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

Is the model number still viewable under the crane? Is it an early 'no dash' model, or is it a 686-(x number)? Can you see an "M" stamped under the crane? There was an issue with early models that is still being repaired for free by S&W if the M is absent. S&W has a lifetime warranty, maybe you might be able to ship it back to S&W to have them re-stamp the numbers since the SN is is on the frame?

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Originally Posted by ClangClang

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

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Originally Posted by drift_g35

Auto correct? Ha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Thanks for clarifying that. I fixed the thread title. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what a "hammy down" revolver was.

I'm with Carl (Bailey Guns) on this - get written direction from the ATF. Regardless that Hillary got off by the FBI for not having an intent to break the law (what a joke), YOU won't be so lucky if that firearm comes into contact with an LEO or prosecutor. Protect yourself, get it in writing from the ATF.

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Originally Posted by theGinsue

Thanks for clarifying that. I fixed the thread title. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what a "hammy down" revolver was.

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LOL, I thought it was intentional

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

LOL, I thought it was intentional

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So did I...and I totally understood it. I guess that's what I get for being a bit of a redneck.

The only official serial number is the one on the frame. The rest aren't relevant. One can take a Glock slide, barrel, and frame from three different guns and now have three different serial numbers on it. The only one that counts is the one on the frame.

Doesn't appear to be Interstate or Foreign commerce, so probably would not apply to OPs circumstance.

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Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

From 18 USC 922 (k):



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

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According to this thread on the S&W Forum -For new members looking for date of manufacture info (how to find your serial number)
...the official serial is on the butt of the gun.

When I carried a 686-2 as a sidearm, I saw the SN under the crane being a convenience when logging the revolver as my sidearm since I didn't have to remove the target grips that covered the SN. It makes sense to me that the official registered SN is on the butt, a larger and much deeper stamping.

For my own knowledge, if the only serial number was in the frame but obscured by the grips then that isn't an issue?

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Originally Posted by ray1970

For my own knowledge, if the only serial number was in the frame but obscured by the grips then that isn't an issue?

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Nope. Many of S&W's revolvers only have the serial on the butt, and many grips will cover it. Covering the number isn't changing the serialization of the gun.