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I bought a Kahr PM40 with the factory laser sight and the sight covers the serial number. Would it be kosher to just take the gun to an engraver and have him/her engrave the serial # on the frame?
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Why?NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor
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KM6WLV -
Que?sigpicComment
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It would be pointless, but I don't see why you couldn'tComment
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I'll also ask 'why?'.
-hankoTrue wealth is time. Time to enjoy life.
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Because its my carry piece and if I'm stopped and an officer wants to examine the gun he has a legal right to, right? If the serial number is not showing I'm thinking he'd have a good reason to confiscate the gun. Maybe I'd get it back after the s.n. was uncovered and maybe I wouldn't, it'd depend on where I was stopped.
Things usually turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out.Comment
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But there's nothing wrong with covering the sn with an accessory. If the cop was gonna take your gun for no reason, I think he would do it whether you had a sn engraved or not.Because its my carry piece and if I'm stopped and an officer wants to examine the gun he has a legal right to, right? If the serial number is not showing I'm thinking he'd have a good reason to confiscate the gun. Maybe I'd get it back after the s.n. was uncovered and maybe I wouldn't, it'd depend on where I was stopped.
If you are worried about cops taking your gun without cause, just don't carry.Comment
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The is no reason for him to confiscate or even look for a SN unless, you give him one. You can engrave just about anything you want on the gun, the simple fact is that the ONLY SN that has legal meaning is the3 one the manufacturer put there. Besides, if an under educated person, LEO or not, sees a non factory SN on the gun, they will probably think that it is illegal and you are trying to pull a fast one on them.NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor
California DOJ Certified Fingerprint Roller
Ventura County approved CCW Instructor
Utah CCW Instructor
Offering low cost multi state CCW, private basic shooting and reloading classes for calgunners.
sigpic CCW SAFE MEMBERSHIPS HERE
KM6WLVComment
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Kid,
Your situation is not unique. A lot of S+W "J" frame revolvers also have their Serial Numbers covered by the factory supplied grips.
You may encounter some grief from a LEO due to the provisions of Penal Code section 537e (a). That generally makes it a misdemeanor to possess a serialized item where the Serial Number is "covered". It is important to note that section 537e (d) makes that provision inapplicable where the "covering" is done in the regular course of business by the manufacturer (refer to code for the long version of the wording).
My personal opinion is that an owner-applied Serial Number would raise more concerns on the part of an LEO than it would ever alleviate. I would not do it.
(BTW - My on-duty back-up weapon is a "J" frame as above)If you build a man a fire, you'll keep him warm for the evening. If you set a man on fire, you'll keep him warm for the rest of his life.Comment
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Forget taking the gun to an engraver. If nothing else, you'll lower the resale value of the gun.Comment
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You may also find that when you have your carry license the cops tend to refrain from doing things like taking your gun for no reason. Due to the way the licenses were (and still are in some areas) issued they still have some impact with the street cops. They might think you are someone important.Comment
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OK guys, thanks for the info. I'm not going to worry about it.Things usually turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out.Comment
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NO.
Leave it as it left the factory. Legally, you're best not messing with the Serial # of the gun in any way at all.
It's fine the way it is."You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it."
John Quincy Adams
"You will never know how little my generation has traded away our freedoms and rights for. I'm sorry and ashamed for what we've left to the following generations."
voiceofreasonComment
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Interesting question.
In california you may only carry the particular guns listed on your permit.
Before 1968 serial numbers weren't required.
There is no law that says a carry gun has to be registered.
If stopped, don't confuse the local constabulary with your knowledge.*REMOVE THIS PART BEFORE POSTING*Comment
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