handgun serial numbers

[ThePeaceMaker707]

Hello helpful LEO's,

I have a question for you. I understand it is definitely not okay to alter or remove the serial number on a firearm, per 12090 PC. My question is this: what part of the firearm does this apply to? Does it apply only to the frame--the actual "gun" portion of the firearm--or other components as well? I recently bought a new barrel and slide of a different finish, and each of these parts was serialized with a different number, neither one matching the frame. Do these numbers have any significance? They are very visually unappealing and I would like to know if I can safely buff them out, or if it would be felonious to do so. My goal is to enhance the look of my firearm, but not if it means breaking the law. Which components are covered under the definition of a firearm? And am I in the clear to cover these numbers?

[G-forceJunkie]

I'm not a leo...but in the USA, the frame serial number is all that matters. Gun manufactures often serialize the slide and barrel because when exported to other countrys, some use the slide or barrel as "the gun." As long as your frame serial number is not altered, you are free to change, alter or remove the slide and barrel as you wish.

[ThePeaceMaker707]

There are actually two different PC sections I wan't to know about.

1. Does the aforementioned violate 12090 PC regarding firearm identification numbers?

If I'm in the clear for 12090 PC,

2. Am I in the clear for 537e PC regarding serial numbers for property in general?

[Ron-Solo]

Like previous post mentioned, the one on the frame is the one that counts, but removing other numbers is going to raise a big level of suspicion that you don't want to bring down upon yourself. And yes, you could have issues with both 12090 and 537e PC.

It's not worth the headache.

[TrailerparkTrash]

You can switch out serialized barrels, slides and other parts no prob. Just do not tamper with the serialized parts. The frame of a gun, you can't do anyhing to that serial number.

[TrailerparkTrash]

I meant to say do not tamper with the serial number itself on gun parts like he barrel etc. You can throw the barrel in the garbage or swap out barrels etc.... Just dont alter the serial number on any parts. Especialy the frame of the gun.

[ThePeaceMaker707]

Thank you guys for the info. I suppose I'll just polish it up the best I can.

[FLIGHT762]

To the O/P, as been discussed here on the several laws regarding the serial numbers, P.C. 12090 for removing the serial numbers on a firearm, that's pretty straight forward.

You said the slide and the barrel you are replacing has serial numbers stamped by the manufacturer. While P.C. 12090 may not apply, since the frame of the firearm is the part serialized to I.D. the gun, however, 537 P.C. in my opinion would apply if you removed the serial numbers from the barrel and slide, if the manufacturer put them there to identify them.

If I buy a 22L/R conversion kit for my .40 Cal Glock 23 and that kit is serialized from the manufacturer, that number cannot be removed. If that kit was ever stolen, the kit could be entered into APS (Automated property System) as stolen property and removing a serial number can be a violation of 537 (e) and can open you up into a 496 P.C. investigation. Any property that has a serial number and can be entered into APS, that serial number should not be removed.

The example of removing the "Sierra" logos from your vehicle doesn't apply since the VIN number identifies the vehicle. If you buy any custom or "add on" equipment that is serialized by the manufacturer and you remove the serial numbers, 537 (e) applies.

If the barrel and slide you bought to replace the originals was serialized by the manufacturer to identify those parts, I wouldn't remove the serial numbers. Even if the slide and barrel was off of a gun that the manufacturer puts serial numbers on them, I know H&K serial numbers the slide, barrel and frame of their pistols. While It's not illegal for me to use a different barrel and slide off of another USP onto my USP pistol, if I removed those serial numbers off of the slide and barrel, I would be opening me up to possible headaches.

If you want to polish down the numbers as long as the numbers are still clearly legible, I don't see a problem.

I'm not a Lawyer, but i was a Police Officer with over 28 years of service.

[retired]

Killer Bee, you may say you are not giving advice and just sharing your opinion, but the manner in which you wrote your "opinion," could possibly be interpreted by some that you are speaking with some knowledge of the subject.

As you said, you are not a leo or a lawyer. With that admission, you are stating you have no expertise on the subject, but you are suggesting that one has nothing to worry about by removing serial numbers on certain gun parts.

Please do not offer such "opinions" in the future. You might want to review the rules for this specialty forum and let the experts provide their expertise on any given subject. Thank you.

[Notorious]

If something is serialized, don't mess with it. It's not worth the headaches. I've pinched people for scratching serial numbers off bicycle frames and they had to answer in court for it. Even if you have receipts and can prove ownership to avoid a 496, do you want the headaches with the 537?