Firearm serial numbers - should they be kept private?

[A.J.P.]

Hi guys,

As some of you may be aware, I'm advertising several firearms for sale. I've just had a request from someone (not on here) for images of one the gun's serial number (in addition to other images of the gun).

I've never dealt with this before, and wondered what people's opinions would be on providing this sort of information to a stranger? My gut tells me it wouldn't be a good idea. I wonder why someone would want to know a serial number? The gun's not collectible - so I fail to see why this information would be necessary.

Any and all advice would be gratefully received.


Adam.

[phaedra1106]

Some serials can be used to date a firearms age, maybe that?

There are lot's of adverts on Guntrader etc, where serial no's are shown.

[Sim G]

It would have to be a specific set of circumstances in which I would give the serial number wholly. Generally those wanting it would be for a date code or such. I usually give and ask for serial numbers asking that and substituting myself, the last two digits of the number with "XX".

[breacher]

Ask the buyer why ?

[Rarms]

I wouldn't post them in photos, but if I was selling or buying certain guns I would have no issues telling or asking.

[Rearlugs]

I can't see any issue in showing the number. What evil thing could result? Its not like -say - a car, where maybe someone wants to clone the car or its registration. Given the way firearms are registered and tracked, there is no motive to make a ringer for any reason.


On the contrary, a prospective buyer can often glean useful information from the number - especially if the rifle is any sort of vintage or military surplus firearm. For example, if a seller shows me the bolt and receiver number of a No4, then I can deduce the rifle's originality, manufacturer, perhaps date of manufacture, whether it has been rebuilt and, if so, by civilian or military, if it has been through my books in the past, etc and so on.

[HALODIN]

A serial can also help identify a maker, but unless I was given a good reason why, I would probably politely decline.

[A.J.P.]

Cheers guys. The gun in question is my Fabarm S.A.T. 8 - so not something that should necessitate ID by serial. I've queried things with the interested party, I'm waiting to see what they say.

[ozone]

.

Ask for a copy of his license

ozone

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[Blackstuff]

I know in the US people don't show them because guns have been 'cloned' before i.e. putting another guns serial number on a different gun which is the same make/model to get rid of any criminal history, but I think its incredibly rare for it to happen even over there.