Metal detecting is a great way to explore the outdoors, find hidden treasures, and make money. However, if you’re an avid metal detector, you should know the potential risks of the hobby.
Metal detectors can sometimes uncover firearms, leading to dangerous situations if not managed properly. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, it’s essential to understand what to do if you ever find a gun with your metal detector.
As a metal detectorist, it’s essential to know what to do if you come across a gun while detecting. The first step is not to touch the gun or any other object near it. Leave the area immediately and contact the local police or law enforcement agency to report the discovery.
It’s crucial not to disturb the area around the gun as it may be considered a crime scene. Remember that guns can be dangerous, so do not attempt to handle them yourself; let the professionals handle them. By following these steps, you can ensure the safety of yourself and others and help prevent any potential legal issues.
In this article, I’ll explore the steps you should take if you uncover a firearm, how to identify the weapon, and when to contact the police. So, if you’re a metal detector enthusiast, read on to learn more about the precautions you should take if you find a firearm.
What to do if you find a gun while metal detecting
If you have ever uncovered a weapon while detecting metal, you must remain calm and collected. You should first put the firearm down, away from you and anyone else nearby. Secondly, you should take note of the surrounding area.
Specifically, try to identify landmarks you can use to describe the gun’s location. This will help you to report the discovery to authorities. Finally, you should always call the police to report a firearm discovery. If you’re in a remote area, and there’s a chance the firearm could threaten your safety, call 911.
If you’re in a less dangerous location, you can use a non-emergency line so you don’t tie up the lines for emergency services. When you call the police, be calm and collected and provide them with as much information as possible about the firearm.
You should provide them with details such as the type of gun you found, the location, and the weapon’s condition.
Identifying the weapon
If you find a firearm while metal detecting, you should first attempt to identify the weapon. You can use online resources like GunBroker or the NRA’s database to assist you. You can also attempt to identify the weapon by examining the markings on the firearm.
If it has any distinguishing marks, such as a logo or inscription, you can use that information to help you identify the weapon. Keep in mind, however, that these identification methods are not guaranteed. In some cases, you may be unsuccessful in correctly identifying the firearm.
If you cannot identify the weapon correctly, you should attempt to store the firearm safely until you can contact the authorities. This will help ensure the weapon does not threaten you or anyone else.
When to contact the police
If you’ve correctly identified a firearm you’ve uncovered using your metal detector, you should attempt to contact law enforcement as soon as possible. In most cases, you should attempt to call the police before transporting the firearm.
If you’re in a remote area with limited cell service, you may want to transport the gun first, then call the authorities. However, if you’re in a relatively populated area with easy access to a cell tower, you should attempt to call the police before moving the weapon.
In either case, be sure to transport the firearm in a manner that minimizes the risk of it being fired accidentally. If you’re in a place where you can’t transport the firearm in an enclosed container, like the trunk of a car, try to place it in a way that prevents it from being pressed against anything.
How to store a found weapon
If you’ve correctly identified a found firearm, you’re probably wondering what to do with it. In most cases, you should attempt to store the weapon safely until you can turn it over to the authorities. If you’re in a remote area, you may want to store the gun in a safe that can be transported easily.
This way, you can bring the firearm to the nearest law enforcement officer when you can. If you’re in a more populated area, you should find a safe place to store the firearm, such as a locker at a nearby facility.
Be sure to record the make and model of the weapon, as well as any other relevant information, such as the location you discovered it. This will help you to report the discovery to law enforcement accurately.
Conclusion
If you’re an avid metal detector, you must be aware of the potential risks of the hobby. Metal detectors can sometimes uncover firearms, leading to dangerous situations if not managed properly.
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, it’s important to understand what to do if you ever find a gun with your metal detector. This article explores the steps you should take if you ever find a firearm, how to identify the weapon, and when to contact the police.
So, if you’re a metal detector enthusiast, read on to learn more about the precautions you should take if you find a weapon.
