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The question of serial numbers
chme
Member Posts: 1,466 ✭✭✭✭
This was brought up in another post, and there is some confusion on this.
Serial numbers have been required for HANDGUNS and machine guns since the 1934 National Firearms Act.
Rifles and shotguns were not (by US law) required to have a serial number until the 1968 Gun Control Act.
However, without regard to the age, if a firearm HAD a serial number, it is a Federal offense to remove or obliterate it. If a serial number has been removed due to wear, refinishing, criminal act (theft) it IS possible to contact BATF about replacing the SN.
Comments
Serial numbers were required on rifles and shotguns that were exported from the U. S. before 1969. I do not know when that became a requirement.
The 1968 Gun Control Act was not signed into law until October 22, 1968 and some provisions had an effectivity date that was a little later.