(unintentional) serial number oblideration?

[shootsocal_dave]

What would you do if someone ships you a spoterized ww1/ww2 rifle with a scope mount that was drilled through the SN? Think Krag rifle, where the SN is right on the left side of the reciever?

I mean something like that could have been done decades before serial numbers were required and before any laws said otherwise. Cant ship it back? Law enforcement turn in>? Theoretically, whats your options in a situation like that?

[M1NM]

Bottom line you have a gun with the serial number obliterated/removed. Illegal. Yes serial numbers weren't required prior to 68 but if a gun had one it can't be removed.

[shootsocal_dave]

That's what Im asking. Is your only option at that point to turn it into law enforcement? Or a gun buy back?

[kemasa]

Gun buy back is the easy way to get rid of a problem firearm, just like the criminals do.

[taperxz]

Gun buy back is the easy way to get rid of a problem firearm, just like the criminals do.

[kemasa]

It is illegal to have a firearm which has the serial number defaced. It does not matter when it was done, just that is how it is today. There are no exceptions, unfortunately.

[Dark Hunt]

If a gunsmith refinishes a gun or modifies the gun such that the serial number is altered, he can stamp the same serial number in a new location on the receiver.

Pull the barrel from the stock and see if the serial number was stamped on the receiver in a different location.

If you happen to have a set of 1/8" number stamps ........

[ugimports]

If it's a C&R firearm and was imported it's quite possible the importer re-stamped a SN on it. I got a pair of K31s recently where the stamping was so light (not sure if intentional or cheap) that I literally had to rub my fingernail over it (like chalk) to fill in the tiny dots in order to read the SN.

Got a pair of Century made FAL receivers that were similarly poorly marked. Had to basically fill in the holes in order to read it. Could barely feel the engraving with my fingers as well.

As mentioned right above this it's possible a SN is re-marked.

Depending where you got it from you can ask what SN they used for it. I usually do this if I see 2 "clear" SNs to make sure I'm tracking what the rifle has been tracked with through A&D logs rather than choose the wrong SN.

Just my $.02...

[shootsocal_dave]

I appreciate all the replies. I think its just going to end up being turned in or destroyed. Once the SN is defaced, its pretty much just contraband.

[ugimports]

I appreciate all the replies. I think its just going to end up being turned in or destroyed. Once the SN is defaced, its pretty much just contraband.

Not sure if you saw my reply, but there might be another SN on record for that firearm. Don't burn it just yet (unless indeed there is no other SN on it)... Did the person that shipped it confirm that was the correct SN (the one with the hole in it)? If so, then I guess my comments don't matter!

[shootsocal_dave]

Not sure if you saw my reply, but there might be another SN on record for that firearm. Don't burn it just yet (unless indeed there is no other SN on it)... Did the person that shipped it confirm that was the correct SN (the one with the hole in it)? If so, then I guess my comments don't matter!

The krag rifle, and most US military firearms only have the SN one time on the frame. Many german guns have it 5+ times, yes, but not in this case. Thanks anyways.

I actually got word back from the ATF. They told me IF we wanted to jump through the loops, they could call the Law Enforcement office and have them try to re-issue the SN. This would require the ATF picking up the gun, and possible sending it back to the firearms technology branch back east. AND its not guaranteed to work.

They said if it wasn't worth the hassle, destroy or LE turn in are options. But they were surprisingly avid in trying to help me which is always cool considering the DOJs negative opinion on things.