Found two actions with out serial numbers.
what can you tell me about these?
were They good actions?
Thanks dave

What model of argentine? The 1909s all had serial numbers. The 91s do as well. They were mostly made by DWM or Lowe; because Mauser was tied up with the Turkish contracts then. Some 09s were made in Argentina. Just give the markings on the left receiver wall and you will know what model they are.
All good actions, but have different strengths and purposes. 09s are 98 Mauser design; 91s are, 89/91 design; not as strong.
You should not grind off serial numbers. Some of the alphabet agencies frown on it.

It is likely that someone completely scrubbed the front ring, which is common, but at this point in time I believe one must have a manufacturers license to do so, and a serial number must be re-stamped. I have a 1908 Brazilian DWM action that was rehardened and surface ground. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the action and will need to be restamped on the side of the front ring if I ever decide to barrel it up.

Thanks, The actions have the Argentina symbol on the front ring, 98 but no serial number, DWM. one had a 6.5x55 Shaw barrel.
The other was a 81/91 I think. The Seller said they did not have serial #s because they were unfinished rifles from the factory, Sounds shady to me. Like Coloradomatt I think you would have to be a MFG and all that.
none of it adds up

Prior to 1968 no ser #s were needed and many were removed during hex or modifying . I've bought some a few 10 yrs ago and the dealer just wrote down none on the 4473 . All were beautifully made free rifles .

The 1968 law does not apply to centerfire rifles or pistols. All Argentine Mausers had serial numbers when they were made. It is my understanding that owning one without a number is unlawful.

Some few Mausers were made with the serial number on the barrel rather than the receiver. The ones that I have seen were FN military barreled actions.

Bill Jacobs

Many WW2 98ks have no serial numbers on the receivers. But all 09s and 91s did, and the notion that they were factory new is wrong.
And even if the ring is scrubbed, the models are on the left side.
Most dealers and feds so not know what is supposed to be right and not, on old iron.

So could a private citizen apply his own number to make it right?

No. Once removed, it can only have a new number re-assigned by a manufacturer.
And possession or transfer of a firearm with an altered SN is bad. I would never advise anyone to alter or replace a serial number on anything.

quote:

I would never advise anyone to alter or replace a serial number on anything.

BIG. RED. FLAG!

Thanks that clears it up for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Clemson:
The 1968 law does not apply to centerfire rifles or pistols.

Where in the law does it state this?

The law applies to firearms that have serial numbers removed, etc... not firearms mafe without serial numbers.

"(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport,
.ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which
has had the importers or manufacturer's serial number removed, oblit-
erated, or altered,

That's the question, Was it made without or was it removed? I could not tell both actions were very nice, They looked new. there were no numbers. I think they had numbers at one time and were removed.

""(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport,
.ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which
has had the importers or manufacturer's serial number removed, oblit-
erated, or altered,"

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:

quote:

Originally posted by Clemson:
The 1968 law does not apply to centerfire rifles or pistols.

Where in the law does it state this?

This came from my ATF agent. We seem to get into a bought of speculation about twice a year on what the law may or may not say and what you may be able to do to get around the regulations. The answer to that is to call the ATF. My agent is a great guy as are most of the ATF folks that I know. Hell, their jobs, to some considerable extent, depend on us keeping OUR jobs.

Bill Jacobs

quote:

Originally posted by Clemson:

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:

quote:

Originally posted by Clemson:
The 1968 law does not apply to centerfire rifles or pistols.

Where in the law does it state this?

This came from my ATF agent. We seem to get into a bought of speculation about twice a year on what the law may or may not say and what you may be able to do to get around the regulations. The answer to that is to call the ATF. My agent is a great guy as are most of the ATF folks that I know. Hell, their jobs, to some considerable extent, depend on us keeping OUR jobs.

Bill Jacobs

In my experience, the answers generally vary from agent-to-agent. If you get a directive from an individual, get it in writing and hang on to it for your next audit.