Guns in the river

[AquaMan]

While running across the 21st street bridge over the Arkansas river I stopped a moment to catch my breath and gaze at the riverbed whereupon, I saw a couple of pistols outlined against the sand. Like a good little scout I trudged through the stinking detritus of decades of abuse to retrieve it. After all, its a free gun, eh?

One of the guns turned out to be a Daisy air pistol. Cool looking but just a toy. The other one reminds me of a WWII 45, though I know very little about guns. It is heavy, may have a wooden grip but definitely an automatic. It is encrusted on one side with sand and rock.

Some questions-
   1. Should I contact the authorities in case it was used in a crime? Would have been several years ago I think.
   2. Anyone know the best way to clean it up? I doubt it can ever operate again but what do i know.
   3. It may still have ammo in it. Is it safe for me to attempt clean up?

I know some of you are serious enthusiasts. Thanks for any help.

BTW, don't go walking under the east side of that bridge unless you are confident in your ability to defend yourself and have a strong stomach. Really embarrassing to see so much trash within throwing distance of the new restaurant. It looks like a Goodwill truck dumped its load and left.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Be very careful with the auto.  Water probably killed the powder, but cannot be sure.  It was/is probably hot and may have been used in a crime.  You don't want to be the one holding it if that is so.  At the least, there will be many questions.  Kind of like a game of musical chairs that you don't want to "win".

There may be someone out there who would throw away a legitimate .45, but that is more money than I would ever pitch!  Or left, if I dropped it out of a boat.

[Ed W]

If the handgun was underwater long enough to become encrusted with sand and rock, the ammunition inside has most likely become water logged.  But don't assume that it's so.  Treat it as if it was loaded today.  

It's your call as to whether to report it to TPD.  I don't know their policy on found property, but I'd suspect they won't return the gun to you even if it checks out OK.  

A photo would help with identification, especially any markings.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Call them (TPD) anonymously and ask them.  Can't hurt and they might even answer!  They should be able to look up a number right then.  If it is .45 military, the serial number will be on right, just above trigger guard, on frame.  Will say "United States Property" above the number.  Left side will have company name just above the safety latch on the slide.  Ithaca Gun Company is the most common WWII...

There should be a big hole in front end...don't look down there...

Picture would be good.  Or a few.

[AquaMan]

Thanks for the info. I'll spend a little time cleaning it up to try and find the numbers and mfr. Not sure about calling the TPD. Is there such a thing as calling the TPD anon?

I'm retarded about pics uploaded to this forum. I'll try later.

[AquaMan]

Here's what I know so far. It does have numbers on the right side though they are only visible when the gun is wet. The left side has two markings that are hard to make out entirely but it looks like VICTOR or VICTORY above the trigger guard and LONG RIFLE on the barrel. The gun seems to be made of bronze? The trigger is fluted brass and the barrel is not big enough to be a 45. The grips are probably walnut and the clip is still in it.

The salt, sand and concretions have taken a toll on its finish. Pockmarked.

Sound like anything you know of?

[custosnox]

Long Rifle will be a .22 cal.  I've been trying to find something that would have victor(y) on it, but haven't found anything that fits what you describe.  Have you tried doing rubbings on the imprints to see if you can read more?

[custosnox]

Does it look anything like this?

[AquaMan]

Yes! Trigger is slightly different. But that is the gun. What is it?

[custosnox]

It's a High Standard Victor, went out of production in '87. 
http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/HG_highstandardvictor_200903/index.html

[AquaMan]

Yeah, i just looked it up. Too bad. It was a pretty gun. Gold trigger, safety and clip release, aluminum sight rail, walnut grips. A target pistol I guess.

Its soaking in dishwashing soap tonight. Gotta be better than river water.

[TeeDub]

Personally I wouldn't want to get caught with a stolen gun no matter how creative a story I could come up with for how I found it.

I would at least call the TPD non-emergency number and have them send an officer out to take a found property report.   If you tell them you want to keep it they should let you (although what I found wasn't a gun.)    They run the serial numbers and if they contact you with 90 days you have to give it up.    They never contacted me.

[Gaspar]

Turn it in to TPD.  They will issue a "evidence reciept" to you.  If it was stolen and registered they will attempt to return it to the owner.  If it was not registered (likely with a gun that old) and not determined to be used in a crime they will contact you and arrange to have it delivered to a local dealer where you can pick it up and register it.  This may take several years, but unless there is another owner, or an obvious ballistics match to a crime.  The gun is your property.

You have a responsibility to contact TPD.  Not to do so is a crime because you have taken possession of an unregistered handgun.

[Conan71]

Turn it in to TPD.  They will issue a "evidence reciept" to you.  If it was stolen and registered they will attempt to return it to the owner.  If it was not registered (likely with a gun that old) and not determined to be used in a crime they will contact you and arrange to have it delivered to a local dealer where you can pick it up and register it.  This may take several years, but unless there is another owner, or an obvious ballistics match to a crime.  The gun is your property.

You have a responsibility to contact TPD.  Not to do so is a crime because you have taken possession of an unregistered handgun.

While I agree if it were me, I'd contact TPD, I'm not sure your take on "registered" firearms is correct. 

What does the law read which allows the exchange between private parties at a gun show?  It's not uncommon to be able to purchase a handgun without a background check at a gun show from a non-dealer.  It's a known practice and could easily be enforced by only allowing licensed dealers to sell the guns, yet it's not.

[Gaspar]

While I agree if it were me, I'd contact TPD, I'm not sure your take on "registered" firearms is correct. 

What does the law read which allows the exchange between private parties at a gun show?  It's not uncommon to be able to purchase a handgun without a background check at a gun show from a non-dealer.  It's a known practice and could easily be enforced by only allowing licensed dealers to sell the guns, yet it's not.

Any purchase or exchange (handgun) at a gun show goes through the exact same background check.  When you purchase a handgun at a gun show, you do not leave with that weapon.  It is transfered to a local dealer and you pay a small fee for the check.  After 5 days you can pick up the weapon.  Any purchase or exchange of handguns by non-dealers still require registration.  Anyone participating as a collector or exhibitor at a gun show must have a dealer's permit or be operating under the permit of a local dealer. 

I love gun shows!