N frame square butt question

[RightWinger]

Yes, it would make sense to be able to remove it and re-stamp it on another location on the gun, and me personally I see nothing wrong with this, but just look at the wording on the law here....

"k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport, ship, or

receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which has had the

importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered or to possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or

manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any

time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce."

The words REMOVED, ALTERED, and OBLITERATED could all apply at one stage in the process of converting a SB to a RB....obviously you are removing the number in order to re-stamp it in another place, and that makes sense but the law does not stipulate this being tolerated....I would call the ATF and get written clarification on this before attempting to do this. But this is just me.....If you do this, post some pics, I would love to see it!

 

[whitecoyote]

Originally posted by Gun 4 Fun:
That still doesn't quite answer my question though. If, (as many Smiths do) the gun has two serial numbers what difference does it make, since the one in the yoke cut out is still there.

I was always under the impression that the above post was in reference to someone totally removing the serial, so that there wasn't any serial number left to do a run on the gun, should it ever be used in a crime.

From what I understand the serial number can be removed, and restamped else where.
First the ATF has to be notified. They will almost always give permission. Of course paper work has to be done stating the reason, and location of the new stamping. The paper work will then be kept on record with the ATF, and with the owner.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by Gun 4 Fun: ...what's the big deal about the serial number on the grip frame?

The BIG DEAL is that the BATFE only sees the one stamped on the bottom of the Frame as the actual Serial Number on the gun. At one point, Smith decided to use the Laser marking tools for there serial numbers and the BATFE made them change back to stamping because the Laser did not disrupt the metal in the same way and thus was way too easy to remove. I have been told by the BATFE that ONLY a Licensed(FFL holder) Gunsmith is allowed to transfer the serial number to a new location. I believe they even have a form for reporting this change of location.

I have done the RB conversion more than once but simply have no real interest in doing one if it will involve damage to the current serial number on the Frame. So, even though I'm licensed to do so it isn't something I wish to get involved in.