What to do about a "throwdown"??

Colt Super

I have a recent acquaintance who wants to sell me an old, refinished 1911 - not an A1 - cheap.

The problem: ALL the markings have been removed.

He says it was handed down from his great Grandpa, won't let me take photos of it.

The refinish was done so well that it looks as though the pistol was made without any markings.

Is that possible ??

Should I take any action ?

What are the possible consequences if I buy it, and a Policeman happens upon it in my possession ??

Oh, yeah - it also has an extended and threaded barrel.

Thank you, and...

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

Doug

Hawk Carse

Your "recent acquaintance" is no friend and the so-called "refinish" was not "well done."

It is illegal to remove the serial number from a firearm.
It is illegal to sell a firearm that has had the serial number removed.
It is illegal to buy a firearm that has had the serial number removed.
It is illegal to possess a firearm that has had the serial number removed.

The gun is, in BATF terminology, "contraband" and would be confiscated if it came to law enforcement's attention. What else they did would depend on the circumstances.

Wehrmacht_45

Not so true. Guns were only required to have serial numbers when the Gun Control Act of 1968 was passed and it might have been shaved clean before then. However, it is best to always take the side of caution as it is a gray area and most law officials rarely are in the know as far as the extensive firearms regulations go and the burden of proof would be on you to prove yourself innocent.

And really the gun has no collectors value due to the alterations.

You would be better off having a good smith build a 1911 on a Caspian 1911 frame to get the original 1911 looks. The metallurgy would be much better anyways in a modern pistol.



At least that's how I see it. I would walk and let him peddle it somewhere else.

Colt Super

Thanks, guys.

I guess this firearm will not have a future with me.

I don't like the concept of proving innocence.

Merry Christmas !!

Doug

bobski

some 1911 guns were not serialized. sell it.

tccox

Doug, the sky is falling, the sky is falling.

Sell that thing to me. Cheep of course. I have never seen such wussies as here. If it don't have a serial number on it, it just causes them to pee in their pants.

However, change the barrel
so they can't charge the last murder to your gun! Tom

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

givette

quote:Originally posted by tccox
Doug, the sky is falling, the sky is falling.

Sell that thing to me. Cheep of course. I have never seen such wussies as here. If it don't have a serial number on it, it just causes them to pee in their pants.

However, change the barrel
so they can't charge the last murder to your gun! Tom

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

May be a lunchbox special. The lack of "side markings on the slide" is a clue..no way to tell without a hands-on, however.

To Doug: Put tccox in direct contact with your acquaintance (taking you out of the loop) if you don't want to buy it. Best, Joe

Hawk Carse

Guns were not required to have serial numbers before GCA 1968, true.
But it is still illegal to remove the serial number from a gun of any age or to own a gun with the serial number removed if it ever had one. One of the other boards had a BATF letter to the effect, there is no doubt the feds do not approve.

nononsense

I will once again remind the members that it is against the Posting Guidelines to Buy, Sell or Trade on the Gunbroker Forums.

Best.