Gun stock serial numbers?

[Nolen]

So I know there are some pretty specific rules about firearms and their serial numbers. I was turned to this site by doing some research online.

Basically, what I want to know is, is there any law stating that I am not allowed to remove a serial number from a gunstock that is not going to be used for a gun?

Basically, if I had an old gunstock, and I was going to use it for something else, even a prop or non-working firearm, is it still illegal to remove the serial number as long as I never use that stock again for a firearm?

I ask because I plan on using an actual gunstock as the base for a project prop that is not going to be a functioning gun. While it may slightly resemble one, it will not have the inner workings to be considered a firearm. I don't really have a problem leaving the serial number there, I was just wondering what the rules are on that sort of thing, or if there are any rules.

 

[MAC702]

Firearms often have the serial number copied on several parts. But the only one that is considered to be the "firearm" is the part that matters. It's called the receiver or the frame. It is the central part that will also contain the manufacturer's name and city. All other parts can be destroyed at will whether they have a serial number or not. But the serial-numbered frame will always be a firearm and possession laws will apply and its serial number can never be altered or obliterated.

 

[Nolen]

Firearms often have the serial number copied on several parts. But the only one that is considered to be the "firearm" is the part that matters. It's called the receiver or the frame. It is the central part that will also contain the manufacturer's name and city. All other parts can be destroyed at will whether they have a serial number or not. But the serial-numbered frame will always be a firearm and possession laws will apply and its serial number can never be altered or obliterated.

Gotcha. So there's nothing wrong with removing the serial number of a stock. I don't have the receiver that matches it anyway. Furthermore, I guess there's nothing wrong with re purposing the stock for a non-firearm then. Thanks for the info!

 

[davidmcbeth]

Gotcha. So there's nothing wrong with removing the serial number of a stock. I don't have the receiver that matches it anyway. Furthermore, I guess there's nothing wrong with re purposing the stock for a non-firearm then. Thanks for the info!

That's what the man said ... you are good to go ...

 

[MAC702]

BUT, before you do this, from where did the stock come? Some old rifle stocks may be worth a lot of money to collectors. Can we see a picture before you ruin it, just to make sure?

 

[Nolen]

BUT, before you do this, from where did the stock come? Some old rifle stocks may be worth a lot of money to collectors. Can we see a picture before you ruin it, just to make sure?

I actually don't have it yet, ordered it online. For my purposes it didn't need to be anything exact.

Anyway, it's a Mauser stock. If I'm not mistaken, it was to a 98 GEHA 12ga. shotgun.

The project I'm using it for does not actually require any physical altercations to it, if I were to sand it down it would be purely for cosmetics.

 

[decklin]

I actually don't have it yet, ordered it online. For my purposes it didn't need to be anything exact.

Anyway, it's a Mauser stock. If I'm not mistaken, it was to a 98 GEHA 12ga. shotgun.

The project I'm using it for does not actually require any physical altercations to it, if I were to sand it down it would be purely for cosmetics.

So that may be a collectors item. From what I know about that particular Mauser it was only made between the World Wars. Then the Nazis ordered a stop on production on GEHA models and everything went into Kar98k's.

 

[MAC702]

Too bad you weren't already a member of firearms forum like this one. I'll bet many of us have old stocks sitting in a scrap pile. I know I have a couple old beater rifle stocks on the heap that will never see another gun. Yours for the shipping.

 

[Nolen]

Too bad you weren't already a member of firearms forum like this one. I'll bet many of us have old stocks sitting in a scrap pile. I know I have a couple old beater rifle stocks on the heap that will never see another gun. Yours for the shipping.

I sent you a PM about those stocks. Thank you.

And thanks to everyone for the help!