Gun owners cherish their weapons as much as car fanatics love their vehicles.  Unfortunately, both items are highly sought by thieves, who will make every attempt to rob you of your prized firearms.  Hopefully, your collectable guns will never be taken, but here are the steps to follow in case they are:

1. Prepare for the possibility beforehand. This includes insuring your guns against loss.  The NRA offers policies that will compensate you financially, as do many private insurers.  Make sure you understand what the insurance company will require of you in the event of a theft, so that you’ll get no hassles from them when you file a claim.  Keep a record of manufacturers, models, and serial numbers, as well as the original receipts and photos of each gun you own.

2. File a report with law enforcement right away.  This will protect you in two ways.  First, it gives the police a chance to look for your stolen property.  Second, if one of the guns is used in a crime and traced back to you, the fact that you filed a report will help to safeguard you from prosecution. 

3. Check with local gun dealers. This includes pawnshops, gun shops, and private buyers.  Most dealers are ethical and want nothing to do with stolen merchandise.  Provide them with the serial numbers and other information you gave the police.  You can also submit it to sites like http://www.firearmsfax.com, which maintains a nationwide database of stolen guns.

4. Making the circuit of nearby flea markets and yard sales is a good idea, as is following up on classified ads for guns like the ones that were stolen.  Take your list of identifiers with you.  If you run across one of your weapons, make the dealer aware of this.  If he or she gives you any trouble, call local law enforcement.  Receiving and selling stolen goods is a serious crime.

Hopefully you’ll never be the victim of a firearms theft.  However, if you are, following these steps will help to protect you financially, as well as improve the odds you’ll get your collectable guns back.