Last edited Fri May 6, 2016, 08:59 AM - Edit history (1)

Can you please supply a more complete picture of the issues.
Knowing the location and any issues with the owner would be needed.

In New York, an unregistered handgun is an illegal handgun. (unless it's an old Civil War type handgun)

Yes, here, the scenario you described would be possible.

I don't know if they would 'turn the person in' on the spot, but they would 'not release the firearm to an unlicensed owner.'

Then they would turn the gun in and give the cops the person's name.

..someone take their gun to a dealer for cleaning? That's a basic task that everyone should be able to do quickly and safely.

...the OP is a non-gunner who could not think of anything else as an example.

It is a legitimate question, I don't know of any other state besides New York where not having a license would be a problem.

... e.g. not a felon, minor etc, why would they confiscate private property and turn it over to the police?

Most guns aren't registered in a majority of states.

As mentioned several times, cleaning is a basic responsibility for any gun owner. It's also an integral part of all basic pistol, rifle, shotgun and concealed carry classes too.

Even basic repairs are pretty straightforward for most people.

If you want a problem to address, those well meaning gun "buybacks" don't even check the guns turned in for use in crimes. Easy way to get rid of a murder weapon and have the police melt it down for you, no questions asked.