Hand-me-down revolver with serial number intentionally scratched off

A buddy asked me a question I wasn't able to answer.

He got a revolver from his dad that was found in an air vent at their home in the 90's. They called the police and they said they were "all good" and let him keep it. Now that my buddy has it, he noticed the serial number on the crane is intentionally scratched off. The serial number under the grip is 100% legible.

Is he at any legal risk with it being scratched off? I know you can't really offer legal advice but if you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.


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Have a laser etcher copy the under the grip number?

Those numbers the on some revolvers are not the serial number. Maybe someone scratched it off to stop any confusion of two different numbers.

It is generally accepted that as long as the serial number is on the frame and legible it would be considered legal. It is not unusual that grips may need to be removed to read the serial number. Serial number locations would depend on the manufacture of the revolver. Colt put serial numbers on the frame behind the crane. S&W put the serial on the butt and the number under the crane was just an assembly number. Then about 1957 S&W began adding a model number under the crane. Early S&W revolvers have the serial number in 5 or 6 places on each gun. The legal number must be on the frame. Gun smiths have had to re-stamp numbers on gun frames do to wear or grip modifications.

I personally had a gun that had a lanyard ring added to the bottom of the grip frame. When adding the ring the frame butt was drilled through the serial number. If I removed the grips it was re-stamped on the side of the frame under the grips. I contacted ATF and asked if that was legal and was told no problem.

I would suggest if your gun has visual signs that the original number has been intentionally defaced you may have a different issue and you should contact ATF directly.

FYI - it's "hand-me-down"

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Originally Posted by ClangClang

FYI - it's "hand-me-down"

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Auto correct? Ha


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Not knowing the specifics of the revolver, I would also question whether it was a SN as already stated by Big E3.

It's a 686. The crane number is halfway visible. He said it starts with "AU"


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From 18 USC 922 (k):

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(k) 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.

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Doesn't look to me like there's any ambiguity at all. I wouldn't risk it...but that's just me.

I was thinking it was an old revolver. If it is a 686, it would have the serial number in the crane area. It may also have one on the butt area of the grip. If either one of the original frame numbers is completely legible then it could still be legal and worth contacting ATF to get an official opinion.