
In a Firearms Verification Guidebook issued by BATFE, the following are listed: The serial number requirement remains in effect today, which explains our modern conceptions. This law ―which was effective October 22, 1968― extends the serial requirement beyond the specific group of NFA regulated firearms. As per the GCA, all firearms manufactured or imported into the United States are required to bear a serial number. In 1968, the Gun Control Act (GCA) imposed numerous additional requirements in the arena of gun manufacture. Among many other restrictions, the act required all firearms subject to the NFA to have serial numbers on them. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” The NFA imposed several restrictions in efforts to reduce the criminal use of these particular weapons. According to the NFA Handbook (produced by BATFE, see ), “Congress found these firearms to pose a significant crime problem because of their frequent use in crime, particularly the gangland crimes of that era such as the St. It didn’t apply to every gun as it defined “firearms” somewhat narrowly. At the time, it was the most restrictive federal firearms legislation that had ever been enacted in the United States. How did we get to practice we know today? In 1934, Congress enacted the National Firearms Act (NFA). Some did as per their own internal policies. Use care when trying to proof-date a gun.

The model S photo to the left shows the typical location and appearance of proofmarks on Star. Mad, by your serial# your Llama was made around 1951. I have had a number of them, from different manufacturers, pistols and rifles, over. At that point in time, the manufacturers held the power to choose whether or not to utilize serial numbers. Although our younger generations have never lived in the America where serial numbers were optional, this was in fact the case long ago. In fact, it should look strange to you, and in most cases someone selling you or giving to you a firearm with a tarnished serial number should nearly give you a heart attack. Are Firearms without Serial Numbers Illegal? If you’re a Law Abiding Gun Owner (LAGO) who primarily uses modern firearms, a firearm without a serial number would probably look strange to you.
