What do you do with a no ser# rifle?

[mase1b]

I have an old Savage 34 (bolt action .22)...and it was produced with no serial numbers. Apparently this was SOP back in the times when cheap rifles and shotguns were sold over the counter like today's airguns. It's a pretty fun plinker, and I'm not looking to get rid of it...but what can be done with it? I can't sell it via a FFL, they can't accept anything without #'s, I can't really register it since it has no unique identifier, and I'd feel a little weird about selling in a "cash and carry" situation (especially if I didn't know the buyer pretty well).

Seems like this falls into a weird grey area.

[RazzB7]

It's a long gun, doesn't need registration. Therefore doesn't need serial numbers. If you're not planning on getting rid of it, what's the problem?

(I'm not an FFL, but I'm pretty sure it can still be transferred without #s)

[mosinnagantm9130]

If an FFL told you they couldn't accept anything without serial numbers they are full of it. There was no requirement before 1968 for a long gun to have serial numbers.

[ZirconJohn]

Question #28 of the 4473 the FFL fills out as follows;

Firearms manufactured after 1968 should all be marked with a serial number.
Should you acquire a firearm that is not marked with a serial number; you
may answer question 28 with "NSN" (No Serial Number), "N/A" or "None".

[mase1b]

Thanks all!
I'm not looking to sell, I'm just curious and looking to educate myself about a situation that I haven't encountered before.

I did know that it wasn't illegal, and that it didn't need to be registered, but I was told by an FFL that they couldn't touch anything without a serial#; and that seems to be where my confusion started. I'm guessing the FFL was just preempting a transfer by telling me he couldn't do it. As always, the lesson here is don't believe everything you hear!

It's amazing how you could buy military surplus tommy-guns by mail, and long guns didn't need serial#'s once upon a time, considering how things are just a few decades later. Thank god somebody stepped in to change all of that and make us safer! (PS-that's sarcasm)

[ccandgc]

I just DROS'ed a .22 single shot....no serial number. No problem.

[AJAX22]

I just DROS'ed a .22 single shot....no serial number. No problem.

Same here

also some mossberg 500's are pre 68... no serial numbers

[Plisk]

You're fine. Older weapons made without them are common place and are no issue. The SOP for recording them is:
Savage
34
No visible #
Rifle (or Bolt Action Rifle)
.22LR

No issues.

[ccandgc]

Yup...the rifle I just did is a Mossberg 320B.

[ZirconJohn]

Thanks all!
I'm not looking to sell, I'm just curious and looking to educate myself about a situation that I haven't encountered before.

I did know that it wasn't illegal, and that it didn't need to be registered, but I was told by an FFL that they couldn't touch anything without a serial#; and that seems to be where my confusion started. I'm guessing the FFL was just preempting a transfer by telling me he couldn't do it. As always, the lesson here is don't believe everything you hear!

It's amazing how you could buy military surplus tommy-guns by mail, and long guns didn't need serial#'s once upon a time, considering how things are just a few decades later. Thank god somebody stepped in to change all of that and make us safer! (PS-that's sarcasm)

In Bold is, as you now know... is FUD. Any self respecting FFL should otter know this ^^^ here.

In Blue... Oh I hear ya, we are all much-much safer now

[Bikertrash]

I bought a shotgun from my LGS without a serial # on it 2 months ago

[thomascrowe]

I bought my mosin-ngant and there is no visible SN on it...

[bohoki]

I bought my mosin-ngant and there is no visible SN on it...

does it have any import stampings on the barrel?

[NoHeavyHitter]

If an FFL told you they couldn't accept anything without serial numbers they are full of it. There was no requirement before 1968 for a long gun to have serial numbers.

This ^^^

If you're having problems, then contact another FFL holder.

[ClarenceBoddicker]

According to some "official" CGN FUD you would have to put the same markings on it as 07 manufactures are required to do, if you ever want to sell it. Of course ATF has no such requirements for a gun made before 1968 & home built guns. ATF is 100% silent about guns made without a SN or other markings & only suggests (asking not telling) that you mark a home built gun you made & then later wish to sell. We all know FFLs & gun store owners/employees are all highly trained legal scholars with advanced degrees.