I am aware of the fact that .22 rimfire rifles manufactured before the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA68) did not necessarily have serial numbers, since this was not a requirement prior to enactment of this law. (Apparently some manufacturers used serial numbers anyhow, just as you would find on your refrigerator or other consumer items.)
However, in constructing a firearms inventory for myself, I discovered that I can not find a serial number on a Mossberg 500 12-Ga shotgun I bought (new) sometime in the sixties.
It is possible, I suppose, that any serial number may be "buried" somewhere (like some Colt revolvers, which have a number "hidden" on the frame under the crane).
QUESTION 1: Were serial numbers required on shotguns manufactured prior to GCA68?
QUESTION 2: If serial numbers were required, where might it be "buried" on a Mossberg 500 built prior to GCA68?
QUESTION 3: What other types or brands of firearms built prior to GCA68 might be legally missing serial numbers?
QUESTION 4: Were serial numbers required on firearms manufactured prior to the National Firearms Act (NFA) of the 1930s?
QUESTION 5: Are any newly-manufactured firearms presently exempted from the serial number provisions of GCA68?
QUESTION 6: Do firearms legally missing serial numbers have any enhanced value on the open market?
Thanks in advance.
230RN
However, in constructing a firearms inventory for myself, I discovered that I can not find a serial number on a Mossberg 500 12-Ga shotgun I bought (new) sometime in the sixties.
It is possible, I suppose, that any serial number may be "buried" somewhere (like some Colt revolvers, which have a number "hidden" on the frame under the crane).
QUESTION 1: Were serial numbers required on shotguns manufactured prior to GCA68?
QUESTION 2: If serial numbers were required, where might it be "buried" on a Mossberg 500 built prior to GCA68?
QUESTION 3: What other types or brands of firearms built prior to GCA68 might be legally missing serial numbers?
QUESTION 4: Were serial numbers required on firearms manufactured prior to the National Firearms Act (NFA) of the 1930s?
QUESTION 5: Are any newly-manufactured firearms presently exempted from the serial number provisions of GCA68?
QUESTION 6: Do firearms legally missing serial numbers have any enhanced value on the open market?
Thanks in advance.
230RN