[BBall]

What if someone I knew got over zealouse trying to mount an optical sight and drilled over 2 digits of a pistols serial number?

Can he stamp them back in somewhere else on the pistol?

Can he return it to the manufacturer with the reciept and get it repaired?

I didnt know what to tell him but knew where to ask.

[stans]

Oh, $&!# !!!!! I am thinking that such a thing might be viewed as altering or removing a serial number by the friendly (and sometimes not so friendly) folks down at the BATFE. I honestly don't know what I would do. I do know you can cut the receiver in half and the problem is solved since it would no longer be usable, but that could be rather expensive.

[Rottweiler]

I think stans is right. Get your torch and checkbook out and chalk this one up to experience.:(

[Red_SC]

You might try posting this over in Legal, too, if you haven't already.

[BBall]

Could he replace the frame with one from like Brownells and destroy the damaged one?

[Jim Watson]

He can crawl to BATF and ask nicely.
I have read on one or another board that they will allow numbers to be replaced if known, or assign a new number if not. I know they have the authority to do that, the only question is whether they will. The thread I recall said they probably would. They are from the government and are there to help you.

[BBall]

Thanks everyone, I will send him to the BATF.

[Rottweiler]

BBall, Correct me if I'm wrong, but, wouldn't a new frame from Brownell's already have it's own number on it before it left the manufacturer ?

[Standing Wolf]

Many firearms have serial numbers in more than one place.

[4v50 Gary]

Restamp the #s on the gun - not as an overstrike but to preserve the #. It shows a good faith effort at correcting clumsiness.

[buy guns]

unless its a carry or home defense gun i wouldnt even bother. if all you do is use it for the range then nobody is going to know.

[No4Mk1*]

I think it is interesting to hear stories of how well meaning people accidentally break the law, report their mistake to the authorities, and are promptly prosecuted.

[BBall]

FYI all

He emailed BATFE and they called him on the phone later that night and said as long as the serial number is known it can be retamped in another location on the frame. If the serial number was unknown, then it gets real hairy, involving a local BATFE agent making a visit to confirm the stamping of a newly issued serial number.

No hand cuffs or plain brown sedans involved.

My friend thanks you all for your assistance.

[Rottweiler]

Glad to hear this one turned out in a cheap, no handcuff wearing way. I was sure the ATFE guys would say "We want to see the destroyed pieces".

Sometimes I feel better being wrong.