Question on serial number visibility

[D_K]

Guys got a simple mundane question that frankly I just don't have an answer for.

Ruger 10/22 in a bullpup conversion. The serial number is not visible. Hasn't been altered or removed in anyway but the outer shell of the bullpup frame covers it up. Can I get jammed up for this?

Thanks all

[Citadelgrad87]

I have an old Colt detective .38 spl, the serial number is totally covered by the grips, its on the heel of the frame.


In 45+ years of shooting, ive never had anyone bring up the visibility of the serial number.

I can tell you covering is not the same as removing/obliterating.

[BearCreekRoad]

California PC 537e: "(a) Any person who ... has in his or her possession any personal property from which the manufacturer?s serial number, ...has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed, is guilty ..."

See the word "covered" in there?

There is an exception in 537e(d), but it does not apply, since the covering wasn't done by Ruger (the manufacturer), their directly appointed representative, or with their specific authorization.

Now in practice, there are lots of ways that serial numbers can be covered; a common one is grips on handguns. The fact that this section is frequently violated doesn't make violating it legal.

[RickD427]

California PC 537e: "(a) Any person who ... has in his or her possession any personal property from which the manufacturer?s serial number, ...has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed, is guilty ..."

See the word "covered" in there?

There is an exception in 537e(d), but it does not apply, since the covering wasn't done by Ruger (the manufacturer), their directly appointed representative, or with their specific authorization.

Now in practice, there are lots of ways that serial numbers can be covered; a common one is grips on handguns. The fact that this section is frequently violated doesn't make violating it legal.

Mr. "BearCreekRoad" nailed it, and with the appropriate citation to statute.

If the S/N is covered by something that the factory did, there is no violation.

If it's covered by something that you did, then it's illegal.

This is a situation ripe for the application of enforcement guidance of Penal Code section 4, but that is gonna be situation-dependent.

[D_K]

California PC 537e: "(a) Any person who ... has in his or her possession any personal property from which the manufacturer?s serial number, ...has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed, is guilty ..."

See the word "covered" in there?

There is an exception in 537e(d), but it does not apply, since the covering wasn't done by Ruger (the manufacturer), their directly appointed representative, or with their specific authorization.

Now in practice, there are lots of ways that serial numbers can be covered; a common one is grips on handguns. The fact that this section is frequently violated doesn't make violating it legal.

Oh boy. Ok thanks guys. I'll pull it apart locate the serial number and see what I need to Dremel for it to not lose it's firmness but be visible. I can always depend on y'all for throwin penal codes out at me!! Lol

[G-forceJunkie]

Think how many Glocks with weapon lights are technically illegal.

[SVT-40]

Think how many Glocks with weapon lights are technically illegal.

Not many, as Glocks also have their SN's on their slides and barrels.

[RTE]

Oh boy. Ok thanks guys. I'll pull it apart locate the serial number and see what I need to Dremel for it to not lose it's firmness but be visible. I can always depend on y'all for throwin penal codes out at me!! Lol

Take a picture of the serial number on your phone...do not modify the stock just to satisfy a LEO if you should ever encounter one.
If a LEO wants to ask you can show the picture.
If that's not good enough for them, it can be taken down and confirmed.

I have multiple Rossi 62's without a serial number.

[Tank 57]

Find a way to cleanly duplicate the S/N on the stock. Or go Bubba and just write with a sharpie.

[benjamin101677]

A lot of older browning hi powers with the wrap around grips cover the serial number. I won?t worry about a grip that covered a serial number. I would just have a cell phone photo of the serial number and have the ability by having a screw driver to remove the grips.

I think there would be a difference in the section code mentioned about cover between a temporary cover like a grip and what some people may do that won?t be temporary. Non temporary cover that the section would apply to in my opinion be like someone redoing a gun blueing and filling in the serial number where it is not readable.

I won?t over think things with serial numbers under grips.

[D_K]

My issue more than anything is if I come across an over zealous leo (which we all know there are) and he woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day he could at the very least confiscate and take it with him to have the bullpup cover removed and the serial number verified then I'd have to go in and retrieve my firearm. As all of us are law abiding citizens I don't want there to even be an iota of chance for that to happen. So I'm going to try and make as presentable nice port to see the serial number on the receiver just to put my mind at ease. That's the project today.... It looks like where I need to Dremel has some good meat on that section so we shall see

[splithoof]

My issue more than anything is if I come across an over zealous leo (which we all know there are) and he woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day he could at the very least confiscate and take it with him to have the bullpup cover removed and the serial number verified then I'd have to go in and retrieve my firearm. As all of us are law abiding citizens I don't want there to even be an iota of chance for that to happen. So I'm going to try and make as presentable nice port to see the serial number on the receiver just to put my mind at ease. That's the project today.... It looks like where I need to Dremel has some good meat on that section so we shall see

Before you do that, ask yourself how many folks you know who have had a covered serial number on a firearm become an issue. I personally know a lot of folks who regularly transport all types of firearms all over the country, and never has it ever come up. About the only circumstance I think it might be an issue is foreign travel wherein a customs official needs to verify the serial number on the weapon to verify the same is on any required documentation.
If anyone has ever actually had a covered serial number on a firearm become an issue in itself, please let me know.

[Snoopy47]

Now in practice, there are lots of ways that serial numbers can be covered; a common one is grips on handguns. The fact that this section is frequently violated doesn't make violating it legal.

Is there a LEO exemption?

I ask, because all rail mounted lights on Glocks well.......................

[Snoopy47]

Not many, as Glocks also have their SN's on their slides and barrels.

except those with after market slides and barrels.

The legal serial number is the frame only

[splithoof]

except those with after market slides and barrels.

The legal serial number is the frame only

Correct.