Expert: Dean Speir - 10/3/2007

Question
Mr. Dean,

I was contacted by the FBI yest. They want to ballistic test a handgun of mine in reference to a high profile murder on the west coast. The gun was purchased from a friend a few years ago, they contacted him and he referred them to me. Should I let this happen? If so what precautions should I take? I was planning on video taping the whole event, is that a good idea. I have verified through independent sources the the agent is legitimate.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

Answer
Hello, Scott;

A good friend of mine went through the identical process three years ago, probably because you also own a Makarov which has been identified as the murder weapon in the Tom Wales shooting in 2001.

Two months ago The New Yorker did an extensive report of that incident at:  http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/08/06/070806fa_fact_toobin and obviously the FBI is still on it.

Forget the videotape idea... the contacting agent will take your handgun, give you an official voucher/receipt for same, take it to the closest law enforcement ballistics data collection point, have several rounds fired, and return your property to you. In my friend's case, it was back to him in an hour.

As far as precautions to be taken, it might be a good idea for you to contact your handgun licensing authority, or, if you're in one of the more enlightened jurisdictions, your Chief Law Enforcement Officer, and apprise him or her of the situation. It's not necessary, but they always like to be informed when the Feds come to town.

G'luck to you, and let us know how everything goes.