How to Check Serial Numbers on Guns for Correct Identification (2024)

The Importance of Checking Serial Numbers on Guns

A gun serial number is a unique identifier assigned to each firearm by the manufacturer, and it serves as a crucial tool for tracking its history and ownership. Serial numbers are used in various records, including purchase documents, registration, and legal transfers, making them essential for maintaining accurate records.

Serial numbers play an important role in gun safety, crime prevention, and compliance with federal law. By tracking these numbers, authorities can trace firearms back to their original owners, identify stolen guns, and link firearms to criminal activity.

For Gun Owners, Sellers, and Law Enforcement

For gun owners, maintaining an accurate record of a firearm’s identification number can help them recover it if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Gun shops play a critical role in ensuring that each firearm sold has a valid serial number and has passed a background check to prevent illegal transactions.

For law enforcement agencies, accurate serial number records are valuable in criminal investigations and in ensuring that all firearms for sale comply with federal regulations.

The Process of Checking a Gun’s Serial Number

The serial number is typically engraved on the frame, barrel, or receiver, but the exact location can vary depending on the make and model. For handguns, it’s often found on the frame near the trigger guard or under the grip. On rifles and shotguns, it’s usually on the receiver or barrel.

It’s important to check the model number, date code, and any letter prefix or suffix, as these details can provide additional information about the firearm’s origin.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Locate the Serial Number: Identify and record the serial number from the firearm. Be aware that weapons from different models may have varying locations for their serial numbers.
2. Check Public Records: Visit your local police department to access public records that may include the history of the firearm.
3. Use Online Databases: Utilize online resources like the National Tracing Center to search for the serial number. These databases can reveal whether the firearm has been reported stolen, involved in a violent crime, or legally transferred.
4. Contact Law Enforcement: If you suspect the firearm has a questionable history, contact local law enforcement to run the serial number through their records.
5. Document Your Findings: Keep a record of your search results to ensure that you have proof of your due diligence in verifying the firearm’s history.

The National Tracing Center is one of the most reliable sources for firearm tracing. Other resources include state-specific databases that allow users to check for stolen firearms or those involved in a crime.

Why Checking Serial Numbers is Crucial

Preventing the Sale of Stolen Guns

The legal implications of selling or buying a stolen firearm can lead to criminal charges and significant penalties. Federal law prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of stolen firearms, and being caught with one can result in legal consequences.

Assisting in Criminal Investigations

When a firearm is used in a crime, its serial number can be traced back to its original owner. This process can reveal whether the gun was stolen, illegally transferred, or involved in other criminal activities.

Verifying the Gun’s Legitimacy

Ensuring that a firearm is not a ghost gun or firearm precursor part is essential for legal and safety reasons. Ghost guns present a significant challenge to law enforcement and public safety, and some criminals may attempt to destroy serial numbers to hide a firearm’s origin.

The ATF’s Obliterated Serial Number Program is an important tool here, allowing law enforcement to identify firearms trafficking and find recovered firearms that have been altered.

The Challenges of Ghost Guns

Ghost guns are typically self-assembled from parts or ghost gun kits and they don’t have a serial number. Unlike regular guns, which are manufactured by licensed companies and have a unique serial number for identification, ghost guns are untraceable because they aren’t subject to the same regulations. The lack of traceability complicates efforts to prevent illegal firearm distribution and investigate crimes involving these weapons.

Legal and Safety Implications of Serial Number Checks

Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, all firearms manufactured or imported into the United States must have a serial number engraved on the firearm’s frame or receiver so they can be individually identified and traced. Federal law mandates that these numbers are maintained in a legible condition throughout the firearm’s life.

Gun dealers and private citizens hold significant responsibilities in ensuring that all firearms sold have valid serial numbers and are legally compliant.

• Gun dealers must maintain accurate records of all firearm transactions and verify that each gun has a legitimate serial number before completing a sale.
• For private sales, individuals must ensure that any firearm they buy or sell is fully compliant with federal and state regulations.

Checking a firearm’s serial number is not just a legal requirement but a crucial step in protecting oneself from potential legal troubles. If a firearm is reported stolen, law enforcement uses serial numbers to match recovered firearms with police reports of stolen guns, facilitating their return to the rightful owner.

How FastBound Can Help Ensure Compliance and Safety

Automated Bound Books

As the leading firearm compliance software in the industry, FastBound assists FFL dealers in maintaining precise and compliant records of firearm acquisitions and dispositions. Our platform allows you to keep detailed logs of every transaction, ensuring that each firearm’s serial number, model, and other important information are accurately recorded.

Digital Signature Support

We also offer digital signature support for Form 4473 to simplify the compliance process. By allowing electronic signatures, our software makes it easier and faster to complete the required paperwork. This digital capability eliminates the need for paper forms, reducing the risk of errors and making it easier to manage your compliance efficiently.

At FastBound, we understand the complexities involved in staying compliant with ATF regulations. With features like automated record-keeping, comprehensive audit trails, and compliance backed by legal defense, we ensure that you can focus on your business while we handle compliance.