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serial number
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 9:39 pm
by smyrna
I know that tampering with a serial number or removal is a BIG no-no. But, what if a firearm is being restored or even refinished? What if the process of refinishing/restoring required externsive buffing to remove pits/scratches, and part of the number would be obliterated in the process. Is a gunsmith or individual who refinishes firearms allowed to restamp serial numbers? Assuming that they can, are there any legal "hoops" to jump through...paperwork,etc.?
Re: serial number
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:02 pm
by SCone
Found this on M1911.org....
Generally, you contact ATF, tell them what you have. The gun is turned over to a state or Fed lab for the process of raising the numbers.
If unsuccessful, ATF will issue new a new number for the gun, and it will be sent to a gunsmith who can install the numbers. Then it will be inspected by ATF before being returned to the owner.
If the numbers can be raised, and if they are perfectly legible, then the gun is turned back to the owner. If the numbers can be raised, but they are hard to read, then again a 'smith must re-engrave/stamp them, and ATF must inspect.