18 U.S.C. 922(j) prohibits receiving, possessing, concealing, storing, bartering, selling, or disposing of a stolen firearm or ammunition when the required interstate-commerce connection exists and the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe it was stolen. Theft by the accused is not the only conduct covered. [1]
What must be established?
The case should address whether the property was stolen, the defendant’s conduct, the commerce element, and knowledge or reasonable cause. An unusually low price, altered identifiers, seller statements, and transaction circumstances may be relevant, but the government still must prove the charged offense.
Penalty and collateral consequences
Section 924 supplies the penalty provision, including up to ten years’ imprisonment for a knowing violation covered by that subsection. Other charges can have different ranges. A resulting felony conviction can also affect future firearm eligibility under separate law. [2]
Preserve purchase evidence
Keep receipts, listings, payment records, serial-number information, and complete seller communications. Do not delete an advertisement or transfer the gun to someone else to avoid the problem. Obtain advice on lawful handling and reporting.
For example, a documented purchase from a seemingly legitimate source presents a different knowledge inquiry from buying a weapon after being told it was stolen.
Do not rely on the seller’s label alone
A private sale, gift, or informal transfer can still involve prohibited stolen property. At the same time, the absence of a store receipt does not itself prove the required knowledge or reasonable cause. Review what the buyer was told, how the item was advertised, the source and price, and any warnings or identifying alterations. A later discovery that a firearm was stolen raises questions about subsequent handling as well as the original acquisition. Seek instructions on lawful possession and reporting before arranging another transfer. Separate evidence that the firearm once moved in commerce from evidence concerning the buyer’s state of mind; both issues can matter under the statute. [1] [2]
See felony-related firearm prohibitions and federal firearms licensing for separate possession and dealer requirements.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.