Does the serial number look odd to you on this Victory model?

[ordnanceguy]

There is no doubt in my mind that the U.S. military did NOT refinish this revolver or re-apply the butt serial number. My strong recommendation to the original poster would be to let this pooch go and save your money for an un-monkeyed with example.

Regards,
Charlie

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Flick, I have never heard of the term "pooch" before. What a nice way of saying, ditch this dog. Very diplomatic.

 

[handejector]

The number was NOT removed by sandblasting during a refinish. Look how deeply the numbers were stamped-

That number was intentionally ground somewhere along the line. I don't even understand why people consider buying guns like this. Why buy a lousy/questionable gun when good guns are available?
YMMV.
On an S&W, the original frame number can often be determined by a close exam. We all know that the frame and yoke have an assembly number. If they are original and unmolested, look at the serial number concealed on the back edge of the yoke facing the cylinder and you will find the original serial number for the frame. In this case, I still would not want the gun.

 

[zonker5]

If the cylinder was changed then the number shown on it would not match the gun. I would be curious to know if the new number on the butt matches the one stamped on the bottom of the barrel.

 

[kwill1911]

There was a time in the distant past when the ATF would allow a gun to be renumbered but their approval paperwork had to stay with the gun. This letter is more than 20 years old. Do you think the ATF has gotten more gun-friendly under the Obama/Biden regimes?

 

[JSR III]

In 60 years of gun ownership and collecting I have NEVER once been stopped by any member of law enforcement including the BATF and had the serial number checked on any firearm.

I have seen several guns over the years where the FFL has used the assembly number as the serial number and I was forced to correct them for the paperwork.

All in all, I think way too much emphasis is placed on this topic and I would have no problem buying that gun if I wanted one.

As long as the frame has the correct serial number and can be used for the purpose that it was originally intended for, identifying the gun and owner if left at a crime scene then where is the issue. I understand removing it completely or changing it as that defeats its purpose however stamping it with its correct number seems like no big deal to me.

Obviously many of you disagree but that why they make chocolate and vanilla......

 

[gmborkovic]

It would be fun to see the Sn. on the right grip. Doesnt mean anything,
But we would have all the bases covered. Wouldnt take this gun if given
to me.

 

[merl67]

I'd wager not one LEO unless he is a S&W collector would even bat a eye. Nor would most FFL's...

 

[Muley Gil]

I'd wager not one LEO unless he is a S&W collector would even bat a eye. Nor would most FFL's...

Most cops these days don't even know how to UNLOAD a revolver!!!

Heaven forbid they come across a single action Colt or Ruger!

 

[VictorLouis]

What a timely thread! One LGS has a sweet pre-15 K38 for sale with it's butt number viciously ground-off. Of course, it's also stamped inside the crane. Therefore, I was thinking they were probably good-to-go to retail it.

 

[cololab]

What a timely thread! One LGS has a sweet pre-15 K38 for sale with it's butt number viciously ground-off. Of course, it's also stamped inside the crane. Therefore, I was thinking they were probably good-to-go to retail it.

That is an interesting situation. If a firearm frame has two factory supplied serial number stampings, does the removal of one create a fatal issue?

 

[Muley Gil]

What a timely thread! One LGS has a sweet pre-15 K38 for sale with it's butt number viciously ground-off. Of course, it's also stamped inside the crane. Therefore, I was thinking they were probably good-to-go to retail it.

The number stamped on the frame, behind the yoke (Colts have cranes, S&Ws have yokes) on a non model stamped S&W is an assembly number, NOT the serial number.

 

[gmborkovic]

Was the Sn. stamped on the backside of the yoke, that you can see thru the charge holes of the cylinder. Of course only on pre model guns.