It's not just pawn shops.. I have transferred several old S&W where the guy behind the counter had no clue. They always go for the yoke #, looking for the model # as well. A 22/32 HFT was the funniest one, the model # did not come up in the drop down box on the registration computer.. They learned a lot that day. LOL. A K38 was a model 10 on the registration form.. My first deer rifle which I still have is a 1944 BCD code K98. It has no serial number on the receiver... They used the serial number off the barrel. Lots of Waffenmats and other stamps, no serial # No import marks either. That one worries me a bit. I still have the Federal form copy for the early 70's just in case...