I recently took possession of a late-WW2 Japanese Type 99 MG (dated 20.2). The previous owner insisted that he could not transfer it to me using my C&R FFL since it was not in the NFA registry as a C&R gun, so we went through the Form3-to-dealer-to-Form4-to-me process.
Naturally I would like to find out whether or not the gun is in the NFA registry as C&R, but it's unclear to me how to proceed. The BATFE web site says that they keep electronic images of initial registration forms, and that they're available to the public, but they don't go into the actual steps to follow to get this information (presumably through an FOIA request).
Would some kind soul walk me through the steps I need to take? Or is there another way to find out?
IMHO it would be desirable for future caretakers to have documented proof that the gun can or cannot be transferred on a C&R FFL.
Thanks,
Bryan