To the gun builders...I recently acquired a custom .375 built on a Brevex action. the only thing it has for a serial number is the letter "A" on the bottom of the receiver. There's a local guy that does laser engraving on guns and was thinking of having him engrave a serial number on the bolt release.
Would I need to completely disassemble the bolt release for this to be done? My concern is the heat from the laser messing with the heat treat of the spring inside the bolt release.
Thanks in advance.

Pick another spot for the SN---Underneath the ring?

Put a number on the receiver ring, on the left side; that way no one will ever question it. Many Mausers do not have serial numbers open the receiver, which is ok, but just to avoid unnecessary scrutiny and questions and in case you take it out of the country. A serial number on the bolt doesn't count.

Thank you gents. The only reason I'm even worrying with it is because I intend to take it to Africa next year, God willing.

Oh by the way.....how bad will the laser affect the bluing?
Thanks again.

I should have said the bluing surrounding the engraved part.

Then you definitely need a serial number on the receiver or at least the barrel to appease any Govt bureaucrats you might encounter. I would have it hand engraved; I know nothing about laser engraving.

My experience with laser engraving is that it might be best done with a short-wavelength laser. CO2 might be ok but has a bigger spot size and needs more power to engrave metal. My 80-watt CO2 doesn't engrave steel, might if it had a different focusing lens. It does ok with anodized aluminum by vaporizing the coloring ink, not the metal underneath.

Thanks again gents.

I'd suggest reading up on the new ghost gun laws before you go having any ol body start engraving numbers on a gun. Might keep them out of hock if they get caught.

John

acid etch


clean

If your a hunter and hunt in the 3rd world I suggest Ser. Numbers on the tang. It saves grief when clearing customs especially with packed gun cases of various types..If your not a traveler then place it where it doesn't show probably..

I actually had the ser # put on the steel butt plates for that reason after having to unpack my tough pack a couple of times then repack it in an airport..Not fun when your tired and wore plumb out... I also like the tuff pack for that reason, they just look and send you on your way..

In some countries, the barrel is the "gun" and serial numbers only appear there. Brevex (France) would fit into that category. But..I believe an action number is universal now.



I believe it is best to let the border officials see what they want to see. Etching will not disturb the bluing if done correctly.

It will look nice and save a bit of $$$ vs hand engraving. Guidelines call for a depth of .003"

Thanks everyone. Found a guy right down the road from me that does laser engraving on firearms and had him do it on the left side of the front receiver ring just above the stock line. Looks like it was there all along. Very pleased with how it turned out. He also checked with ATF before he did anything.

You don't need to check with atf. You can put anything you want onto a firearm. You just can't deface or remove an original serial number.

That is good to know.

A shop where I worked carted the imported guns to the local jewelery store to have them engraved with the proper logos. It was very unobtrusive and professional looking. I don't know if all jewelry stores are able to tackle this job.

ground alot of large ring mausers to small ring serial number gone
thats probably illegal now

FYI:

https://www.reuters.com/legal/...us-judge-2022-10-13/

Not illegal if you replace a number, any number..I was told by an ATF agent some years ago..