gift” her firearms, I am planning to giver her an AR and couple of more pistols next time I visit.

That's great you did that, I'm sure she appreciates it, and it's good your firearms are able to stay active in the family...

quote:

Originally posted by ador:
...I didn’t mean to start an argument with my original post. ...

You, started no argument.

Pleased to read it is done, and may your daughter cherish your actions.

The best part?

Zero legal problems can result for you and her.