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'subdue' an import mark

gotstolefromgotstolefrom Member Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited January 2007 in Ask the Experts
I have a question regarding the import marks that look like they were made with a " dot matrix punch " , if that explains it.

I picked up a piece in very nice condition, but the import stamping could not be in a worse place as far a appearance goes. Any help on 'flattening or blending" them in ?

I went to a gun I had where the markings were tucked under the frame very well. Took all care for a cold re-blue over it, and it came out OK, but the blue also was over the 'un-marked' areas. As mentioned though, not a problem on the test gun.

I then tried using my favorite cold blue, putting it in the 'dots' using a strand of hair (and magnifying glass). It did help, but the 'raised' effect is still there.

Any other help....short of knocking them off ?

As always, thanks.
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Comments

  • Old FoolOld Fool Member Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "Knocking them off" would be a Federal Felony. Anything you do, other than the cold blue, would be very questionable. The ATF regards import markings the same way they regard serial numbers.

    See 27 CFR 178.92

    Best
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  • EOD GuyEOD Guy Member Posts: 931 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Old Fool
    "Knocking them off" would be a Federal Felony. Anything you do, other than the cold blue, would be very questionable. The ATF regards import markings the same way they regard serial numbers.

    See 27 CFR 178.92

    Best




    I have a letter from BATF Firearms Division that states that there is no requirement for the owner of a firearm to maintain the importer's mark. They realize that the mark may be removed by normal wear or maintenance such as barrel replacement.

    There is no longer a Section 178.92 in 27CFR. All references to Sections 178 and 179 were changed to 478 and 479 when BATF was transferred to the Dept of Justice. Section 478.92 only pertains to manufacturers and importers.

    An individual state may have regulations pertaining to markings. Be sure and check there before removing any import marks.
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  • Old FoolOld Fool Member Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Interesting, since the purpose of the importer's marking is to allow for a trace of the firearm. See 26 USC 5842 and ATF Rule 2002-6. Could you post a legible photo of the letter?
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  • EOD GuyEOD Guy Member Posts: 931 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Old Fool
    Interesting, since the purpose of the importer's marking is to allow for a trace of the firearm. See 26 USC 5842 and ATF Rule 2002-6. Could you post a legible photo of the letter?



    When I get home, I'll try and scan the letter and post it.

    One point to remember is that while a mark identifying an importer may be removed, a serial number assigned and marked by an importer may not be removed.
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  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    gotstolefrom,

    "Thank you for visiting ATF's Website. As stated on our site, generally, we do not answer technical questions via e-mail, but I contacted our Firearms Technology Branch (FTB) and was advised the following:
    ""Section 922(k) of Title 18, U.S.C. does not prohibit removal of markings other than serial number. However, removal of required markings from any weapon subject to the National Firearms Act, such as a machinegun, is prohibited under Title 26, U.S.C. section 5861(g).""

    If you have any further questions, please call them on 304-260-1700. Regards,"

    My understanding from ATF Technical Division is that the import marks (NOT the import serial number) can be removed since the firearm in question is now registered in the U.S by the serial number. It's in the books as they say. No serial number can be removed just the import marks.

    Best.

    Old Fool,

    It is a big help if you can C&P those rules or sections since it can take a long time just to search out where that particular rule or section is located. Then we can all read it and understand what you're quoting.

    Or even use a specific link.

    Thanks!
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  • Old FoolOld Fool Member Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I missed that distinction. The importer must be identified some where on the frame, but it can be moved, while the importer's serial number cannot. Perhaps we are in agreement without knowing it[;)]

    Nononsense, as soon as I get around to getting a scanner I will C&P[:I]
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  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Old Fool,

    Thank you but there isn't any need to use a scanner just for me. The Link to the specific page and rule that you supplied was totally sufficient. In fact, here it is for anyone else that wants to read the verbage:

    http://www.atf.gov/firearms/rules/2002-6.pdf

    The ATF has a very distinctive method of writing their rules. I have to read them slowly word by word and more than once in order to NOT miss anything that might be important. I think ATF and all the rest of the Gubment "officials and agencies" should have to write a translation of their rules in PLAIN English. The verbage and constructions that these lawyers use is tantamount to what the Catholic church did by conducting services in Latin. Actually, if they wrote in plain English in the first place the rules could be understood right from the start and save all taxpayers some money.

    Thanks for the link.

    Best.
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  • gotstolefromgotstolefrom Member Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    AGAIN .... GOLDEN FEEDBACK ... best anywhere..thank you.

    I had poured over all my ATF stuff a couple of times..but missed it...and have read through them before.

    I'll take the implied advice and read section by section, then keep the possibles and re-read them.

    THANKS TO ALL
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  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can burnish them down with a piece of polished steel round stock.
    Bill
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  • FrogbertFrogbert Member Posts: 2,380 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The slide on this Bulgy Makarov had been left in a plastic bag and had condensation form on the outside, so I had to refinish and reblue it. I used 400 and 600 wet-or-dry to polish the damage out and cold-blued with Birchwood-Casey Super Blue and a hair dryer.

    The work dramatically improved the appearance of the import mark:
    BulgyMakImportMarkReblue2005.jpg

    Century Arms is the worst at ruining the appearance of the guns they import of anybody I know. Cheap-a__ed bone heads, if you asked me.

    My E. G. Makarov imported by CDI Swan, VT has an extremely small mark that doesn't detract from appearance at all. Class act:
    MakarovEGmine04.jpg
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