FFL used number stamped in crane as serial #

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Harold45-

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Is there anything I must do to correct this? I am sure the number stamped in crane was used on the paperwork when I picked up this M36 as the grips covered the bottom of the frame where I found the Ser#. Grips had not been off in years, so I am sure the Ser# was not recorded. In the auction the Ser# listed was the # in the crane. That made me miss-calculate what gun this actually was. Also there is another # stamped in crane. E 10 which is also on the left side of frame, along with another #, F 16. What could these #s represent?
 

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The serial number is located on the bottom of the frame. Those Bianchi Lightning stocks will ruin a gun, causing rust and corrosion if not meticulously maintained.
 

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Two answers…

If the FFL used the “assembly number” as the SN and it was recorded as such, not sure there is anything to do about it. If you sell it use the real SN.

The other stampings are various factory internal codes from assemblers, fitters and inspectors.
 
I wouldn't do anything unless and until someone told me to. It's not really your problem. If you sell the gun, then I would use the real number but other than that, it's a bureaucracy issue for someone else to worry about. If the FFL gets called on it, I'm sure they will contact you to correct it.
 
I see that you are in Texas. As such, there is no state "registry," where it will be recorded. You can inform the ffl holder, as others have suggested, because there is a "slight" chance this will be caught by ATF during an audit of 4473's. In a state like California, where there is a state registry, you could notify their DOJ, but in my experience, they don't care, and would not correct it anyway. Trust me, when I lived, and worked there, I tried.
 
Not unusual, and a "lot" of small dealers have inadvertently (unknowingly) listed the "assembly" number as a s/n. If you recently purchased the gun I'd let the dealer know so he can correct his bound book. If you have had it for some time, I'd not bother, as it may cause the dealer more work than he is willing to do. (Digging through old boxes of 4473"s).
 
Small dealers and some large ones too. Bought an M&P from the 1920s a couple years ago from the local Cabelas, had standard service stocks so the SN was clearly visible. Gun library guy filled out the 4473, had it checked by the manager, and it was checked again when I paid for it at check out. Got it home and looked at the paperwork, yes, they'd used the assembly number and not the SN on the butt.

Another time got a call from a nearby police department asking if I'd bought a gun with SN whatever. I said no, to which they said "well, we have paperwork here showing that you did, can you bring it in please." I did and it turned out I was looking at the SN on the butt which wasn't the number he had; the assembly number which the shop had used just happened to match the SN of a gun used in a homicide in NY. Easily resolved when I showed the police where the real SN was located.

Happens more often than we'd think it should.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
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Right, you could not count on the fingers of the board members the number of Smiths registered by the conveniently located assembly number. Because it is the same place Colt puts their serial number for one thing.
 
It happens all the time, every day. What could possibly happen to you?

I think FFL's are getting better as the ATF has been cracking down but in the last 10 years since I started buying guns more frequently I have had just about any number stamped on a gun used as a serial number. Even had a FFL tell me that a Colt Woodsman had no serial number because it was produced pre 1968 even after I showed him the serial number. I've had shops complain because a shipping FFL used the wrong serial number and then they proceed to use another incorrect number on the gun as the serial number.

Exported and re-imported military guns can have many things stamped on them. All the numbers being equally useless for solving some random crime that the powers that be believe having a serial number will prevent or otherwise provide useful data to law enforcement.

Trying to trace a 50/60 year old gun is never going to work. The original owner is probably gone and it has been sold and resold potentially half a dozen times. Just avoid committing any crimes with it and you'll be fine...
 
I would not worry about it. I have bought firearms from small and large FFL dealers and they all sometimes get the serial number wrong.
 
At least it has a SN. I've received 2 from Proxibid auctions (they only showed a side view in the catalog), that had the only legal SN on the butt ground off. Can't remember if they used the assembly number or the SN off the cylinder face. Both auction houses sent me a pre-paid UPS label and a full refund when I mentioned they sold and shipped an illegal gun.
 
I bought a Model of 1950 .45 ACP from a Cabela's store and they recorded the assembly number as the serial number. I discovered this as they were doing the paperwork and I pointed out they had used the incorrect number. The clerk filling out the 4473 looked at me like I had three eyes! After a minute or so absorbing what I was saying, she walked back behind her and checked with another employee, he just shrugged, like I was trying to pull a fast one. I had done what I thought was my duty, and if they didn't know the correct serial number, it was no longer my problem. I was thinking they would not make the sale due to the confusion. One would think the experts at Cabela's Gun Library would know better.
 
When I lived in NY where every gun is registered to the owner by serial number I would have a strong desire to correct it. Now that I live in Arizona ( much like Texas) where guns are not linked to specific owners by serial number I wouldn’t concern myself
 
If I understand Texas's gun laws correctly, it's only a problem for the FFL if ATFE comes looking for a trace . . .

Harold45- said:
Is there anything I must do to correct this? I am sure the number stamped in crane was used on the paperwork when I picked up this M36 as the grips covered the bottom of the frame where I found the Ser#. Grips had not been off in years, so I am sure the Ser# was not recorded. In the auction the Ser# listed was the # in the crane. That made me miss-calculate what gun this actually was. Also there is another # stamped in crane. E 10 which is also on the left side of frame, along with another #, F 16. What could these #s represent?
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