Model 60 with Missing Serial Number

[Josephmorris7]

Need help have model 60 .38 special the serial number on the butt of the frame is worn off is there any other places where it can be found? Thanks in advance for help.

 

[ks farmer]

It could not wear off somebody removed it mechanically.

 

[Sistema1927]

Need help have model 60 .38 special the serial number on the butt of the frame is worn off is there any other places where it can be found? Thanks in advance for help.

If you are in the USA, you are in possession of an illegal firearm. I suggest that you contact the ATF immediately and inform them that you have a firearm with a defaced serial number, asking them how they want to deal with it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Isn't the serial number on those M60s on the frame connection where the cylinder swings out?

 

[KEN L]

Isn't the serial number on those M60s on the frame connection where the cylinder swings out?

Nope, it isn't!

 

[steelslaver]

The serial number should also in the yoke cut out. BUT, the official LEGAL serial number needs to be on the butt. Sometimes you can get the ATF to allow it to be restamped.

I would not want to get caught with such a gun.


This comes up regularly. I did a bunch of reading and checking on this even emailed the ATF a couple time. At one time gunsmiths were allowed to remove original stamping and relocate them, That went by the way side quite a few years ago. I would think it better to have a law enforcement official or an attorney approach the ATF on dealing with this. Those that were assisted by law enforcement seem to have had fairly good luck getting gun back to legal. From what I have gathered it is a bit of a **** shoot, which agent you get and how they interpret the regs, Does he get the information before or after lunch?

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!
We could use more information and a photo or two would help. Guns with obliterated serial numbers are federally illegal and typically associated with criminal activity. We don't know if this question was asked in the correct sub-forum and it COULD be no problem if it's a later gun.

I have a model 60 with no serial number on the butt and it’s 100% legal. There was a brief period of time when S&W experimented with laser etching the number in various places, but not on the butt. The ATF later ruled that the required markings need to be at least .003” deep and S&W changed their process. Odds are this doesn’t apply to the OP’s gun, but we really don’t know.

 

[JcMack]

I have a model 60 with no serial number on the butt and it’s 100% legal. There was a brief period of time when S&W experimented with laser etching the number in various places, but not on the butt. The ATF later ruled that the required markings need to be at least .003” deep and S&W changed their process. Odds are this doesn’t apply to the OP’s gun, but we really don’t know.

]

That's very interesting. Thanks for pics.

 

[Hair Trigger]

The serial number should also in the yoke cut out.

Previous to the 3-letter prefixes started in 1982 or so, round butt frames only have the SN on the butt. OP hasn't said how old his gun is, but the model number and series dash should be in the yoke cut.

 

[MP-5]

The serial number should also in the yoke cut out. BUT, the official LEGAL serial number needs to be on the butt.

Steelslayer
As stated by Ken L- No, the serial number on a M60 no dash is NOT on the frame where the cylinder swings out. It is NOT on the yoke cut out.

Generally, the frame of the handgun or pistol is serialized. The S&W M60 has the serial number on the butt of the frame. Edit: As stated not all model 60 variants have the serial number in this place. In some instanced like the Ruger MK series the “receiver” not the frame is serialized. And the location of the serial number can vary from manufacturer and model number. As with certain agency requirements some revolvers have their serial numbers just below the cylinder above the trigger like the NYPD variants. All of which are legal.

What definitely is not legal is possessing a revolver with a missing or defaced/modified serial number. That is a federal offense and will draw you a “directly go to jail” card as stated by others. Pointed questions will be asked such as where you obtained the weapon and how did the serial number “disappear.”

You will also need some substantial proof that what serial number you are claiming, is actually indeed the serial number to that particular firearm. This might be a difficult piece of information to produce. If you have such proof, I’m sure it is possible the weapon can be re-stamped or re-engraved but with proper legal procedure followed. Your best bet is to do some legal consultation outside of this forum to find the best way to get this accomplished as this is a serious legal matter.

 

[Josephmorris7]

Thanks for the info I’ll get it checked out. Don’t want no illegal firearms in my collection.

 

[ken158]

It could not wear off somebody removed it mechanically.

How do you know it is “worn off”? It would take quite a while and effort to accomplish that. Post a picture and go from there. My thoughts are an inexperienced owner…

 

[ShowMePro]

Thanks for the info I’ll get it checked out. Don’t want no illegal firearms in my collection.

My curious question is (and I don't expect an answer will be provided) how did you come across this piece?

 

[jjfitch]

OOPS!

Problem: The serial number is recorded any time a modern pistol is LEGALLY transferred.

Solution: I have read where some serial numbers that have been defaced can be raised with chemicals.

A local FFL/Gunsmith may be able to help get this sorted out.

As mentioned, pretty tough without photos!

Smiles,

 

[rincar]

There appear to be some numbers on the right side of the butt. That may be the serial number.

 

[Dvus]

Are the stocks stamped with the serial number? I know this wouldn't be the "legal" number, but at least you would have a starting place IF they are original to the gun.

 

[deadin]

I think it would have to be a pretty scarce gun to make me want to go through the effort to legally re-serialize it.... (A Model 60 ain't one of them...)

 

[Josephmorris7]

Got in touch with law enforcement they are checking it out and will give me an update when they get the results back. thanks guys for the help.

 

[Sevens]

The serial number should also in the yoke cut out. BUT, the official LEGAL serial number needs to be on the butt.

I’m not trying to be argumentative but for the discussion and for my knowledge base, I’ve got to ask what/why/how has it been determined that the butt is the official legal place?

On the frame flat behind the yoke is also on the frame and is not a removable part that can be taken off the frame so I would like to know why the butt should have any more legal standing than the frame flat behind the yoke.

 

[JcMack]

On the frame flat behind the yoke is also on the frame and is not a removable part that can be taken off the frame so I would like to know why the butt should have any more legal standing than the frame flat behind the yoke.

I would guess standardization. I was in a local large sporting goods store maybe 10yrs ago and bought a used model 10 RB 2in. Clerk was filling out paperwork involved including my receipt and I was doing a final inspection on the gun and since prior owner had installed rubber grips that covered the butt and part of the sideplate. I had the grip removed to inspect the areas under the rubber for rust. I commented to the clerk that the serial # on the butt didn't match the one on the receipt. It turns out they had entered the assm # from the crane in their system when they bought the gun. After explaining about ser#'s vs assm#'s as far as whats legal it took a another couple hours till they corrected their books and I took gun home.