Felony or not? What is the "real" serial number?

[Sam1911]

That has been brought up before and it is said that gunsmiths at least used to be able to do that, and/or could apply to the BATFE for a new serial number.

Others point out that the law does not actually say that at all, and no one seems to come up with a current example of that being done.

 

[hovercat]

You can deepen the existing serial numbers. If refinishing, the proper thing is to re-stamp just before the # becomes illegible. Then you can continue the polishing. That way the # is never removed.

 

[Elkins45]

That has been brought up before and it is said that gunsmiths at least used to be able to do that, and/or could apply to the BATFE for a new serial number.

Others point out that the law does not actually say that at all, and no one seems to come up with a current example of that being done.

Here's one anecdotal example I've found: http://www.smithandwessonforums.com/forum/s-w-revolvers-1857-1945/7932-model-1917-information.html

 

[deadin]

The only question not asked or answered is "Did the OP also get any paperwork from the BATFE showing the serial number assigned"?
If the shop owner was shady enough to sell a gun with an obliterated serial number in the first place, what would keep him from just breaking out his letter punches and popping a new one on and saying it was from the Feds?
I would want documentation,but, then again, I'm somewhat anal....

 

[brickeyee]

Clearly no firearms were sold as surplus to the civilian market without a serial number.

There are numerous guns made before 1968 that do not have serial numbers.

Look at any 1866 Springfield .50-70
It WAS a government surplus at one time.

They have no serial numbers.

if the gun NEVER had a number it is not necessarily illegal (depends on date of manufacture).

REMOVING (or altering) a number IS illegal.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Clearly no firearms were sold as surplus to the civilian market without a serial number.

There are numerous guns made before 1968 that do not have serial numbers.

Look at any 1866 Springfield .50-70
It WAS a government surplus at one time.

They have no serial numbers...

I suspect that one would be hard pressed to find a gun supplied for government use in the 20th Century that was manufactured without a serial number. And while some might have been, anyone in possession of one thought to be such would be well advised to be sure of, and have well documented, its provenance.

 

[Old Fuff]

My comment was made revelent to firearms made by or for the U.S. military services during the 20th century or later, because the discussion was centered on a Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver. I am aware that prior to 1968 (I was around at the time) many inexpensive .22 rifles and single barreled shotguns were not serial numbered, but I don't believe the military services bought any - at least without a serial number.

Today, if someone owns one of the "never had a number" guns and wants one the BATF&E will authorize a number that can be stamped on the gun, but this does not necessarily include guns where an original number has been removed.