how to check serial numbers

Question
Hello...I am a 56 year old male,that has been around fire arms as long as I remember(due to my father and 2 older brothers).I am also a trucker,and have been for 42 years.As such I get around the country.I was in northern Georgia last week and someone had a "booth" set up in the parking lot of a truck stop.He had a "Smith & Wesson" 38 being offered.The price was "too good to be true"!While lloking at it,I made a mental note of two numbers on it.My question is...where on the net can I go to to check these numbers? Just in case I run across another "deal"while out there amongst the masses.P.S...I did not(nor will I ever)purchase anything like that in the future,unless I can check the history of the item,through the numbers.Thank you.

Answer
I am not aware of any sight for serial numbers check.  What you can in the future is call the local police, from a payphone or blocked number and give them serial number and ask them if the gun is reported stolen.

I know Colt has a many sites about the Colt .45 1911, but it only gives dates of manufacture it does not give info on the gun.

I know Car insurance company has a way of knowing if a car is reported stolen when you try and insure a car, not sure if they have the same system for insuring guns.

I would rather see someone buy a gun off the street who is a responsible gun owner than leave the gun on the street for some crook to buy, but that is just my opinion.

Your local gun shop might know of a way to check to see if guns are reported stolen, but not sure.