Transfer of handgun

Question
My son in PA recently gave me a .357 revolver. What must I do as a Delaware resident regarding registration and concealed carry permit? I get conflicting info. Some say I need a bill of sale even if it is a gift. I wish to avoid legal trouble for him as the previous owner also.

Answer
Depends on both state laws.  I think there is a fed exemption for passing handguns on to close family (son daughter, etc.)  But not sure since there are millions of guns laws in each state.

A bill of sale, as a gift would help you and probably be required if you want to reg gun.  If you don't have to reg I would not.  

The main area people get in trouble is if they use the gun for illegal purpose then it comes to how you got the gun.

There is also a provision in some states that allow to loaning of a handgun to try it out.  If you son is just loaning the gun then that may prevent you having to do anything.

I would call a gun store in your state and in his state and ask them the questions, they are normally up to date on law changes.

The Gov is slowly making it so difficult to own, buy and possess that it is almost impossible, which is why most just don't do anything and would rather deal with issues if they come when they have to use it.

The old saying rather be judged by 12 than carried by six.  

Unless a gun is reported stolen, possession is not normally a major issues... unless of course you are waving the gun around a bar parking lot, then questions would be asked.

Since in the family, if the gun was every used and had to be run and it was found out to be reg or owned by your son would not raise too many flags and lots of ways to justify your possession, he could have loaned it to you, you could be keeping if for him, he could have left it at your house, you could have meant to return it him and have not gotten around to it.....  I have heard lots of reasons, bottom line if you are not a felon, did not steal it and it is not listed as stolen or used for illegal purposes, it normally is not an issue.