Hey guys, I just bought a new to me shotgun (somewhere around 1978 make). Love this shotgun, except for one problem. The roll marks and serial number are shallow as hell. Being as I am going to be refinishing this gun, I wanted to deepen the markings and serial number. Is this legal? Would this be considered "modifying" the markings? I have already tried to contact the ATF regarding this issue, but no reply. I just don't want to go through the trouble of refinishing it, only to realize the numbers are gone. I still have a bit of time before I really get started on the metal work and all but any help would be greatly appreciated.
AHicks1988
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7,093 Posts
Well, I would leave the markings alone; not because of legal issues but because it will immediately identify the gun as not being original. Now, if this is a nondescript gun that has no enduring value, I guess it would be acceptable to do what you suggest.
IMHO, this is one of those questions best left unasked; especially to ATF or other authorities. As long as you don't change any part of the serial number, I believe a strong case can be made that you have not "altered" it within the meaning of the law. If there is any question about any of the numbers...e.g. "Is that a 6 or an 8?"...then I certainly leave it alone. Just enhancing the original number wouldn't seem to be an alteration. If I was going to "enhance" the serial number, I would certainly take some very clear photos of the original before doing anything, however, to document that my "alterations" were performed.
IMHO, this is one of those questions best left unasked; especially to ATF or other authorities. As long as you don't change any part of the serial number, I believe a strong case can be made that you have not "altered" it within the meaning of the law. If there is any question about any of the numbers...e.g. "Is that a 6 or an 8?"...then I certainly leave it alone. Just enhancing the original number wouldn't seem to be an alteration. If I was going to "enhance" the serial number, I would certainly take some very clear photos of the original before doing anything, however, to document that my "alterations" were performed.
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