I think you're discussing a different issue: whether you can use a firearm that's yet to be registered. My opinion is you can. Some at HPD told gun owners you can't.
This topic is about whether or not there's a basis for HPD to require that you must physically present a firearm you are registering rather than providing only the information necessary to complete registration.
I can understand the policy for HPD needing to verify the specific information via direct inspection, so I'm not against doing this. However, the requirement does cause additional difficulties for people when having to take time off from work, drive home or to the LGS to pick up the weapon, take it to HPD, take it home, then go back to work if time. Most employers don't allow keeping a firearm on their premises, nor is it smart or responsible to leave a firearm unattended in a vehicle.
Sorry ... yes I mixed subjects in there.
This topic is solely about HPD's (and others) requirement to bring a firearm in for them to inspect it. And again, I see no requirement that you must do so, other than HPD website that says you have to. But that is not the law.
What I
HAVE to do:
Get fingerprinted and photographed
Provide firearm MFR, Model, Serial#, Caliber and action type, and from whom I procured it.
Other than that, nothing.
I don't bring a car to the DMV for them to check when I transfer title or register it, so that argument is invalid.