defaced serial number

[derek84]

So, I'm just gonna start out by calling this one, and proclaiming my idiocy to all. I'm new to revolvers, so I made a huge mistake when I traded my 9mm for this model 19-3. The original serial number on the butt of frame is there and in tact, so I thought nothing of it. I get home, am looking at the gun and notice that the serial number AND model number on the yolk have been stamped/beaded/defaced. Well, I of course freaked out, and called a friend of mine who owns a pawn shop. He says as long as the original serial # is there the gun is legal, but I want to get some other options. I live in Missouri, which has some pretty lax gun laws. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Derek

 

[one eye joe]

WHY SOME IDIOT WOULD DO THAT TO YOUR REVOLVER BOGGLES MY MIND. I AGREE WITH YOUR PAWN SHOP FRIEND. IF THE NUMBER ON THE BUTT IS LEGIT, THE FIREARM IS LEGIT…...

 

[derek84]

Thanks man, I appreciate that. Yea it really got my blood going when I noticed that. I don't understand why they would do that to one serial # but not the other. Here are some pics

 

[derek84]

A pic of the gun. I lover gun by way, shoots so much better than anything I've ever shot previous. I'm definitely on the revolver banwagon.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

The Gun has Target Stocks so the Idiots thought they where erasing the only serial number.Have You ran the Gun with your Local PD to see if it's stolen?

 

[derek84]

Yea it's good to go, no issues there. The guy said it was his grandfathers gun and he got it like that.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Yea it's good to go, no issues there. The guy said it was his grandfathers gun and he got it like that.

Well...It makes Zero sense but just be glad they where not smrt enough to take the Stocks off.

 

[derek84]

Yea it made no sense to me either. should I swap the grips out so that it's visible if I'm ever stopped with it?

 

[CajunBass]

If you're ever stopped with it, tell them the S/N is on the grip frame...same as every other Smith & Wesson revolver.

 

[Shootbrownelk]

Derek, your chances of being stopped and having your guns serial #'s checked are slim to none. Don't fret about it, and enjoy your S&W.

 

[Hapworth]

...I lover gun by way...

That's fine. Time's are changing. No one's here to judge you. Frankly, you're probably not the first -- not around here, anyway.

But you might want to keep it private for the time being...

 

[murphydog]

Some states have more lenient gun laws (or enforcement), but note that a missing serial number on a gun is a Federal felony. Fortunately, this doesn't apply to your model 19. Enjoy!

 

[Jdavis]

If it really bugs you and the gun is proven legitimate, you may be able to get the holes welded and buffed flush. The model and serial numbers could be stamped again. S&W might be able to do it but, my thoughts are that you will need to take it to one of the larger gunsmith companies or refinishers and provide documentation that the gun is legitimate before they will do the work.

 

[Jim Watson]

That wasn't the serial number.
Defacing the assembly number and model number might show criminal intent but not an illegal result.
Unless it had been stolen, which I saw happen here once.

 

[CaptRon956]

That wasn't the serial number.
Defacing the assembly number and model number might show criminal intent but not an illegal result.
Unless it had been stolen, which I saw happen here once.

That's right! I'm no revolver expert but the #'s on the yolk would be the model # & asssembly #'s, not serial #'s.

If I found that on one of my guns it would burn my butt & play with my mind... I think you should seriously look into getting it repaired/restored because all it's gonna do is hurt the pistols value later down the road if you wish to sell it or god forbid get into any kind of legal trouble in regards to firearms.

Why would someone do that?

 

[nodpete]

As mentioned above, take it to the police and ask them to run a check on it, I've done that several times.

 

[k22fan]

That wasn't the serial number.
Defacing the assembly number and model number might show criminal intent but not an illegal result. [...]

On model 19-3s the serial number is stamped next to the model number where holes were drilled in this revolver. The assembly number was relocated to the grip frame to make room for the model number and s/n in 1957. Defacing the model number is a crime under Washington law. On that point your local laws may vary. When members post that the serial number was removed from a S&W revolver's butt we jump all over them about how removing the s/n in one of the two spots it is stamped on the frame is a crime. In the text of the law I don't see any distinction between removing one stamping or the other. Whether or not a LEO would try to make a case out of it is a different question.

[...] you may be able to get the holes welded and buffed flush. The model and serial numbers could be stamped again. S&W might be able to do it but, my thoughts are that you will need to take it to one of the larger gunsmith companies or refinishers and provide documentation that the gun is legitimate before they will do the work.

Before a gunsmith or even S&W can restamp the s/n they have to obtain a letter from the BATFE giving them permission to do so. In cases were the original s/n does not remain on the frame BATFE assigns the new s/n. In the past those numbers began with ATF.

I would not fire magnums through a Model 19 after its frame's heat treatment was softened by welding. It is also very likely the frame would warp if it was welded.

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Long, long ago in a far away land a S&W forum member might have done something that a strict nun would not have approved of. If they were a normal member why would they post that detail of their life here where the nuns will read it?

 

[Old Corp]

I bought a 27-3 off of GB some years back. Seller was upfront and honest, same thing had been done to it in the frame window. S/N on butt was untouched. It had been stolen/recovered. Think I paid ~$350 or so.
I stoned away the punch marks and covered with cold blue.

Got rid of it to get something else.

 

[murphydog]

Guys, the OP wrote he had the SN checked and the model 19 wasn't in the system as stolen (post #6).

Most factory Target stocked K frames of the era had both the model stamp and SN in the yoke recess so the stocks didn't have to be removed to see the SN. Bottom line is the official SN is on the grip frame, and unless a state law mandates it having the model, SN and assembly numbers restamped is not needed.

 

[Green Frog]

While reading this thread I had a thought (I know, dangerous thing!) How about if at some time in the past the cylinder and yoke were replaced? Maybe it was a Model 14 and the barrel was replaced too. Since those parts that were numbered would not match to real SN on the butt, they may have been obliterated to avoid conflicting info on the gun. Just a thought...

Froggie