Being grandpappy's gun doesn't wash away the sins,if sins exist.(buy the gun,not the story)but as long as the butt number is there,you're ok.Myself however,,I'd try to back out.
defaced serial number
- Thread starter derek84
- Start date
Being grandpappy's gun doesn't wash away the sins,if sins exist.(buy the gun,not the story)but as long as the butt number is there,you're ok.Myself however,,I'd try to back out.
Big Cholla
Member
The "Why" that was done at this point is pure conjecture. The practicality is that this handgun is not in the system and is still properly serial numbered. Now, if the OP is not satisfied with the appearance as is the yoke/crane can be easily replaced. And IMHO, a really good welder using the proper equipment/technique can spot weld the divots in the frame (using heat sinks) and the frame can then be refinished. Done right there will be no reason the frame wouldn't remain as strong as it is now. I wouldn't bother with replacing the Mod number after refinishing. In fact, I wouldn't bother doing any alterations to what I see. I would just shoot the heck out of a nice handgun. .........
Jim Watson
Member
It doesn't matter what "the guy said", I would want it run through the system, if I could get the PD to do it.
It can have the serial number still on the butt and still be "hot."
And the resale value is very low because anybody you tried to flip it to would be asking the same questions and getting the same doubts.
It can have the serial number still on the butt and still be "hot."
And the resale value is very low because anybody you tried to flip it to would be asking the same questions and getting the same doubts.
I'm pretty sure that no officer will run a NCIC check on the revolver's serial number unless the gun is in the officer's possession and so can be seized if it is reported stolen.
da gimp
Member
I still have a concern that the model number was defaced too, it has been too long since I read the federal statute, but I was thinking that it was illegal to deface the manufacturer's name, or model/number & or serial number........correct me if I'm wrong guys.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I agree that as long as the original number remains on the butt of the frame the damaged number elsewhere is not a problem. However, I know of no reason...no reason...for a serial to be defaced OTHER than the gun was stolen at some point. It may be so long ago nobody is looking for it any longer. I don't know about this database mentioned but I assume police have some means to check for a stolen gun. If possible to check the serial I would and if nothing came back I would assume whomever lost it is beyond reach at this point and consider the gun to be mine.
Big Cholla
Member
In this State, for one to have a firearm run thru the NCIC Data Base it would have to be presented to a Officer who would then run it. If it came back as stolen it will be confiscated on the spot. IMHO, it is best now that you have revealed to the world you are aware of that possibility, you take that step and find out once and for all what the legal status of that handgun is. If it was stolen and you loose it, then square your shoulders and accept the situation and chaulk it up to experience. .......
Sgt 127
Member
I dunno why, but, I've never seen a hook deface a serial number like that. As mentioned, I wonder if that was another model to start with and a gunsmith deleted the model number or something.
I wouldn't worry about it, but, it's curious.
I wouldn't worry about it, but, it's curious.
jimtr6
Member
If it were my gun and proven legitimate, I would just put JB Weld in the holes and carefully file it down. Then I would enjoy shooting it. Just my 2¢.
Jdavis
Member
Highly unlikely that a licensed gunsmith would eradicate any stamped markings without seeking legal (BATF) permission to do so. More likely that the alterations resulted from previous loss or theft.
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Two or three posters have suggested the serial number might have been removed from a used replacement yoke because its s/n did not match the butt. Yokes were only serialized up until 1956 and their s/n was stamped on their rear end where you looked through a chamber to see it. All hand ejector yokes have the assembly number stamped where the divots were drilled in this yoke. Defacing assembly numbers is not a legal issue. Probably the idiot who drilled the divots didn't know which number was which.
My advise to the O.P. is to read his state laws and if his state doesn't pre-empt firearm laws also read his local laws. Ours being what they are I wouldn't touch that gun.
My advise to the O.P. is to read his state laws and if his state doesn't pre-empt firearm laws also read his local laws. Ours being what they are I wouldn't touch that gun.
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mistermills357
US Veteran
That sounds like something that a thief would do, eradicate the SN.
It may have been stolen at some point, by a typical fool of a thief.
They are not smart, in some important ways, such as looking for the SN in other locations.
The only thing that I can think of is to ask a cop buddy to run the numbers.
It may have been stolen at some point, by a typical fool of a thief.
They are not smart, in some important ways, such as looking for the SN in other locations.
The only thing that I can think of is to ask a cop buddy to run the numbers.
FWIW, it seems obvious to me that the gun had target or large aftermarket grips, and the criminal who removed the numbers thought he was removing all the identifying numbers.
I realize that the above does not answer the OP's question.
I realize that the above does not answer the OP's question.
Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate all the feed back. Yea I'miss guessing that at some point a man of lesser virtues did that fearing the law. I have had the SN ran through 2 different police departments, and they both came back clean, so the worry is gone for me now. I still want to clean up those divots incase I want to sell it down the road. Does anyone know the value of the guN in current condition? I have a picture above.
Thanks again for all your help
Derek
Thanks again for all your help
Derek
Allen-frame
Member
I once walked into a local store where I am a regular.
A man working there who happened to be a ex cop pulls a Colt 32 police
from his bag and hands it to me.
He said it belonged to his uncle who also was a cop.
It was in shooter condition with original wood grips.
He said I could have it as he had no use for it.
Wow, score, I think.
Then I open the cylinder and the serial number had been ground off.
( On Colts it is in the crane-cut, )
We took the gun into the shop and cut the frame in two parts with a hack saw.
Oh well, at least it wasn't a Smith.
Allen Frame
A man working there who happened to be a ex cop pulls a Colt 32 police
from his bag and hands it to me.
He said it belonged to his uncle who also was a cop.
It was in shooter condition with original wood grips.
He said I could have it as he had no use for it.
Wow, score, I think.
Then I open the cylinder and the serial number had been ground off.
( On Colts it is in the crane-cut, )
We took the gun into the shop and cut the frame in two parts with a hack saw.
Oh well, at least it wasn't a Smith.
Allen Frame
I don't know if any of us can pick a deduction amount for the defacement(OK,maybe some of us can!).It simply can't be worth as much as one that hasn't been tampered with.Without the "work",I'm thinking that such a gun would be in the 550-600 range,so work it down from there.
I do know that some of us wouldn't want it for free.
I do know that some of us wouldn't want it for free.
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