Grips hiding serial number?

[FullEffect1911]

So I am in the process of looking for new grips for my Ruger Redhawk, and I came across a review for some Pachmyr grips on Midway usa.

The person said that the grips will cover up the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame and that was illegal. Well I'm not one to purposely go and break a law but I'm having a hard time believing this is the case.

So if you change out the grips and they hide the serial number, is this illegal?

 

[ashtxsniper]

I dont think it is illegal only to remove the numbers. Sounds like a line of BS to me.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I dont think it is illegal only to remove the numbers. Sounds like a line of BS to me.

That's what I was thinking too, otherwise how could Pachmayr even stay in business?

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

FNP-45s have the serial number in the middle of the rail, so if you put anything on the rail, the serial number is covered. Haven't heard anything about the ATF raiding the homes of FNP owners with lights.

 

[Storm]

I wouldn't lose sleep over it. That said, I do have Pachmayrs that have an opening so that the serial number can be viewed.

 

[ACORN]

BS, S&W serial numbers are on the butt, some grips cover them, even some factory ones.

 

[The Bushmaster]

BS...Go ahead and cover them. As long as you don't file or grind them off it matters not if they are covered.

Huummmm...Guess I had better cut a little window in my holsters so the serial number shows. Will need a clear plastic window in my coat too...

 

[FullEffect1911]

Well, upon further looking the review came from the "great" state of IL. Maybe that has something to do with it.

It strikes me as sad that a law like that could even seem plausible.

 

[nalioth]

You are fine.

It is illegal to remove a serial number.

Nothing in the law says anything about covering it up.

I wonder if the guy even realized that by selling those "law breaking grips", he'd be an accessory in breaking whatever law he's making up . . .

 

[Ben Shepherd]

As far as federal law is concerned, covering it up is fine. Altering or removing it is what will cause you greif.

 

[rcmodel]

Every S&W ever made that came with Target grips has the serial number on the butt covered up.

In fact, all oversize grips like the Hogue wood grips and others really cover it up.

Unless it is a state or local law where you live, what the guy said is total BS!

rcmodel

 

[buttrap]

Me thinks the guy that did the review is a ahhhh hmmmm not expert on the topic.

 

[isp2605]

Well, upon further looking the review came from the "great" state of IL. Maybe that has something to do with it.

It's not illegal in IL either.

 

[FullEffect1911]

It's not illegal in IL either.

alright then, I think it's safe to say the reviewer just has no idea what he was talking about. It doesn't get much more definitive then that. I guess it just goes to show that you have to take those reviews with a grain of salt.

 

[isp2605]

This is IL's statute:

(720 ILCS 5/24‑5) (from Ch. 38, par. 24‑5)
Sec. 24‑5. Defacing identification marks of firearms.
(a) Any person who shall knowingly or intentionally change, alter, remove or obliterate the name of the importer's or manufacturer's serial number of any firearm commits a Class 2 felony.
(b) A person who possesses any firearm upon which any such importer's or manufacturer's serial number has been changed, altered, removed or obliterated commits a Class 3 felony.
(c) Nothing in this Section shall prevent a person from making repairs, replacement of parts, or other changes to a firearm if those repairs, replacement of parts, or changes cause the removal of the name of the maker, model, or other marks of identification other than the serial number on the firearm's frame or receiver.
(d) A prosecution for a violation of this Section may be commenced within 6 years after the commission of the offense.

 

[nalioth]

Gun shop owners LOVE to make up all kinds of new gun laws - so long as it helps 'em sell product.