If the gun is brought into the state by a resident of another state, then it is not registered in Michigan. As such, a resident of Michigan cannot posses or carry it. Especially if the owner is no longer present in Michigan. I think this would appear to a prosecutor as an unlawful interstate transfer. As The Q has suggested, have it shipped to a Michigan FFL from the state of origin and then transferred to you. You can always ship it back to a FFL in the state of origin to return it to the previous owner. A hassle of course, but it beats a felony firearm charge.