I have 2 bolt action .410's.One is a Stevens model 59A,the other is a Mossberg 183KC.I have taken the stock's off both guns looking for the serial #'s,but I can't find them on either gun.There are no file marks or other indicators of tampering to take off the serial numbers.Did the manufacterers hide them or,what?My insurance agent needs these numbers for coverage.Any hints will truly be appreciated.Both guns were my dads and he bought them used over 35 years ago and he doesn't have the #s either. Thanks.

I suspect those guns are over 50 years old.

And guns made that long ago didn't have serial numbers?Is that what you are saying?

Guns made prior to 1968 were not required to have serial numbers. You will mostly find shotguns and .22 rifles weren't serial numbered, but I have run across a pistol or two and a few rifles that weren't either.

Thanks for the info!I didn't know that.I thought all fire arms ever made had serial#s.Always learn something knew on this site,humbling as it may be.Thank you very much for the prompt reply.

I have a FN action custom that does not have a serial number on it. I also have a savage M24 that is unserialed.

Rad

Many cheap guns made before the Gun Control Act of 1968 never had a serial number.

quote:

Originally posted by El Deguello:
Many cheap guns made before the Gun Control Act of 1968 never had a serial number.

And some not so cheap too. I have a J.C. Higgins 50 from what is apparently the first run of rifles made for Sears that has no number. It's now a 7x57. I also have a Husqvarna 640 FN style Mauser action that is destined to be a .35 Whelen that is not numbered. Neither is what I would have called being in the cheap range. At not at what I was earning way back then.
Paul B.

Husqvarna rifles prior to 1968 or so had the serial numbers on the barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by sbhva:
Husqvarna rifles prior to 1968 or so had the serial numbers on the barrel.

As did many of the smaller makers of remanufactured 98's and all Mosins except the Finn's that I know of. Older Stevens & Winchester shotguns with no serials are common too.

So, I believe you are permitted to "make up" a Serial number. Your SSI number is an option, although maybe not the best in this day of ID theft. Birthday in numerals... ATF will advise. Most gunsmiths should also know... luck.

When I had my numberless J.C. Higgins M50 rebarreled to 7x57, I asked my gunsmith about this. He said that as long as it didn't come with a number, you didn't have to have one made up for the gun unless you wanted one.
Paul B.

If you will check the K98 that just sold for 20K on gunbroker you will notice it has serial numbers on the bolt and barrel but not the receiver.