Updated: Dec 5, 2008

Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Indiana made the top ten list in a study about legally-sold weapons used in out-of-state crimes.

Guy Montgomery, manager of 500 guns on West 16th Street near Speedway, considers himself one of Indy's most cautious gun dealers. He's not too surprised where the state ranks for dealer-sold guns recovered in crimes out-of-state.

"When a gun is stolen, they normally try to get it out-of-state…" Montgomery said.

Every customer undergoes a background check, but a recent study by Mayors Against Illegal Guns shows many guns bought at dealerships still end up in the wrong hands. West Virginia tops the list, followed by Mississippi and South Carolina. Indiana is ranked eighth.

When IMPD recovers guns at a crime scene, it means instant research.

"In many cases, there is a paper trail as far as who purchased it in the very beginning and if they re-registered it and so forth," said IMPD Lt. Jeff Duhamell.

That includes tracking stolen guns like those still not recovered in a break-in this summer at Don's Guns. Despite three arrests, police are still searching for several high-powered weapons taken in the burglary.

Montgomery says he his choosy about his inventory, including the most popular handgun - a Glock.

"We go to great lengths to go overseas to bring guns here, hunting-style guns for the most part," he said.

Gun dealers say Indiana's geographical location may contribute to its top ten ranking. They encourage every customer to lock and secure their investment.