Important Question.

[DudeTotallyKyle]

Hey guys and gals.

So long story short, my aunt in Missouri is using a FFL there to ship my grandpa's .22 here to Massachusetts. Once it arrives, I'm going to pick it up.

It's a 50+ year old Mossberg .22

The only problem, is that it doesn't have a serial number, at least that's what my dad said. He also said that he thinks it was made before they gave out serial numbers, but I called BS on that one.


I need help! I don't want to accidentally become a felon or something. What should I do about it if in fact it doesn't have a serial number?


Thanks a ton! I appreciate it!

~Kyle

 

[vellnueve]

Lots of older firearms do not have serial numbers. Your dad is correct and you should probably apologize if you accused him of BSing.

 

[scouter-rick]

It is not uncommon for older guns to have no serial number. Many manufactured before 1968 have no SN's

 

[DudeTotallyKyle]

Thanks a ton guys.

+ Don't worry I was only joking around with him.

So not having a serial isn't an issue? Good. I thought it was going to be a big deal.

 

[MisterHappy]

Prior to the mandated serial numbers (1968) serial numbers were an internal company thing....this way, if it came back to the factory, or if there was a question about it, it was easy to reference the records.

This is why a Parker shotgun can be dated, and a Crescent Arms special, sold at Monkey Ward's, can't.....

On the FA-10 write "NSN", and you're done.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Very cool - look forward to seeing it over the range.

 

[Business]

Hey I learned some new stuff from this thread +1 guys, and Kyle post pics once you get it.

 

[C-pher]

Yep, I have an old hinged action .22 hornet that doesn't have a serial number. I love that thing.

 

[Speedway]

It is not uncommon for older guns to have no serial number. Many manufactured before 1968 have no SN's

X2

 

[GML]

That will be a fun one to plink with!

 

[Broc]

wow, I didnt know that. Interesting.

 

[Another_David]

Thanks a ton guys.

+ Don't worry I was only joking around with him.

So not having a serial isn't an issue? Good. I thought it was going to be a big deal.

the wiki answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Control_Act_of_1968#Marking_Requirements

Gun Control Act of 1968

The law also required that all newly-manufactured firearms produced by licensed manufacturers in the United States and imported into the United States bear a serial number. Firearms manufactured prior to the Gun Control Act and firearms manufactured by non-FFLs remain exempt from the serial number requirement. Defacement or removal of the serial number (if present) is a felony offense.