Serial numbers
I have noticed in some of the auctions part of the serial numbers are purposely covered or partially so. What is the reason for this? Thanks for the information and education.
God Bless The U.S.
God Bless The U.S.
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I hava a Glock model 19 with the serial number 0000. I was just wondering if this affects the value of the gun? 0 -
Some people call this paranoia, but let's suppose that a feller had a gun, and had it stolen. He never recorded the serial number, so the serial number isn't in the report, and the gun isn't entered into NCIC.
One day, he finds a gun like his online. It has the rust in the right places and the right scuffs on the stock. And, the serial number is visible. Now, the feller thinks this is his, or wants to think it's his, and he claims it is. He re-contacts the police, gives them the serial number, and tells them where the gun can be found.
The feller may be doing this earnestly and sincerely, or he may be a thief at heart, using the system to his advantage. This is just one scenario, but with a little imagination, you can come up with others.
Sometimes, I cover the serial numbers on guns I sell here, but that is because of a contractural agreement with the people from whom I bought the guns. If I want to be able to continue to buy, I can't publish the serial number.0 -
Let's suppose some jackass claims you have his gun and files a police report, creates trouble for everyone, and swears it's his.
Never mind he had no serial number of the gun stolen last year.
Now you produce a bill of sale that you bought it at Joe Blows ten years ago or produce statements you've had the gun forty forevers. If you bought it from an FFL, he has records going back 20 years.
It is paranoia. No one hides VIN's in cars for sale do they?0 -
I agree that it is total paranoia. I can not see any valid reason(s) for not posting the complete serial number on any "collectable" firearm that is being sold and that can be researched. All and I mean all of the reputable firearms auction houses list the serial numbers for the guns they are selling.
Crooks, thieves, and genuinely dishonest people do not bring attention to themselves by trying to claim that a firearm was stolen from them and then try to illegitimately recover it. In my opinion, posting the serial number with the auction listing should be mandatory for a number of good reasons...
(1) If the firearms is stolen, it can be tracked down and returned to its rightful owner.
(2) For many makes and models, it is possible to have the individual piece researched or lettered to verify its authenticity, thereby revealing & preventing fraudualent or false information about the gun.
(3) It prevents the old "Bait & Switch" ruse (another form of fraud).
As P3 pointed out, a vehicle VIN must be disclosed during a sale, so why not a firearm's serial number?0 -
Sometimes, I cover the serial numbers on guns I sell here, but that is because of a contractural agreement with the people from whom I bought the guns. If I want to be able to continue to buy, I can't publish the serial number. 0 -
It's unfounded paranoia. I've never heard of anyone successfully obtaining a gun by falsely claiming it was for sale online. It would be just as easy to write down serial numbers at a gun show but dealers don't tape over the numbers there, do they? 0 -
quote:a vehicle VIN must be disclosed during a sale, so why not a firearm's serial number?
you hit the nail squarely on it's head, key word(s) "during a sale" but not plastered across the windshield in the advertising phase, when an actual buyer makes his intent to buy, that is when the S/N is disclosed, using the "vehicle VIN" scenario, how often do you see that VIN displayed in advertising ??0 -
quote:Originally posted by USN_Airdale
quote:a vehicle VIN must be disclosed during a sale, so why not a firearm's serial number?
you hit the nail squarely on it's head, key word(s) "during a sale" but not plastered across the windshield in the advertising phase, when an actual buyer makes his intent to buy, that is when the S/N is disclosed, using the "vehicle VIN" scenario, how often do you see that VIN displayed in advertising ??
Go look at E Barf Motors listings. VIN's in every listing. Even Nigerians know about E Barf. The Mexicans too.0 -
Nunn makes a valid point. When you take guns on consignment to sell for paranoids you may have to do paranoid things.
The late filing of a serial number with a stolen report is an interesting theory but I have never been able to get anyone to come forward with a factual account where that occurred.0 -
Looking at it from the other direction, why would a potential buyer need to know the exact serial number in order to make a buy or no buy decision? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by truthful
Looking at it from the other direction, why would a potential buyer need to know the exact serial number in order to make a buy or no buy decision?
On several collector arms (such as Colt, Sharps, US Martial arms) you can check/confirm the guns configuration or where it was originally shipped/issued.
John0 -
quote:Originally posted by truthful
Looking at it from the other direction, why would a potential buyer need to know the exact serial number in order to make a buy or no buy decision?
Glabray... Did you not read what I wrote about being able to research the gun? Many Winchesters (as well as several other makers) can be researched based on the given serial number. If you saw a Model 1894 Fancy Sporting Rifle with a 22-inch barrel in a Gunbroker auction, would you not want to have it checked before plunking down a few thousand $$$$ for it[?]... I know that I would avail myself of that option.0
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