[CWL]

Anyone still do this?

I was thinking of scratching my SSN into my "Forever" guns.

Since these guns will never be sold and it may even be interesting for my offspring to have this bit of personalization, I think this is a permanent way to ID my guns.

Of course I won't do this to any that I may eventually sell.

Of course I will only do this on the inside of the slide or receiver.

Any thoughts?

[C.R.Sam]

Never did, never will.
Really screws any trade or sell value.
Forever guns are rarely forever.

Sam

[22x9]

Nope. Gun stolen = identity stolen.

[Jeff White]

I have a Colt Series 70 Government Model .45 that has my DL etched on the bottom of the slide and on the frame under the grip panel. But I didn't do it by choice, it was the policy of an anti gun commander I had. The serial number alone wasn't ID enough to store it in the unit arms room, had to have a unique number. Was going to put my SSN on it to satisfy the requirement (same as my service number after all) and was promptly informed that it was illegal to use an SSN for anything but government use.

Wouldn't do it again..and wouldn't have then if I had had an off post place to store the weapon.

Jeff

[jsalcedo]

On my first two rifles I unscrewed the butt plate, and etched my name and date in the wood beneath. I don't think that would mess up any value.

[Navy joe]

I got a name, don't figure a gun is gonna help me claim my Social Security benefits. Come to think of it, by the time I'm old enough, they might...

Instead of copying my arm tattoo to my guns I just retain a pre-printed signed and dated model and serial number list of my toys. That combined with pictures is plenty security enough.

[Gewehr98]

Otherwise, how else would I pick up a really nice 1903A1 for less than $300.00? The (late) previous owner was thoughtful enough to devalue the gun by having his SSAN electro-penciled on the right side of the rear receiver ring. Some steel wool, elbow grease, and a smidgen of cold blue hid most of his artwork. It's still visible in good light. Otherwise, I'd never be able to afford a nice WWI rifle in that good of shape. ;)



http://mauser98.com/1903a1.jpg

[c_yeager]

Another thing with the SSN is that it doesnt necessarily make it easier to locate the rightful owner. I remember a few years back that the local police had piles of recovered stolen goods with SSNs on them that couldnt be returned because they had no way of searching the database of numbers. This has probably changed in the homeland security bonanza. But, the locals have always advised people to use their Drivers License Number to identify their valuables (of course in some states i think its the same number anyways).

[Ala Dan]

Nope, I'm with my friends C.R. Sam and 22x9 on this
one!:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Standing Wolf]

Photographs, lots of photographs, including close in shots of serial numbers.

[Old Fuff]

I was involved in a case once when two officers brought a 30-30 Winchester in with the following story:

An undercover agent had “borrowed” it from a local gang’s collection, but he had to get it back fast, or his identity would be suspected. The officers were pretty sure it had been stolen, but the couldn’t prove it because computer checks hadn’t made a “hit.” Following a hunch I removed the buttplate and discovered the owner had put a business card there. He was quickly contacted (his phone number was on the card) and discovered his rifle had indeed been stolen, although he didn’t know it. This provided the authorities with enough evidence to obtain a search warrant, and the rest is history. The business card provided an effective way to identify the gun without defacing it. Of course the crooks could have found it, but they didn’t.

[C.R.Sam]

This provided the authorities with enough evidence to obtain a search warrant, and the rest is history.
Since the undercover cops stole it from the crooks, wouldn't this be tainted evidence. ?

I like the results but question the means.

Sam

[Old Fuff]

Apparently not. I failed to mention that they returned it shortly after they got the information they wanted so the undercover agent wouldn't get burned if they found it missing. Maybe they're is a difference between "borrowing" and "stealing?" I don't know for sure but I think the County Prosecuter presented an affidavit from the undercover man explaining how and why the gun was taken and examined, and a statement from the legal owner to the effect that the gun was his and that it had been stolen. On that basis a search warrant was issued. The court would only require probable cause.

[Majic]

Isn't borowing without permission classified as stealing? :confused:

I dont' SSN mine because forever is alot longer than me. One day I will be gone and the gun will most likely still be here.

[Chipperman]

"Isn't borowing without permission classified as stealing?"

Not if you have a badge. :rolleyes:

[blades67]

Nope. My guns come from the factory with an identification number.

[Skibane]

Nope. My guns come from the factory with an identification number.

Interesting point. If the authorities can't identify the owner based on the firearm's serial number, what are the chances of them being able to do it based on the owner's SSN or driver's license number? After all, how hard is it to set up a database where entering a number (in this case, the firearm's serial number) brings up a list of all citizens who have reported a stolen possession?

BTW, I believe it is a FELONY to remove, alter or obscure the serial number on a firearm, but would be surprised if it was even a MISDEMEANOR to remove/alter/obscure the owner's SSN/DLN.

[Old Fuff]

Ah ............

To borrow or to steal ............

If someone borrows something you own without permission that might be seen as stealing - especially if the "borrower" didn't or hadn't made any effort to return it.

However if YOU steal something and someone borrows or steals it from you I don't know that a case can be made.

A police officer, working undercover, in most places whould not be considered a thief if he/she took something long enough to determine if it was stolen property and then returned it.

Let us say you are stopped for a moving violation. In the process of investigating the officer sees a gun in your car, where it is in plain view.

He takes the gun back to his car, runs a computer check to see if it is stolen, and when he finds it is not he returns it too you. Of course if it is stolen he does something else.

Would this comprise "borrowing," "stealing," or none of the above?

[Tamara]

Make sure you have documentation of the serial numbers of your firearms.

If they are stolen, report it immediately. That way when someone tries to pawn them or sell them to a gun shop, you have a chance of having your property recovered.

[4v50 Gary]

Not to offend anyone, but unless your name is Skeeter Skelton, Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan, Jeff Cooper, C. R. Sam or any other individual of notoriety, forget it. You ruin the value rather and make it worse for collectors.

[45R]

If you really want a forever gun why dont you engrave your name on it instead of your SSN?