I'm working on a M1917 Eddystone Enfield action and have run into a snag while adding square bridges to it.

The front square bridge will cover the serial number. The bridges are cut for CZ style rings, and the front is just slightly wider than the dovetail for the ring. It is screwed on only and isn't going to be more permanently attached.

So, what can I do about the serial number? Is it acceptable to mark the receiver in another location? The original number isn't being removed, just covered up.

My last resort would be to recut the base and make it to Talley dimensions, but those don't look right to me. Too narrow. And the rear is already welded on, milled and shaped.

Jeremy

Yes you can put it some other place

You just can not deface the original.

Unless you are traveling out side the US with the rifle no need to worry about it.

I have seen this present issues. Happens on M-70' custom bases, I mill out a clearance so the number will always be visible

Like Duane I cut out a window for the S/N.

Nice work

I'll have to look and see if I can window the base to allow the serial number to be visible. They marked these very high on the ring.

I didn't even think about this until after it was all fit and I was starting to finish the front base. I noticed there was no serial number, then thought "aww shit". It was going together too well. I should have known I'd hit a snag.

Thanks guys.

Jeremy

I wouldn't bother; just engrave one lower on the ring, or on the barrel like FNs.
Just so someone won't think it doesn't have one, although it is none of their business, but.......

I'd like to stay legal and have no issues traveling overseas with it. It is possible it will be sold off one day as well.

Moving it would look the best.

Cutting a window is possible, and would look OK, but the number would be hard to see with a scope mounted.

I suppose as long as the serial number is there somewhere, no one will know any different.

Jeremy

"Legal" is not defacing the original, which you haven't.
You can put any numbers on it you want, somewhere else., to avoid the ire of the uninformed/bureaucrat.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
"Legal" is not defacing the original, which you haven't.
You can put any numbers on it you want, somewhere else., to avoid the ire of the uninformed/bureaucrat.

If you travel outside the US you will have a mess on your 4473 form if you don't have a visible number to at least say it is the serial number.
I have a couple rifles with no serial number present anywhere, to avoid an issue I've not taken them out of the country, if I did I would put a number of my choosing on it.
If it was the OP's situation I would leave the existing number alone and just repeat it somewhere visible

Anything you do that is NOT the visible original serial number is venturing into unknown territory. Alphabet boys don't give a rat's rear end how inconvenient this may be to you

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
Anything you do that is NOT the visible original serial number is venturing into unknown territory. Alphabet boys don't give a rat's rear end how inconvenient this may be to you

No it well known in Law enforcement circles it is called Owner applied numbers OAN's.

There is even places on most theft reports for them and there is even a place to enter them into the stolen item files of the NCIC data base.

Adding another number or the copy of the ordinal number is not a problem with Law enforcement in the US.

Defacing or destroying the original number is against the law.

Again adding numbers in not a problem.

One of my '17's is covered up too.
don't have record of the number and
don't want to take the base off to
get it.

George

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
Anything you do that is NOT the visible original serial number is venturing into unknown territory. Alphabet boys don't give a rat's rear end how inconvenient this may be to you

No it well known in Law enforcement circles it is called Owner applied numbers OAN's.

There is even places on most theft reports for them and there is even a place to enter them into the stolen item files of the NCIC data base.

Adding another number or the copy of the ordinal number is not a problem with Law enforcement in the US.

Defacing or destroying the original number is against the law.

Again adding numbers in not a problem.

OAN's are an additional form of ID and could be useful in recovery of stolen property. Research on serial numbers is not easy and full of ambiguities. I'll always choose to leave the original number visible...but again, that's MY choice!

My vote: The original number in a font like the original style, both on the left side of the barrel and on the action on the same plane. Done.
i know a guy who's good and quick.

I like to put the ser. no. on the tripper guard so you don't have to pull the whole gun out in airports, just lift it a tad out, I use a tough case however, its just real handy to just lift the the gun or guns and drop it/them back in.....

What Ray said. It makes the # highly visible and easy to find for the non gun official who in most cases has no clue what they are looking at.

Mark