Cannot find serial number on two guns. Need HELP!
So I picked up a few guns over the weekend at an estate sale. The problem is two of them I cannot find the serial numbers anywhere.
1. JC Higgins model 583.20 bolt action 12ga shotgun
2. Winchester model 69A .22 bolt action
I broke both of these down and cannot find anything. Nothing appears altered, clear manufacturer, model and such but no serial number. Need help and advice
Bob
1. JC Higgins model 583.20 bolt action 12ga shotgun
2. Winchester model 69A .22 bolt action
I broke both of these down and cannot find anything. Nothing appears altered, clear manufacturer, model and such but no serial number. Need help and advice
Bob
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Prior to 1968, there was no legal requirement for long guns to be serial numbered. Many manufacturers didn't put serial numbers on their inexpensive guns, because of this. 0 -
I have about 2 dozen Mossberg 22 rifles from the 1940s-50s-60s. Only ONE of them ever wore a serial number. As Rufe said, not required on long guns until 1968 Gun Control Act. Perfectly legal. REMOVING a serial number is another matter, and highly illegal. 0 -
Neither the 69 nor the 69A were ever serialized. The 69A was discontinued several years before serial numbers were mandatory. Higgins is the same situation. 0 -
Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate the help.. 0 -
On the other hand, if you WANT a serial number on them, for whatever reason, such as listing the gun in a more detailed manner on your insurance, you can contact the BATFE and they do have a fairly simple process to issue you a number to be stamped or engraved and that would become the new permanent serial number. Your choice. [:)]
Good idea from SP45. If you are going to have it done, get a quality job, and not something halfazzed with a doit yerself electro buzzer pen. [:D] A good smithy can stamp or engrave the numbers in a quality way and on a part of the gun that won't wreck its collector value. [:)]0 -
if you choose to have your gun serialized put it where it is not seen like under the stock or fore-end. I have seen many people scribe a number in the metal on the receiver and it destroys the value 0 -
Um, folks, a collector buying a firearm will see the SerNo on the bill-of-sale. Big and instant turn-off. Altered firearm.
Yes, putting a SerNo onto a firearm is altering it from its pure condition...and a serious collector will either refuse the purchase, or the offer will be reduced considerably.
Don't worry about those darn SerNo's. Your fine Waterford crystal is in the same boat. Keep the value. Best, Joe0
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