BLANKED OUT SERIAL NUMBERS

[Anonymous]

Something I've been curious about for a while. People who sell guns on the Internet often blank out or blur the serial number in photographs of the gun they're trying to sell. You see it here, on Gun Broker, on the S&W Forum, just about anywhere. Or sometimes it isn't intentionally blanked or blurred out, but it's illegible in the photos.

What's the rationale for that? I've bought several guns over the Internet this year, and except for a couple, I've had to e-mail the seller and ask for the serial number...because when dealing with older firearms, my first question is, "When was it made?" Or in the case of some old Winchester Model 12 pump shotguns I've bought, I want to know if the serial numbers match, and if they're not shown, I have to ask. Some sellers won't even answer.

So really, what's the big secret about serial numbers? Why hide the info from a potential buyer?

 

[JmE]

Good question. I've wondered about that too.

 

[Kanook]

Some people believe that the serial number would be used by a dishonest person claiming that it is their firearm and it is stolen. It would be up to the real owner to prove it wasn't.

 

[Dexx000]

SAB...My local pawn shop has an OM Blackhawk and he wouldn't let me take a picture of or write down the SN either...claimed he was worried that I could then take it and claim the gun was stolen...blah, blah...Here in Va. though, no registration required, so I can see his point to an extent.

 

[rugerguy]

Absolutely, any one can take the numbers, and make up a "fake" receipt, make claim to the gun, whatever, especially if its an OLD gun, and who knows the paper trail....unless the seller (owner) has a "bill of sale (receipt) of his own, it just may be one of the many, many "lost & stolen" guns of years gone by....BUT there is no reason why a seller ,cannot tell the buyer just what range or up to the 'last' digit anyway, of what's on the gun; this is when you by a "pig in a poke" otherwise.....................
blurry pictures for the MOST part are just plain "shady dealing' and done on purpose,same goes for using OTHER pictures of any gun that "lo0oks the same" but is NOT those of the gun advertised....caveat emptor baby

 

[contender]

Another reason often used is the seller doesn't want "big brother" knowing exactly what guns he has.

 

[JmE]

False claims of a stolen firearm is an interesting and compelling reason... but it shouldn't wash as far as charges of stolen property and wouldn't hold with a breathing attorney or an aware owner/defendant. No doubt people have gotten jammed up on such things but people always can run into legal issues on just about anything.

I get where people are coming from with the registration that some places have. There's a flaw in the registration system when the serial # doesn't have to be physically verified by the record holding office.

 

[JmE]

Another reason often used is the seller doesn't want "big brother" knowing exactly what guns he has.

That's a pretty good reason, IMHO.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Yep . . . in light of recent NSA revelations that's an EXCELLENT reason.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

The only problem with that train of thought is this, you're posting pics of "a" gun (any gun) and "they" know that you have an interest in guns. Now you've become a target.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

If you're posting here at all, you're a target. Known that for years, as well.

Just don't see any reason to give them any more details.

 

[eveled]

I have seen were people have scratched their social security number on valuable things. Like power tools. It was thought to be the smart thing to do. Now we know better. My point is that things change, even if they can't use the serial number now, why put the information out there in the first place?

If they are selling a gun and won't give out the serial number that raises a red flag for me. Maybe they are worried the gun really was stolen and don't want the number run. Ed

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I think if I were going to buy a gun off the 'net I'd make my offer contingent upon knowing the serial number, just between me and the seller. If the seller won't reveal the number I think I'd just back out of the transaction. Simply isn't worth the risk these days.

JMHO

 

[eric conrad]

I think if I were going to buy a gun off the 'net I'd make my offer contingent upon knowing the serial number, just between me and the seller. If the seller won't reveal the number I think I'd just back out of the transaction. Simply isn't worth the risk these days.

JMHO

+1 Eric

 

[flatgate]

I'm with Ale-8(1)

We Ruger Collectors Live and Breath Serial Numbers!

What do ya' mean you saw a Mag. Marked RSS w/serial number 100???
Shucks, I know some nut cases that actually try to get guns that have a "matching"
serial number with one's in their collections...................

flatgate

 

[contender]

+1 Flatgate!
I think I know some of the same folks!

 

[radicalrod]

Well can anyone point us to a case where some one has used a serial number posted on the net to claim it was theirs???? Sounds like a good internet RUMOR.....I have been posting serial numbers on here for years with no problems....if a seller won't give me the complete serial number I don't even both watching the auction...once again a lot of hot air about a non issue :lol: :lol: :lol: We should have a section called TALL TALES FROM THE INTERNET :roll: :roll: :roll: YMMV...RR.

 

[eveled]

:lol: :lol: :lol: We should have a section called TALL TALES FROM THE INTERNET :roll: :roll: :roll: YMMV...RR.

I don't think we have enough band width for that!

 

[flatgate]

I like it! Tall Tales from the Internet! Sorta reminds me of the TV Ad where the chick is waiting for her
"French Model" Boyfriend.......

ROFLMAO,

flatgate

 

[Anonymous]

Lots of good input and interesting answers to my question. Thanks to everyone who responded and who might respond in the future. I, too, will walk away from a seller who won't furnish a serial number in a PM or an e-mail. If I can't do the minimum due diligence on a firearm I might be considering paying a couple thousand bucks for, then I guess someone else can have it.

The last Ruger I bought, an OM Super Blackhawk, I bought from a dealer who actually let me use their computer to look up the serial number and establish the year of production. It was a learning experience for the sales guy, too, cause he had no idea how to do it, or even that you could do it online. Go figure. I half-heartedly/jokingly suggested they hire me, but they know me as a sometimes smartass, so they turned me down.

 

[Anonymous]

I like it! Tall Tales from the Internet! Sorta reminds me of the TV Ad where the chick is waiting for her
"French Model" Boyfriend.......
flatgate

I love that "French Model Boyfriend" commercial! I start laughing out loud soon as I see him coming down the sidewalk. I can't help it. My dogs look at me like, wtf?

Bon jour. Cracks me up.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm with Ale-8(1)
Shucks, I know some nut cases that actually try to get guns that have a "matching"
serial number with one's in their collections...................
flatgate

Lawd have mercy! Whoever heard of such a thing?

 

[ArmedinAZ]

Another reason often used is the seller doesn't want "big brother" knowing exactly what guns he has.

Also seems like a good idea not to proudly list your guns on every post you make. :shock:

 

[Hugh]

I think if I were going to buy a gun off the 'net I'd make my offer contingent upon knowing the serial number, just between me and the seller. If the seller won't reveal the number I think I'd just back out of the transaction. Simply isn't worth the risk these days.

JMHO

Concur. No way in the world would I buy a firearm without a bill of sale listing the identification of the firearm including the serial number; and oh, by the way, the name and identification of the seller. If I were to sell or trade a firearm the same information would be on the bill of sale I provide, including the name and identification of the buyer.

I am guessing some on this forum would not engage in a firearm sales transaction with me for those reasons.

 

[chefrob1]

Well can anyone point us to a case where some one has used a serial number posted on the net to claim it was theirs???? Sounds like a good internet RUMOR.....I have been posting serial numbers on here for years with no problems....if a seller won't give me the complete serial number I don't even both watching the auction...once again a lot of hot air about a non issue :lol: :lol: :lol: We should have a section called TALL TALES FROM THE INTERNET :roll: :roll: :roll: YMMV...RR.

couldn't agree more......

 

[chet15]

Yep...chicken littleism. Nor have I ever heard of somebody using a serial number for spurious purposes.
But, being a serial numbers guy who takes a lot of full serial numbers down at the gun shows I attend, I do occassionally get the dealer who refuses to let me take notes. Then my red flag is raised and I point blank ask him, "Why? Are they stolen?", putting the shoe on the other foot so to speak. Drives me nuts sometimes, but most off the people at the Des Moines gun shows let me take however many notes I want.
Chet15

 

[UmpquaCharlie]

Shucks, I know some nut cases that actually try to get guns that have a "matching"
serial number with one's in their collections..................

I know several of those crazy individuals....

 

[CraigC]

Always sounded like unfounded fear to me.

 

[winchester348]

Lets play devil advocate. What if I had a gun stolen and knew my serial number, Which I keep meticulous records, Now one day I'm perusing my favorite site and wham there is my gun. What would you do? surely the seller would do the right thing and get it back to you,..... because he's a French super model.

 

[RugerHound]

I think if I were going to buy a gun off the 'net I'd make my offer contingent upon knowing the serial number, just between me and the seller. If the seller won't reveal the number I think I'd just back out of the transaction. Simply isn't worth the risk these days.

JMHO

Exactly! I will not make a purchase if I can't know the SN. I have only had a few sellers ever refuse to give out the entire SN.