Serial Number Question

[amlevin]

I recently installed a "Side Saddle" ammo carrier on my Mossberg 500 ATP-8. The carrier completely covers the serial number which is on the Left side of the receiver.

This "carrier will only install on the left side as it uses an existing screw hole.

How big an issue is it that the serial number is concealed?

I have considered cutting out a "window" in the carrier to expose the serial number just to head off any possible issues with any law officers that might inspect the firearm (I carry it in my truck) but also wonder if that is even necessary. I have also considered putting an additional serial number, using a dremel engraving tool, in a more visible portion of the receiver (like maybe the right side?).

Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone with direct knowledge of the legality here?

Thanks.

 

[Sam1911]

No worries. That's a removable accessory. You aren't permanently obscuring or defacing the serial number.

 

[rcmodel]

Adding a scratched on Dremel serial number would not do a thing, except ruin the resale value of the gun. As would adding it to the outside of the side-saddle.

The only one that counts if the cops or a FFL is looking for it is the one the manufacture stamped on the receiver.

The serial number port would be the way to go for convenience sake if it is ever required to show it.
See the "Side mount" for a Remington in this link:

http://www.mesatactical.com/index.php?id=56
http://www.ifatactical.com/page/1017902

rc

 

[788Ham]

I truly wouldn't worry about it, its still on the firearm, those "needing" to know can have a look if need be!

 

[amlevin]

I truly wouldn't worry about it, its still on the firearm, those "needing" to know can have a look if need be!

Granted but the issue is how one of those "needing to know" will look at in regards to laws that read "altered or obliterated".

Some who carry badges are not always that reasonable and might interpret that to mean "If I can't read it it has been obliterated".

As you can see, the second part of the definition for "obliterate" might give that person some "traction" for his argument.

ob·lit·er·ate/əˈblitəˌrāt/Verb
1. Destroy utterly; wipe out.
2. Cause to become invisible or indistinct; blot out

I'm thinking my best route is to merely provide a small window. A little work with a Drill Press and jeweler's saw should be enough.

 

[nalioth]

Some who carry badges are not always that reasonable and might interpret that to mean "If I can't read it it has been obliterated".

. . and those folks will be the means to your winning court case.

Nobody in their right mind will find this situation illegal.

Think about it: If it were illegal, the sidesaddle company would not be in business.

 

[Sam1911]

If it were illegal, the sidesaddle company would not be in business.

Or those companies that make gun wraps for water-fowling shotguns.

Or those companies that have made revolver stocks that covered serial numbers stamped on the grip/butt.

Etc.

For convenience, of course, do whatever you like (excepting carving on the gun itself. Ick).

 

[ACORN]

Like Sam1911 says, S&W serials are on the butt of the grip frame. My S&W 686 came with Hogues grips(stocks) from the factory. If your argument were true, then S&W would be guilty of concealing the serial number.
Relax, You're over thinking it. They are referring removing,or obliterating the number.

 

[ktd]

I would worry more about the inconvenience rather than the legality, a friend of mine got traffic stopped by a stater, who decided to run the several guns he had, and then wasted half an hour trying to get the scope mount off a carbine (no one carried hex wrenches back then). He let him go without running the carbine, figuring if everything else was legal it was probably ok.

If you are worried, cut a window, or at least keep the tools handy to remove it. I think its only as big an issue as the police make it out to be. Around here they do not care about long guns nearly so much as handguns.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

The Pachmayr grips for my Security Six had a window for the serial number on the grip, the Hogue grips did not. As long as the serial number is not defaced, and can be read if necessary by removing the accessory, it should not be a problem.