In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Serial Number Reassignment ?

SP45SP45 Member Posts: 1,761 ✭✭✭
edited November 2007 in Ask the Experts
Looked at a 1911 pistol to buy last night. Not in the best condition but a real 1911 USG marked. Left side looked OK and when i turned it over the serial number had been removed with an end mill just enough to remove the numbers. 4 or 5 nice little 1/16" round circles. Forward of where the numbers had been located were what looked to be reassigned numbers. I told him that I would not buy the gun. My question is 1, Did the govt reassign numbers for any reason and can this somehow be proven. 2, The other possibility is that it was stolen and recovered and ATF reassigned a number to it. This may be possible but I was under the impression frames with obliterated numbers would be destroyed. Does anyone know for sure the answer?
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • mussmuss Member Posts: 1,311 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I recently saw an AR-15 with this exact same situation. The original serial number had been milled off and a crude stamping placed over top of it.

    I was thinking stolen gun.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Alteration or removal of the serial number of a firearm is a felony under federal law. On most guns, especially an AR-type rifle, I would assume that any alteration of the serial number is a red flag.

    However, it was not uncommon for the US military to remove/restamp serial numbers. One batch of Colt 1911's had the number removed & restamped at the factory. During arsenal refinishing, serial numbers that became difficult to read after refinishing were restamped. In addition, guns that were reported stolen & later recovered were sometimes renumbered. More recently, ATFE has given permission to individuals to renumber 1911's that had the serial number removed, or were produced without one; this would be the only case where you could "prove" that the number was good.

    In many cases we can tell from the font & other things if the number is good. My observation is that it is usually too uncertain for ATFE to prosecute anyone for simple possession. Had you posted photos, we might have been able to tell you more.

    Neal
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hello The U.S. government at the start of WW II bought some colts that started out as Civilian models and XXXed out the serial but Never took an end mill to the frame. I have a 1918 frame with no serial number and a 1920 slide put together into a complete pistol "LUNCH BOX " I have a letter from BATFE stating OK to own. At that time pistols DID NOT have to have a serial Number. I think I would pass on yours .
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.