I purchased a custom built .416 Rigby and it has no Identification numbers or markings on it. From what I understand, other countries require it. I'm not real excited about getting the gun registered but I bought it for Africa, so I may not have a choice. I would appreciate any info on this, Is this true? If so can I choose my own serial number? Thanks

AkHunter,

A serial number is required to get into an African country.

And yes, you can stamp any number you wish on it.

Not sure how that will stand legaly in your own country, but in Africa, as long as you a number, noi one cares what it is.

Thanks Saeed, Does it matter where the customized serial number is stamped. Does it have to be on the action? Can it be on the bolt, or the underside of the barrel? Do they just want to see a number somewhere on the gun, or is it more involved than that? Thanks for the info.

I can say for the US I'm pretty sure it can't be anywhere but the receiver. Might as well put it there, since the Men in Black don't too much care for scrubbed guns, should you ever have to present it.

We always put the serial numbers on the reciever.

This tend to keep everyone happy.

Explain what you meant by your "scrubbed gun" comment.

Thats what I figured, This gun is so nice that I did't want to tattoo it in an obvious place, if I could help it. Saeed, you seem to know alot about this issue. Whats the minimum amount of numbers I can use? One, three, ten?

I am sure you can put just a single digit, and it MIGHT do.

But, my advice is to have at least 4.

AkHunter,

Stamp a serial number in a visible spot on the receiver itself. You don't want it below the stock line, because you don't want to have to disassemble the gun at Customs.



You can stamp it with letters, numbers, or a combination, e.g., Africa2004, AkHunter01, etc.



Then, fill out a Customs Form 4457 prior to leaving the U.S., so that you don't have any grief upon your return. This is not registering per se, merely proving that you owned the gun prior to leaving the U.S.



Check your Private Messages.



George

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Assuming your rifle is a fairly nice custom, and you appreciate aesthetics, I'd have whatever number you chose professionally engraved, not stamped, on the right side of the receiver ring. You could also have the barrel engraved with the same number just ahead of the number on the receiver ring, so the barrel matches the receiver, a nice touch. AR member "Scrollcutter" can do a very nice job.

Scrollcutter for certain.

The SN must be a certain depth, for the ATF, and must be on the receiver. I suggest right along the mag or right on the left side of the ring... NOT under ANYTHING... and to clearly start with "SN: XASDASC"
jeffe

You can go to the BFAT website and look it up: www.atf.treas.gov

Serial numbers were only required after the 1968 gun "control" act. There are a lot of them out there without numbers. Make the numbers very light, have them filled with gold leaf for a real pretty touch.

For those of us residing in the US, the serial number controlled portion of a firearm is the receiver for a rifle, or frame for a handgun.

BATF regulations require a serial number on the receiver or frame.

So, do as recommended above, and have someone professionally engrave a serial number on the receiver.

Don"t take a set of number stamps and a hammer to the receiver!!!! Looks like crap.

While you are at it, be sure to engrave the cartridge designation on the barrel if it is not already there.

Also, for all you US gun plumbers, BATF regulations require that the barrel must have the caliber designation. So if you chamber up a barrel, be sure to engrave or stamp (Horrors, the hammer again!!) the cartridge designation on the barrel.

Back to ALF's post, many European countries require the barrel to be proofed by an agency. Proof numbers and usually a serial number are stamped on the barrel. I have an old Huskvarna rifle, no serial number on the receiver, but the serial number is on the barrel.


And, when you have the rifle back in your hands with the serial number, this is a good time to take several nice photos of the rifle for your insurance records. Be sure to write the serial number and cartridge designation on the back of the photos.

If you go to an engraver not familiar with gun laws, make sure they cut .003 or deeper. That is the legal minimum depth and all mechanical engravers like jewelers or trophy shops use cannot cut that deep.

Go find a gunsmith with some numbering stamps and pick a number you like. A un numbered gun may be considered illegal even in the USA. Don't take it out of the uS without a serial number on the receiver.

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jason, glad you found the website. i told you there were guys from all over the world that could answer your questions.

If you're coming to South Africa you need to show a completed (form) SAP311. You can download this from my website..... don't forget to complete it in BLACK ink and only sign it in the presence of the police officer at the desk.

I hope ALF won't be annoyed with me when I correct him by saying that you should not rely on the SAP website as it is not up to date with the new firearms laws. For up to date info you should go to the PHASA website..... I ALWAYS forget the address ,but there is a link from my website to the PHASA site.

If you're travelling with British Airways you should also check out the special offers and news page on my site as they recently made a hunter wait at Johannesburg Airport for 3 days before they would deign to carry his rifles on the flight...... and they even had the cheek to make him pay his own hotel bills etc!

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What about all the surplus Mausers and such that are scrubbed, and have no serial number on the reciever? Are they grandfathered in under C&R laws?

How does that work when you go to buy one at a gun show or from a gun store. I'm not thinking of taking one out of the country, just wondering about how you buy one.

For the second time...serial numbers were only required after the 1968 GCA.

Carzyquik...you have a PM.

AkHunter,

Did you ever locate a serial number on this gun?

George

If a mauser has only one marking on the receiver, on the top center of the front ring, and it is a number, such as "1943", will that be considered a serial number? Keep in mind that the receiver is otherwise plain.

Thanks.