Putting a new Serial number ON a gun

[kd7nqb]

A friend of mine recently passed away in a motorcycle accident, his wife wants to get rid of his gun (A beretta 92F) and offered it to me real cheap. However the Serial Number is filed off, I know he bought it private party.
1. Is it illegal for me to purchase this gun since it has no serial number
2. Without a number can I get a new Serial number on it
3. Also I know the police can use acid and x-ray to find the original serial numbers on these things. Would it be possible for me to have this done either by law enforcement or by a gunsmith and have the original number put back on?


This thread seem to fit here better than in legal and political but if the moderators want to move it go ahead (I know they dont need my permission)

 

[javacodeman]

I would not be comfortable buying a gun w/o a serial number. Check this thread out for a discussion.

If I were you, I'd call the police from a phone booth and tell them that you had a friend that was thinking about buying a gun w/o a serial number and would your friend be in any trouble?

 

[DMF]

18USC922(k). It is unlawful to transport, ship, receive, or possess a firearm with the manufacturer serial number obliterated, removed, or altered. Punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

This firearm should be abandoned to law enforcement, specifically ATF, by the widow.

However, do not just take my word for it. Have her consult a competent attorney familiar with both federal, and the applicable state/local firearm laws.

 

[mrmeval]

You can surrender it to ATF or police. I would have no issue with stripping it of parts and destroying the frame completely with a torch.