Question about serial #

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possom813

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I just screwed up a serial number with a screwdriver, it scratched a number completely out of the middle of the sequence.

Is there any way to fix this, or did I just royally screw up?
 
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Ouch. That's bad. Not sure how bad. Not sure how you "fix" a serial number well enough that law enforcement won't take a dim view. Maybe engrave the right number somewhere else?

In point of fact, I don't know. I hope somebody can help.
 
possom813 said:
NFA polymer lower, the serial number doesn't appear to be much more than a foil sticker right next to the safety selector.

The safety selector is incredibly tight, so I was pulling it out to adjust it, but it being that tight, I was having to use tools to pull it back out, and the tool slipped and scratched the foil sticker
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Another reason I'm glad that I have all-steel guns.
 
I too am curious how this would shake out, however it seems a gun is still your property. Would this make it illegal? I have had a number of firearms which were manufactured without any serial number. Still have a Savage dbl barrel 12 gauge I bought 50 years ago and which has no number - not unusual pre-1968.
 
possom813 said:
Called the local sheriff's office, they told me all I could do was turn it in.
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Before I go running to the local sheriff I would be calling the manufacturer.

When I first saw your post I was admitted unfamiliar with those lowers. Then with a Google I saw some. Now I can easily understand how what happened did happen. Could they have gotten any more cheesy? You might be able to exchange the lower or more likely send it to the manufacturer and have them replace the plate.

Just My Take
Ron
 
Not having a serial number in the first place prior to the 1968 GCA is one thing.

Defacing a serial number if there is one is a whole nother matter.

I agree you need to contact the manufacture ASAP for an exchange or replacemnt lower.

rc
 
I was given to believe the serial number had to be permanently marked on the reciever by the manufacturer. A piece of foil tape stuck on with rubber cement is not permanent. Are you sure it is not stamped in some other location?
 
wonder if its actually engraved under your foil?? like in this pic I found online.
6nz8dd.gif

Regardless I would strip it, as the receiver is the only part that would have to be turned in to authorities or returned to NFA.
 
RJTravel said:
I too am curious how this would shake out, however it seems a gun is still your property. Would this make it illegal?...
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Yes.

The law, 18 USC 922(k) (emphasis added):
....(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport, ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which has had the importer’s or manufacturer’s serial number removed, obliterated, or altered or to possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer’s or manufacturer’s serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce....
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RJTravel said:
...I have had a number of firearms which were manufactured without any serial number. Still have a Savage dbl barrel 12 gauge I bought 50 years ago and which has no number - not unusual pre-1968.
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That's okay for a gun made before 1968. But an altered or defaced serial number on a gun made after (or even before) 1968 is something else entirely.
 
You should have contacted the manufacturer before contacting anyone else.

You also haven't posted a picture of the damage so members know exactly what the damage looks like.
 
Stop contacting law enforcement agencies! The odds of "phone answerer guy" at the local PD giving you the best advice in this situation is slim to none. Call the manufacturer, and ask if there is any way that they can repair or replace the lower. They just might surprise you.
 
^^, Law enforcements answer is always going to be negative, you could be speaking to a desk clerk, please do what the above few gents have requested.
That number is likelly someware else. Also check for a box or bill of sale that may have it on there.
 
The serial number is on the same type of material as in the photo. It's actually an aluminum block embedded in the polymer. It's just not a very deep engraving in the aluminum, and when the screwdriver whacked it, it did some damage.

For what it's worth, waiting on the atf to call back now.

The lady I just spoke with mentioned that,'due to the circumstance' they may issue the receiver a new serial #.

And, the manufacturer stated to take it to a trophy shop and have the number restamped. So far, everyone except for one person, has said that doing that is illegal because the original serial # has been altered, albeit unintentionally.

Also, I do have a bill of sale from the individual that I bought it from, and he's looking for the receipt from when he purchased it from his FFL.
 
Not sure what's going to happen with it yet. Hopefully, they come out and x-out the factory number and stamp in a new # and everything's peachy-keen with it again.
 
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tyeo098 ... They'll probably come and confiscate it.

Or haul you off to the pokey...
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Is this based on any factual precedent or merely hysterical specualtion on your part?
 
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So, sometime next week, when I have all the paperwork in hand, I'll be calling the atf back, and the gentleman I spoke with said they'll send an agent out to inspect it and may issue the lower a new serial number.
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I strongly doubt that the agent who comes to inspect your firearm is going to be bringing the right tools with him to issue a new serial number. I sincerely hope this all goes well for you, but I'm feeling pretty skeptical.
 
Is this based on any factual precedent or merely hysterical specualtion on your part?
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Since I used the word 'probably' its a purely factual statement :D

I would not have called anyone if this happened. I would have gotten a punch or flat head precision screwdriver and tried to repair it.

IIRC the law says 'alter' and 'obliterate' so restoring it to its original # shouldn't run afoul, correct?
 
Oh good grief. The agent will probably just issue a corrected 4473 with a new serial # or simply note said damage and tell you to correct it.
 
possom813 .....And, the manufacturer stated to take it to a trophy shop and have the number restamped. So far, everyone except for one person, has said that doing that is illegal because the original serial # has been altered, albeit unintentionally.
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This is the best advice of the day and for some reason you are choosing to ignore it.:rolleyes:
It is not illegal to "deepen" the original markings or engraving.



possom813
Not sure what's going to happen with it yet. Hopefully, they come out and x-out the factory number and stamp in a new # and everything's peachy-keen with it again.
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ATF doesn't stamp serial numbers on firearms.



Prince Yamato Oh good grief. The agent will probably just issue a corrected 4473 with a new serial # or simply note said damage and tell you to correct it.
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Nope. The 4473 isn't registration, but a record of transfer from a dealer.






StrawHat
Quote:
tyeo098 ... They'll probably come and confiscate it.

Or haul you off to the pokey...
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Is this based on any factual precedent or merely hysterical specualtion on your part?
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I received a Micro Galil for transfer that Bubba Seller had Duracoated so thick that all markings were obliterated. My ATF IOI said I could ship it back to the seller or the IOI could come over and confiscate the firearm.......so it isn't speculation at all.;)




.
 
tyeo098 said:
...IIRC the law says 'alter' and 'obliterate' so restoring it to its original # shouldn't run afoul, correct?...
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The law says, "...the importer’s or manufacturer’s serial number removed, obliterated, or altered..."

If the number was damaged and an attempt made to restore it, the number is no longer the number affixed by the importer or manufacturer. Will a court rule that the number has been altered thus resulting in a violation of 18 USC 922(k)? We might hope not, but there's really no way to know unless a court has answered that question.
 
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