Strange Model 39

[moosedog]

That serial number looks like one that was applied in a some what professional manner. My bet is that it was stolen and recovered with the serial number ground off, and then assigned a new serial number by BATF. I've dealt with several similar guns in my life. I'll bet it's in LEIN as such.

 

[JohnHL]

Why are we having this conversation?

Mike, as you have been one of the most vocal participants of the aforementioned conversation, perhaps you can enlighten us with the answer to your own question?

John

 

[ispcapt]

That serial number looks like one that was applied in a some what professional manner. My bet is that it was stolen and recovered with the serial number ground off, and then assigned a new serial number by BATF. I've dealt with several similar guns in my life. I'll bet it's in LEIN as such.

Nope. That was done by hand stamp. Who ever did it stamped each individual digit. The lettering isn't evenly spaced, the digits aren't 'level', they aren't the same depth, and some aren't straight. It doesn't match the restamp type that ATF uses.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello John, sure. I use to stand behind a gun counter of a store I owned.
A casual customer came in and said he had just bought a 1911 for parts.
He would bring it in. As he left , he said the Sn. was gone. Standing in front of the case was a plain clothes Capt. in the local police. What followed was swift. He was arrested and taken to jail. The final expense
for that $40 parts gun was probation, court costs and $5000 lawyer fee.
So, if it looks like a good deal, go for it and good luck. I dont care.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The key to the crime is "knowingly", not the FFL transfer, although that does minimize the impact on the new owner. I think the OP was good until this crew told him the facts as they see them. Now we're back to "knowingly", so proper investigation of the matter is required, obtaining a letter, or something.

 

[crstrode]

Suspecting and knowing are not the same.

 

[gmborkovic]

All great legal arguments. I hope they work for everyone and the lawyer fees are affordable.

 

[Heymatt]

Strip it down for parts and turn the frame in at the next gun buy back program.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Heymatt, great idea. Let us know how it works out.

 

[JohnHL]

Hello John, sure. I use to stand behind a gun counter of a store I owned.
A casual customer came in and said he had just bought a 1911 for parts.
He would bring it in. As he left , he said the Sn. was gone. Standing in front of the case was a plain clothes Capt. in the local police. What followed was swift. He was arrested and taken to jail. The final expense
for that $40 parts gun was probation, court costs and $5000 lawyer fee.
So, if it looks like a good deal, go for it and good luck. I dont care.

Thanks for the answer, Mike.

While we are all aware that anything can happen on any given day, having witnessed something like this "first-hand", I can appreciate why you might be a little "Strange Model 39" gun shy.

Again, thanks for the context.

John

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello John, thanks. The current anti-gun climate really should have us all really concerned. Not running scared but just a little more aware. Like the
guy from the club who has a shop in his garage and puts together ARs.
Nice guy, but maybe on the watch list. Im 73 and been doing this since I was 16. Seen a lot but not everything. Just stay smart and safe. Mike