[Old North State]

But the law is not aimed at the person unlawfully in possession, it is aimed at the gun owner ...
Exactly, either this article has been horribly written, or the entire controversy makes no sense. And how is immediately knowing a gun was stolen going to afford a measure of protection to cops or the community?

[PapaBear3625]

And how is immediately knowing a gun was stolen going to afford a measure of protection to cops or the community?

The law is aimed at straw-purchasers. A straw-purchaser will buy a gun, and then sell it for cash to somebody who cannot buy a gun legally. If the gun is recovered in a crime, and the official purchaser is asked how the gun she bought wound up at a crime scene, she'll just say "Oh, I guess it was stolen".

The law would also be aimed at people who don't give up their guns if government agents arrive to confiscate their guns. "Where are your guns?" "Not here, I guess they were stolen. Bye".