I had a Merkel O/U shotgun stolen in 2004. I went to the dealer I purchased the shotgun from and they would not look it up for me. They said they didn't have the time to mess with it. I haven't darkened their door since. It was a $6K gun and I had bought several rifles from them also including a Dakota Safari. I wasn't the type of customer that comes in before hunting season and buys a box of shells.
My current dealer says that they will be glad to provide any purchase information on any firearm I have purchased from their shop
I've never tried getting any numbers from the BATFE.
I'd try retailer first....
