Aftermarket stocks covering serial number

[rpyne]

I don't know if this is the right place to ask or if anyone here can shed some light on this question. I have a browning Hi-Power and am looking at putting on the Houge aftermarket molded rubber stock with the wrap around finger groves. I love the feel and fit but it covers the serial number. Is this a problem legally?

 

[OC for ME]

Some of the Utah folks will know the answer. Read Utah's legal definition of "defacing" a firearm serial number. Just a guess, but buying aftermarket stuff for your pistol likely will not be cited as attempting to deface your pistol's serial number.

 

[skidmark]

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/FirearmLaws.html#Misc

[h=3]Miscellaneous Laws Regarding Firearms[/h]It is unlawful to change, alter, remove or obliterate the name of the maker, the model, the manufacturer’s number or any other identifying mark on any pistol or revolver without first securing written permission from BCI. In the case of an unmarked pistol or revolver, BCI, if requested, may assign a distinguishing number or mark of identification.

It is unlawful to stamp any pistol or revolver with any number or mark except one assigned to it by BCI. This does not apply to restoration.

The serial number will still be there. Covering it does not change, alter, remove or obliterate the serial number. BTW, are you aware that several brands of handguns have their serial numbers where they cannot be seen until you move/remove a part? Revolvers are infamous for that - serial mumbers inside the yoke. That never was a problem before.

Let me guess why the Houge grip - hammer bite? Finding that sweet spot for a high & tight grip that does not get you bitten by the hammer is truely a learning experience, isn't it?

stay safe.

 

[rpyne]

Some of the Utah folks will know the answer. Read Utah's legal definition of "defacing" a firearm serial number. Just a guess, but buying aftermarket stuff for your pistol likely will not be cited as attempting to deface your pistol's serial number.

I wasn't too concerned about Utah. I'm more concerned about BATFE and other states where I might travel. The most likely are ID, NV, AZ CO, KS, OK, TX, and NM.

 

[MSG Laigaie]

The serial number on my weapon is not the business of anyone other than myself. I put duct tape over the serial number of the pistol I EDC. I have not been deprived of my weapon by a LEO, altho it has been tried. If my weapon is taken by a LEO, he/she cannot lift that tape without a warrant. The numbers are NOT obliterated or defaced, just covered.

 

[rpyne]

Let me guess why the Houge grip - hammer bite? Finding that sweet spot for a high & tight grip that does not get you bitten by the hammer is truely a learning experience, isn't it?

stay safe.

Actually, my primary reason for looking for an aftermarket grip was because of the ridge on the stock grip makes it hard to reach the mag release with my thumb. Unfortunately, the Houge grip is thicker than the factory one, so it doesn't help much in that regard, but it does fit my hand better. The hammer bite is a pleasant after effect.

 

[WalkingWolf]

Actually, my primary reason for looking for an aftermarket grip was because of the ridge on the stock grip makes it hard to reach the mag release with my thumb. Unfortunately, the Houge grip is thicker than the factory one, so it doesn't help much in that regard, but it does fit my hand better. The hammer bite is a pleasant after effect.

As others have said having the SN covered is a good thing, and not illegal. S&W factory made target grips covered the serial number on revolvers, my revolver did not have yoke stamped numbers 30 years ago.

 

[F350]

I had a heated dissussion on another board about taping, covering the SN, so......

From: Robert XXXXXX
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2012 7:01 PM
To: FIPB Regulatory Email inquiries
Subject: Obscured serial number

Some buddies and I are having a rather heated discussion about this....

If I were to put a piece of black tape over the serial number of my CCW handgun (1911 style) would that constitute "obscuring" the serial number and be illegal? The serial number is in no way defaced, altered or removed, all you have to do to see the serial number is remove the tape. If this does constitute obscuring then isn't every S&W shipped with the large grips which cover the serial number on the butt illegal? There are a number of after market products that cover the serial number, would that be illegal? If not but the tape is what is the difference?

Thank You

Bob



FIPB Regulatory Email inquiries
Sep 19

to me
This is in response to your email to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In your email, you wanted to know if covering a serial number of a firearm with tape be constituted as obscuring.

Under Federal law, it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport, ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed,
obliterated, or altered, or to possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported
in interstate or foreign commerce.

Merely, attaching black tape to a firearms serial number does not constitute a violation of Federal law.

Should you have additional questions, please contact your local ATF office. A listing of ATF office phone numbers can be found at: http://www.atf.gov/field.



Regards,

Firearms Industry Programs Branch, ATF

Straight from the horses @ so to speak