Serial number on shotgun water table

[Arizona_Mike]

Double gun serial numbers traditionally go on the water table. For Stoeger, that appears to have changed mid-2013 and they are now going on the bottom of the receiver (the last of 4 I've bought). It is ugly.

Does anyone know if that was required by the ATF? Neither the law nor the regs have changed since 2002. Have they changed their interpretation of the word "conspicuously"?

 

[dogtown tom]

Here's the legalise:
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=7fea93f588d4dfac10facbb53eb7293f&rgn=div6&view=text&node=27:3.0.1.2.3.6&idno=27#27:3.0.1.2.3.6.1.2

Many SxS and O/U's are serialized on the tang below the top lever.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

The regs have not changed.

By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number.

I'm wondering if the interpretation of the regs has changed.

Mike

 

[jojo200517]

What's this "water table" you speak of?

Why do you think it's uglier on the bottom of the gun? I"d rather the numbers and whatever else be on the bottom and most likely not looked at side of just about any firearm as opposed to plastered on the side or top.

 

[rromeo]

Water table is the flat horizontal surface of a SxS shotgun receiver, parallel to the barrels.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

The water table is the plane of contact between the shotgun receiver and barrels. It is hidden when when the action is closed.

Many shotguns have required markings there. The Stoeger serial number is a rough and ugly dot matrix affair stamped only for US importation purposes. It is stamped through the finish of the completed gun and the surface is not replanarized or refinished.

Mike