drilling through the serial number

Irascible · Post by **Irascible** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:24 am

I know it's illegal to alter a serial number, but I would like to install a tang sight on my Win. M64. If I stamp the serial number in another location before I drill through the original is it then legal? I know, its a collector gun, I don't care. It will be more usefull to me with a tang sight. It already has a receiver sight, but that is not legal for SASS long range matches.

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:30 am

NOT legal...

Serial Number shall not be erased, altered or defaced in any manner.

You are not allowed to relocate number.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:36 am

You can relocate the serial number IF you contact ATF BEFORE you reloacate it and get their permission and their guidance as to where to relocate the serial number. Many Model 1917 Enfields and 1914 Enfields have relocated serial numbers as some modifications to the receiver area where the serial number is located are sometimes required (i.e., scope mounts).

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:39 am

Irascible wrote:I know it's illegal to alter a serial number, but I would like to install a tang sight on my Win. M64. If I stamp the serial number in another location before I drill through the original is it then legal? I know, its a collector gun, I don't care. It will be more usefull to me with a tang sight. It already has a receiver sight, but that is not legal for SASS long range matches.

I don't know the laws on this so I won't comment, but I've never seen a Winchester lever gun with the serial number on the upper tang. Since the 64 is a 94 variant it should be stamped on the bottom of the receiver on the rounded area just forward of the link.
I think ......

Can you show a picture of this?

I know Marlin moved their serial numbers from the upper tang to the side of the receiver because of folks who wanted to install tang sights, but that's all I know.

Joe

Kansas Ed · Post by **Kansas Ed** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:32 pm

What Mr. Miller said..... +1

Ed

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:42 pm

I know Marlin moved their serial numbers from the upper tang to the side of the receiver because of folks who wanted to install tang sights, but that's all I know.

When did they do this? All my Marlins have the number on the upper tang, and they're all new models.

I think my Winchesters have it on the underside, but I'd have to check.

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:11 pm

I dont think I've ever seen an Winchester lever with the SN anyplace other than front of the lever --bottom of the receiver.

dont they make an "a-dap-TOR kit" so you can tang sight a Marlin without defacing the SN?
~J

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:51 pm

El Chivo wrote:
I know Marlin moved their serial numbers from the upper tang to the side of the receiver because of folks who wanted to install tang sights, but that's all I know.
When did they do this? All my Marlins have the number on the upper tang, and they're all new models.

I think my Winchesters have it on the underside, but I'd have to check.

I'm not sure exactly but my 2005 Vintage 1894 Cowboy has the serial number on the side of the receiver. I think they did this at the same time they discontinued drilling and tapping them for side mount receiver sights.

Joe

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:54 pm

I sure would like to see a pic of a Winchester Model 64, or any Winchester levergun for that matter, with it's original serial number on the top tang.

.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 5:11 pm

A lot of 1917 Enfields did have their serial numbers removed, their logos and rollstamps eliminated, and generally stripped of any military references, BUT this was OK in past years. It is no longer OK to even remove rollstamps, let alone serial numbers.
Nowadays you can get adapter bases to span the serial number, so you can then install a std. tang sight into the adapter base without defacing a serial number. Contact Marbles Sight Co. and ask about a sight or adapter base for your particular model rifle.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:23 pm

marlinman93 wrote:A lot of 1917 Enfields did have their serial numbers removed, their logos and rollstamps eliminated, and generally stripped of any military references, BUT this was OK in past years. It is no longer OK to even remove rollstamps, let alone serial numbers.
Nowadays you can get adapter bases to span the serial number, so you can then install a std. tang sight into the adapter base without defacing a serial number. Contact Marbles Sight Co. and ask about a sight or adapter base for your particular model rifle.

This is what I've been told by a couple people in law enforcement and FFL's who I trust. Too bad the AlphaGoons get so fired up about non-violent and often not even significant 'crimes' instead of limiting the scarce resources available to nailing the violent criminals and actual terrorists (not referring to FairTax advocates or Ron Paul voters) they could go after.

DBW · Post by **DBW** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:13 pm

Serial numbers make the gun safer. Just add milk.

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:34 pm

Marlin has had their serial numbers moved from the lower tang, then to the upper tand and now on the side of the receiver. The GCA of 1968 requires serial numbers be on the receiver. Lower tangs were not considered permanent part of receiver as they could be removed. The upper tang was then used. Now on the frame side of receiver for the reasons stated. Never have seen a Winchester with a Tang serial number, but could be wrong......

Hagler · Post by **Hagler** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:59 am

...Winchester 1873, 1-of-1000, Serial Number on LOWER TANG:

http://www.pbase.com/stusmithphoto/image/74004884

...and, another one:

http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/1873-winc ... number.htm

http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/images/18 ... %20(6).jpg

It was done for a time, and the replacement tangs were blank, if I remember what I have read.

Shawn

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:35 am

Cliff wrote:Marlin has had their serial numbers moved from the lower tang, then to the upper tand and now on the side of the receiver. The GCA of 1968 requires serial numbers be on the receiver. Lower tangs were not considered permanent part of receiver as they could be removed. The upper tang was then used. Now on the frame side of receiver for the reasons stated. Never have seen a Winchester with a Tang serial number, but could be wrong......

Even when Marlin had serial numbers on the lower tang, the uppers were still also stamped. It was just located under the wood, so you didn't see them unless you removed the buttstock. And EVERY old Winchester I own has the serial number on the lower tang, and NO number to match anywhere else!

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:18 pm

I see that Irascible hasn't reappeared. Was he pulling our leg or what? There's no such thing as a serial number on the upper tang of a Winchester Model 64.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:14 am

Maybe the OP confused his M64 with his Marlin.

I know that, as I age, I sometimes get a little confused - and it's embarassing.

.

Kansas Ed · Post by **Kansas Ed** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 5:14 pm

Or maybe some previous screwball stamped his SSN on the upper tang....I've seen SSN's stamped on several guns through the years.

Ed

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