Relocating/Engraving manufacturer markings

[MegademiC]

Everything I’ve read on the ATF’s site says that is correct. What I couldn’t find is an allowance to relocate those markings. My guess is get used to replacing grip tape.

I just verified, the april 2022 rules published by the atf specify that these markings cannot be obliterated. It was previously not specified, only the SN.

[Bret]

I would suggest contacting the ATF and ask them.

Yes, but if they don't put it in writing, then the answer means nothing. If they do put it in writing, they don't stick to it half the time anyway. However, that would be a good defense in front of a jury. No bureaucrat is going to come to your defense in court, put their career on the line, and state that they told you it was ok to do what the ATF later said isn't. Of course, be careful about what you request in writing. That gives the ATF an opportunity to create more regulations.

[Renegade]

I just verified, the april 2022 rules published by the atf specify that these markings cannot be obliterated. It was previously not specified, only the SN.

Can you source it, it seems the CFR is still not updated:

§ 478.34 Removed, obliterated, or altered serial number.
No person shall knowingly transport, ship, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered, or possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

[JediGuy]

According to the ATF, federal law is silent on anything other than the serial number for non-NFA items. They responded quickly.

[MegademiC]

Can you source it, it seems the CFR is still not updated:

§ 478.34 Removed, obliterated, or altered serial number.
No person shall knowingly transport, ship, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered, or possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 26, 2022 / Rules and Regulations

Copy and paste this in google and its the first hit:

Department’’) is amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (‘‘ATF’’) regulations to remove and replace the regulatory definitions of ‘‘firearm frame or receiver’’ and ‘‘frame or receiver’’ because the current regulations fail to capture the full meaning

[Bret]

If you read that literally, it means that you can possess or receive any firearm that has had the serial number altered if that firearm was manufactured in and never went beyond the border of the state that you're in. Anyone want to take their chances?

[georgeib]

Wasn't there a recent case that the ATF lost regarding obliterated serial numbers? Something about there not having been serial numbers prior to 1791,and therefore failing the Bruen test, IIRC.