Is there a serial number under the barrel on the flat? Secondly, is there a serial number on the yoke that is only visible by shinning a light through one of the chambers when lined up with the yoke.
The problem with quoting chapter and verse from the BATF regulations or any other source is that it doesn't always give the full picture. You may or may not comply with section XX in paragraph YY but what about section AA on page BB?????
Interpreting the law is the job for lawyers and they don't always get it right.
Also, if one looks at the section of the rule shown, the last line says that the serial number can not be one used on any other gun manufactured by that maker. Did S&W ever number another gun with 23939????
Now, to play devils advocate to those running for cover and wanting to throw the gun in the river, how many times in your lifetime have you been stopped by the police, the BATF, the National Guard, the Army, Navy, Marines or your local librarian and asked to see the serial number on the butt of your gun????
And even if that did happen, would they not think that the butt number was the real serial number??? Only if 23939 comes up as a stolen gun or a murder weapon, what are the odds that the caliber would be the same???
So, all in all, I think we are making mountains out of mole hills.
