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gwpercle

gwpercle

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What is the reason for xing out the last 1, 2 or 3 digits of the serial number of a firearm when trying to get information such as the date it was made?

I have allways assumed that the more information given the easier it will be to provide an accurate answer. It can't be for privacy reasons because photograph's are allways requested; I figure if I'm gonna post pictures to everyone the complete serial number can't hurt. But if this is not proper how do you determine how many numbers to x out ?

I have asked about two firearms in the past and both times given the complete number but I was just reading on this forum that the last numbers should be xed out ......
did I commit a social faux pas ?
 
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Usually you "X" out the last two numbers. The remaining numbers are enough to look up whatever information you are after (unless you are talking directly to S&W).

The reason is, for example, there is a way off the wall chance someone could see your serial number and then try and claim it was their gun that was stolen. Kind of far fetched but it could cause some serious headaches and could result in your gun being confiscated while it is sorted out.

That and by posting your serial number you are giving anyone who wanted to create a database of gun owners a leg up, but of course they do not have your other info.

Either way... it is a good idea to keep your serial number private just in the off the wall chance someone could use it to cause you trouble... there are a lot of people that really hate guns and gun owners and would like nothing more than to cause us grief. And being as this is a public forum anyone could be lurking around.
 
Is it okay to post photographs of your guns or would the lurkers be able to cause you grief with that information?

I hope not...I really enjoy looking at the photo's that others post and I just learned, as of yesterday, how to do it myself.
In fact I was going to photo my model 58 so I could join the Model 58 Fan Club and get my offical membership card.

You know , I've thought about this for a few minutes , the lurkers can do what thy want. I have looked forward to joining the 58 Club and now I learned how to post pictures so I'm gonna post pictures . They can all go to hxxl in a hxxdbxxket.
 
gwpercle said:
They can all go to hxxl in a hxxdbxxket.
Click to expand...

Probably the best attitude. No sense cowering in the corner fearing the bogyman. On the other hand... some caution is good and you have to decide where your comfort level is. For me pictures are fine but I will continue to obscure the serial number. (My tin foil hat is not too tight.. only snug at the moment :p)
 
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gwpercle said:
Is it okay to post photographs of your guns or would the lurkers be able to cause you grief with that information?
Click to expand...

I suppose if you were to post MP5's, short barrel shotguns, the odd mountain howitzer, suppressors and such without the proper paper trail, you would come to some grief. Joe
 
Okay , I think I understand. X out the last 2 digits but don't worry about posting photos . Thanks for setting me straight.

I can't wait to take photo's of my model 58 and join the 58 club.
 
I think it is smart to play it safe with any sensitive info online, for the reasons fred mentioned. The forum threads can be found by google or other search engines, by any non member anywhere in the world. There's always someone looking for a way to scam you, and who knows what the scam may be 10 yrs from now, while your s/n is still floating around in cyberspace.... not to mention what the political situation, gun control laws, etc. could be in the future.

If you have a pic you want to post, and it shows the s/n, it is easy to open the photo with the paint program, or similar editing program loaded on most computer software packages, and airbrush or blur some digits.

Josh P
 
I see what you all are saying, I got to thinking about the person who could contact me and say that gun # ---,---
was stolen from me and I want it back or I will file a report with the police charging you with receiving stolen stuff. Even if not true would be a hassel to prove I legaly owned it.

After thinking about all the stuff that could happen I'm getting paranoid just talking about guns...
Should I get one of them tin man hats?

One thing that I have allways done is keep every sales receipt for every firearm i have bought and kept the name and date of any private transaction so I can document from whom, when and where I got them.

And plain old common sense tells me to never post any illegal, immoral or socially unaccepted photo's on the web. Thats just asking for trouble..................gary
 
"In fact I was going to photo my model 58 so I could join the Model 58 Fan Club and get my offical membership card."

I used to be in the 58 club but now I'm in the 65 club.:cool:
 
What in the world is a " TIN FOIL HAT " ???
I lead a sheltered life, they don't let us out much at the home , so it hard to keep up with the latest vernacular.
 
Paranoia. Nothing more.

Cause trouble? Like what? Claim the gun is yours? Police take a dim view of making false reports. Felony, in fact.

You don't want to share a serial that's your business. But don't say it's because of legitimate security concerns. It's never happened.

PS: I love the folks who post "when was my Model 28-2 made? The serial is Nxxxxxx (yes, I have seen this more than once). I have also seen "Nxxx123" and that helps about as much.

Here's my Model 58. Go ahead and cause trouble if you can. Claim it as yours if you don't mind 24 months in the county lock-up.


standard.jpg
 
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Saxon , I wont call you Pig,
I like what you have to say. I'm not the paranoid type of person . I have refused to let bad guys intimidate me or control my life. Maybe I'm not bright enough to be scared of them . But if the lurkers want to make trouble the only thing I can say is be ready for a fight, I dont cower and I don't run unless heavily outnumbered or out gunned. I have proof that every gun was a legal purchase. Not worried about confiscation, too many of us vote. I own guns , enjoy them and not particularly politically correct.

I also like your model 58. Mine is # S327,595 and is my most favorite . what is the difference between S prefix and N prefix model 58's ? As soon as I get time am going to get proper photo's and submit for membership to the unoffical model 58 club. Lets remember , redheaded step children ( model 58's ) need love too ............gary
 
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