what harm could it do?

[JPG1911]

I"m wondering why someone would be afraid to post the SN of a gun online? Is there really anything anybody could do with this information? It is so hard to find ANY info about some of my guns via internet search of the serial number. Why are some folks so paranoid about it?

 

[kingpin008]

Why are some folks so paranoid about it?

Because paranoiacs rarely need an excuse to invent a problem?

Seriously though, many are convinced that by posting your SN's online, you invite attention from all manner of nefarious criminal-types who will use the info to set you up and get you arrested.

Problem is, nobody has ever been able to provide even a single instance of this ever happening.

 

[Walkalong]

paranoiacs

Is that one in the dictionary?

I mark out the last two or three digits on my pics. Call me paranoid, call me smart, doesn't matter to me.

 

[kingpin008]

Is that one in the dictionary?

Yep. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/paranoiac

par·a·noi·ac (pr-noik, -noik)

n.
A paranoid.

adj.
Of, relating to, or resembling paranoia.

 

[buck460XVR]

I"m wondering why someone would be afraid to post the SN of a gun online? Why are some folks so paranoid about it?

I always figured it was because the gun in the posted picture is stolen and they don't want the rightful owner to know they have it............

 

[RimfireChris]

I've noticed this on youtube and always wondered myself. About the only thing someone could maybe do is report it stolen, but even if you've lost your receipt or other paper work pertaining to the sale, the store or the feds should have a record with you as the origanal purchaser.

 

[Walkalong]

Yep.

Well how about that. I'll never doubt you again......

 

[JPG1911]

i guess its akin to the irrational fear some people have of showing a pic online with their license plate in it...

 

[mptrimshop]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=500771

check this out guys....i'm crazy....how long before i get set up....who is taking bets?

 

[Neverwinter]

I"m wondering why someone would be afraid to post the SN of a gun online? Is there really anything anybody could do with this information? It is so hard to find ANY info about some of my guns via internet search of the serial number. Why are some folks so paranoid about it?

Because putting an image of a gun with a serial number on the internet is de facto registration.

I always download images from my camera to an isolated computer and block the S/N. Then I burn to CD-ROM and transfer it to the connected computer.

 

[kingpin008]

Because putting an image of a gun with a serial number on the internet is de facto registration.

Ohhhkay.

 

[PT1911]

I always download images from my camera to an isolated computer and block the S/N. Then I burn to CD-ROM and transfer it to the connected computer.

I really hope this is a joke....

 

[Balrog]

Problem is, nobody has ever been able to provide even a single instance of this ever happening.

Can you show that it has never happened?

Do you mind posting some of your serial numbers here along with photos of the guns?

 

[Murphy4570]

Hell, one of the guns I have doesn't even HAVE a serial number.


Those are the best kind to have.

 

[kingpin008]

Can you show that it has never happened?

Sorry, that's not how this works. In an argument or discussion, it's the person who is affirming something to be true that has the burden of proof. Not the other way 'round.

Do you mind posting some of your serial numbers here along with photos of the guns?

When I have reason to post pics of my guns, I will. And I have in the past, with serials fully visible.

 

[benEzra]

I"m wondering why someone would be afraid to post the SN of a gun online

Your basic error here is assuming that people who don't post serial numbers for public access refrain from doing so out of fear, rather than out of consistency with general privacy practices.

I do not post pics with my car's license plate or VIN number online, either; just standard practice. I don't post here under my real name or initials, my profile is generic as to my address and birthdate, and I do not list my phone number.

If I could think of a compelling reason to share serial number of the guns I own with the entire planet, I would do so, but since I have no reason to, I don't. If you wish to, that's fine, and I certainly doubt you'll have any negative consequences as a result. But implying that people whose privacy practices differ from yours are paranoid or "afraid" is unjustified, IMO.

 

[hardworker]

I feel like it's a solution to a non-existent problem. But you know what they say about an ounce of prevention.

 

[hogcowboy]

Serial Number

I always thought it was because people think that the government would know they have a particular gun and could track and confiscate the weapon in the future should the second amendment go south.

 

[sappyg]

if you don't have an issue with posting a full SN of a gun of the net then would you post your SS # on the net.... didn't think so

 

[kingpin008]

if you don't have an issue with posting a full SN of a gun of the net then would you post your SS # on the net....

That makes zero sense. It's well known that SSN's are HIGHLY scammable. However, as mentioned, nobody has yet been able to provide proof of the same for gun serials.

 

[yeti]

That makes zero sense. It's well known that SSN's are HIGHLY scammable. However, as mentioned, nobody has yet been able to provide proof of the same for gun serials.

SS#'s use to be thrown around like left over noodles in an Alphabet Soup Factory because, at that time, no one could provide proof that they could be misused.

Besides it's none of your business what the serial #s on my guns are, that is all the reason I need.

 

[gatopardo]

Main reason

A weapon's serial number can be traced to the owner.

Most forum members want to keep certain degree of anonymity, even thou we might have a friendly exchange we really are strangers to each other, hence the use of the protocolary forum rules.

Now if we pay attention to the bottom of the first page the ratio between members and guests is about 1:7 which means in simple words for every guy posting on this thread there are roughly 7 people just watching.

That would include anyone, including criminals. Sounds bad but that is just the way it rolls guys.

Criminals could be trying to find a way to procure a weapon anyway they can, when you post your gun collection photos, personal info, etc. be sensible.

Gato

 

[Black Butte]

Is it not possible that some random person passing by who might be a prankster, jealous, crazy, angry, anti-gun fanatic, etc. may report the gun stolen? Maybe even anonymously from a pay phone: "I don't want to give my name because I shouldn't of had this gun in the first place, but it just got stolen and I don't want to be liable for anything that may happen in the future if you find out who I am." I could see some liberal loons doing it to "further the cause," just like they've published the names and addresses of concealed permit holders on the Internet and in some papers. Just remember, when you post something on the Internet, not only is it there forever, but it also gets copied and spread. Your picture, complete with serial number, gets picked up by spiders and may be returned as a result in a totally unrelated search query submitted by anyone in the world. Who knows what dubious plots the Nigerians may cook up with your personal firearms information.

 

[CoRoMo]

...hard to find ANY info about some of my guns via internet search of the serial number.

This is a new one to me. I can't imagine that anyone would think the serial number would bring up any information in a Google search.

 

[mljdeckard]

I suppose there is the school of thought, where, if we despise the 4473s, and sometimes buy used face to face to avoid them entirely, it makes a certain amount of sense to not link yourself back to the gun that you worked so hard to not leave a paper trail for in the first place.

There is also the real possibility of self-incrimination, where you bought a used gun, in good faith believing it was clean, and then later someone spots it and claims you stole it, or you received stolen property. Not circumstances I have ever been in, but possible nonetheless.