Of what value are the serial number lists and how secure are they when a collector requests you to send he or she the serial number of certain guns that you own? Do you send them when asked? What are your thoughts.

I'm a bit prejudiced because I maintain a couple of databases on Colt New Services, but if you're dealing with a long-time member of a given Forum, I don't think there's much danger, if any.

In many cases, the only way to answer specific questions about a given model is to examine existing guns. In some cases, factory records are available, but that's not the case many times.

Of course, if it makes you uncomfortable, you need to do what you want. PM'ing the data keeps it confined to the specific person you want to see it.

Buck

I for one am not concerned publishing serial number data. I think it would be difficult without a lot of conspiracy on a perpetrator's part to pull off a scam and try to steal a gun by saying it was stolen from them. To the point until someone proves otherwise I dont think the endeavor would be worthy.
I compare the databases to the ancient scrolls. This is history, and in many cases is the only thing that helps to narrow a timeframe down and help legitimize a particular gun. A case in point comes to mind right off hand on the rare nickel Mod 28 FHP guns. They only fall within a particular serial number range (as do others) and without a database one could easily spend several 100 dollars on a worthless gun.

I am continuously working on research on the Mod 39, in particular, and S&W semi-auto in general. I don't share the specifics of my database but will share the general model change information to answer questions other forum members ask. I would personally go with my gut on who I share my serial number or gun collection information with. You can always do a search on a member's past posts to get a feeling about their personality.

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J.D. Roy