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Stevens/Savage Model 24 Serial #

Frogdog
My grandpa recently offered me an old Stevens Model 24 (I think) .22/.410 over-under which he has had in the attic for years. It's the kind with the tennite plastic stock. Gun has quite a history. It was stolen from the old home-place back in the day and the theif used it in a murder. The police dept of the town eventually recovered and returned the gun to my grandpa's family and it has been in the attic ever since. Anyhow, as I have been examining the gun I have been unable to find a serial # anywhere on it, nor any place where it appears one was removed. Just seems like there never was one. Maybe it's just hiding from me. Do any of you know exactly where on these models the serial # was printed?

Also, it doesn't seem like the police would return a gun with no serial #. Of course that was a long time ago. If it indeed does NOT have one on it, does that present a legal problem for me if I were to own it? Thanks.
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  • richbug
    Pre 1968 savage combo guns didn't have a Serial number. Interesting story, but don't know how the police could return a gun unless it had an identifying mark applied somewhere. Some old timers liked to deface their guns by carving their SSN into them.

    My border collie is smarter than your honor student.
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  • Frogdog
    quote:Originally posted by richbug
    Pre 1968 savage combo guns didn't have a Serial number. Interesting story, but don't know how the police could return a gun unless it had an identifying mark applied somewhere. Some old timers liked to deface their guns by carving their SSN into them.


    It does have some markings that the police put on it, but they're no more than scratched initials on the underside of the barrel. Wouldn't even know what it was if my grandpa hadn't told me. Of course we're talking about a tiny town in Halifax County, VA back in the 50's or 60's, so what do you expect. So since they weren't made with serial #'s I guess there are no legal concerns for me then, right?
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  • TWalker
    Serial numbers weren't required in firearms until the Gun Control Act of 1968 required them. This act followed the assasination of President Kennedy (1963). You are not required to have a serial number on a gun unless it came with one. (As far as I know). I believe that your ownership is entirely legal. Just to be on the safe side, you should always check your state's and any local firearms laws.
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