Gun Serial numbers.

[NoTolerance]

Ask is the key word in there. They cannot demand/steal it off of you.

Someone should tell them that.

The real problem is, who is going to press the issue by filing a lawsuit for what amounts to a "temporary inconvenience"?

Even the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department are temporarily seizing lawfully carried firearms during traffic stops.

It's crap and it needs to stop, but I just don't see anyone taking on the expense to fight it - especially when the firearm is returned within minutes.

 

[b0neZ]

Just a thought, and if this illegal please let me know:

If Officer Friendly were to remove an LACs firearm under the guise of "safety", then check the serial number under Plain View, would that be negated by a piece of electrical tape over the number?

The number would still not be viewable at that point, and nothing has been altered or removed.

Again, I do not condone illegal activities, and if the above fits that category I apologize in advance.

 

[b0neZ]

I am very glad to hear Wisconsin itself does not have a database.

Can they not access NCIC as well? It's probably not likely that an individual officer could/would do it in the field, but what about dispatch?

Not trying to be Chicken Little, just wanting to learn. These are honest questions, and no offense is meant.

 

[MSG Laigaie]

Keep in mind that in some states a LEO can disarm you for "officer safety". Once that is done, the serial number of the firearm is "in plain view" and there is nothing to stop them from running the serial number.

Other than the fourth amendment.

Just a thought, and if this illegal please let me know:If Officer Friendly were to remove an LACs firearm under the guise of "safety", then check the serial number under Plain View, would that be negated by a piece of electrical tape over the number?
The number would still not be viewable at that point, and nothing has been altered or removed.
Again, I do not condone illegal activities, and if the above fits that category I apologize in advance.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!
I do this. A piece of gorilla tape works for me. Take my weapon?? A LEO can do that, but not without me stating that I do not consent to any searches. Can that same LEO "run my numbers"? Yes he can, but not without a warrant or removing (oh theirs that pesky Constitution again) the tape.

 

[F350]

Just a thought, and if this illegal please let me know:

If Officer Friendly were to remove an LACs firearm under the guise of "safety", then check the serial number under Plain View, would that be negated by a piece of electrical tape over the number?

The number would still not be viewable at that point, and nothing has been altered or removed.

Again, I do not condone illegal activities, and if the above fits that category I apologize in advance.

From an exchange I had with BATF a year ago....

From:me
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

FIPB Regulatory Email inquiries <FIPB@atf.gov>
9/19/12

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

 

[b0neZ]

From an exchange I had with BATF a year ago....

Beautiful!

That settles that.

Thanks for the assist.

 

[b0neZ]

I do this. A piece of gorilla tape works for me. Take my weapon?? A LEO can do that, but not without me stating that I do not consent to any searches. Can that same LEO "run my numbers"? Yes he can, but not without a warrant or removing (oh theirs that pesky Constitution again) the tape.

This aligns perfectly with my thinking.