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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Serial Numbers


Bob58

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What does the law require regarding serial numbers if I were to have receivers w/o serial numbers re-barreled? Consider the following scenarios :

 

 

Scenario 1) Husqvarna 640's w/o serial numbers on the receivers - the serial numbers are on the barrels. Would you transfer the serial number on the discarded/reused barrel to the receiver; get assigned a new serial number and mark accordingly, or don't worry about it instead worry about ignorance being no excuse for breaking the law;

 

Scenario 2) JC Higgins Model 50's which have no serial numbers anywhere;

 

Scenario 3) FN Browning Safari/HiPowers which have serial numbers on both receiver and barrel (this is likely a no brainer - retains existing serial # and there's a discarded barrel with identical number floating around)

 

If a serial number is required, which I've heard, but not confirmed:

 

- What options exist for the location of the serial number

- Can I pick my own number? ( a little levity?)

 

I sure hate to think of someone hand stamping a nice receiver with some number - that's a sure way to detract from the aesthetics of a top quality recever since it wouldn't be performed under factory conditions.

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I was told by a friend that firearms w/o #'s were grandfathered ie: the Higgins 50. He's not an expert but claims to keep up with this type of stuff. FWIW. I would think Z would have crossed this bridge at some point.

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I think firearms manuactured prior to the 1968 law where not required to hae serial numbers. Tthe1968 changed this requiring firearms manufactured after the law was enabled to have serial numbers.

 

If I was in your shoes I wouldn't worry about it. That's my opinion and it's worth exactly what it cost you.

 

Vlad

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There's lots of good advice and common sense on these forums, but if you're looking for a legal opinion on federal law you should get it in writing from the ATF.

 

 

I agree on the common sense Montea6b - not looking for a legal opinion or anyone assuming any professional risk or liability, just others' working knowledge. I figured a few gunsmiths could comment on their modus operandi. I've contacted the ATF and didn't get a response.

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I bought an old stevens shotgun last winter from gunbroker and had it shipped to a local gundealer. When I went to his shop to pick it up, he asked me how old it was. From what I knew they were made about 7-8 years before and after WWII. I asked him why? He said it had no serial number but if it was that old it was ok, that it was common, then, for guns not to have them until some time in the 50's when it became manditory. When I got home I did a little research on stevens and found they didn't put numbers on some if not most of their guns at that time. I don't know if this helps you in your case you'll probably need to do more research and get some advice from someone who knows federal gun laws. GUY

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There's lots of good advice and common sense on these forums, but if you're looking for a legal opinion on federal law you should get it in writing from the ATF.

 

 

Excellent advice but take it a step further. There may be state or local law regarding the removal of a serial number. When writing ATF sent it certified with a return receipt. If you don't get a response, send proof that you mailed it and that it was received by ATF to your congressman or Senator.

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I have a springfield 22 without a serial number I bought a few years ago and the shop just wrote "no serial number" on the paperwork. I agree with everyone else though. you should contact BATFE or your county's state police Firearms officer and get it from the horses mouth

 

Roy

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Millions of old firearms were made without serial numbers. I have never seen an old Stevens or Springfield shotgun with a serial numbers.

 

Now having a firearm with a serial that has been filed or ground off is something entirely different.

 

In Illinois when a sell or transfer is made a record of said transfer must require the serial number of the firearm or if No serial number is available then a description of the firearm is required.

 

Plus we have a lot of older firearms that have a number but unless you disassemble the firearm you can’t find it. American arms made a lot of revolvers that way over 100 years ago.

 

I say if your concerned check with an attorney knowledgeable in firearm law.

 

Personally if the firearm doesn’t have a filed off serial number I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

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