Question about covered serial numbers

[CA_NewGunner]

I recently purchased my first handgun, and hoping an officer could answer a question for me.

First let me say I live in Long Beach, CA and have great respect for the police here. They have always treated me fair and, in my opinion, do an excellent job responding quickly.

My question is that I read some law that said you cannot 'conceal, obscure, etc.' your gun serial number, but on my Glock 17, if I was to put an accessory on the lower rail (light, laser, etc.) it would be mounted over the frame serial number.

I have not formulated an opinion on Open Carry (pro or con.) but if someone was to open carry following all other the CA rules, would a laser/light attachment that covered the frame serial number be a violation?

Thanks for your help!

[Samuelx]

What would you put there that could not be removed?

[alex00]

The law (PC 12090) uses the term "changes, alters, removes or obliterates" when describing what you may not do to the serial numbers of your firearms. Covering the number with accessories is not against the law. If we have a legitimate need to see your serial number the accessory can be removed.

[1911su16b870]

Glocks have their serial numbers on the barrel and slide as well!

[BigDogatPlay]

Covering the serial number with a removable piece of gear is no crime.

Example, I have an S&W snub revolver which got out of the factory without the s/n stamped inside the crane which is not unusual. The s/n is also stamped on the underside of the grip frame... always. The grips that came with it cover the bottom of the grip frame hence cover the s/n.

But that does not "change, alter, remove or obliterate". Those words all have specific meaning in the dictionary and hence in the law.

[CSACANNONEER]

Glocks have their serial numbers on the barrel and slide as well!

Those do not matter. Only the SN the FRAME has any relevance.

[gunrun45]

There is interpretation of federal law that was postulated in an opinion letter written by an ATF agent several years ago that you can't cover a serial number... That being said, I have NEVER heard of an official ruling in the opinions favor, there are MANY companies that offer products that naturally cover serial numbers placed in various parts of the gun, and I have NEVER heard of it being enforced.

[yzErnie]

You would have to be reasonable in the enforcement. Many depts issue Glocks and either issue or authorize tac lights/lasers for their officers. Therefore, if strictly enforced, these officers would also be in violation. I have never seen in my career anyone get popped for covering a serial number with a removeable item on their gun.

[GrizzlyGuy]

The law (PC 12090) uses the term "changes, alters, removes or obliterates" when describing what you may not do to the serial numbers of your firearms. Covering the number with accessories is not against the law. If we have a legitimate need to see your serial number the accessory can be removed.

A law that is more relevant to covering vs. obliterating is 537e. The exception that you mention for covering with accessories is codified in (c):

(c) This section does not apply to those cases or instances where
any of the changes or alterations enumerated in subdivision (a) have
been customarily made or done as an established practice in the
ordinary and regular conduct of business, by the original
manufacturer, or by his or her duly appointed direct representative,
or under specific authorization from the original manufacturer.

Note that I've seen at least one of the LEA memos on open carry say that they can enforce 537e against the open carriers (some suggest using tape to cover the serial number so that the LEO can't read it during the 12031(e) check). I can't remember which department this memo was from, but a CGN or Google search would likely turn it up.

ETA: It is the Sunnyvale memo discussed here.

[Unit74]

Glocks have their serial numbers on the barrel and slide as well!

True.... but a gun savvy cop will know the frame is typically the "firearm" by definition.

As long as there was no intent to do anything your fine. An accessory such as a light or laser is a common device attached to the weapon and is not prohibited. Show the officer how to remove the device to expose the S/N.

If there was any question as to the legality of it request a supervisor to respond to the scene immediately. That should clear up the rookie's hookem and bookem thoughts for the day.