Partially Hidden Serial Numbers
 

Okay, I admit to being clueless on a number of things (don't tell my wife), but I am trying to understand the hiding of 2 or 3 digits of a serial number in an auction or some other presentation. Everyone sees full serial numbers on this and other forums, books, Simpson's (for example - and everyone else's ) website, gun shows etc.

Could someone explain this too me?

Thanks, Bob

Bob,

Conventional wisdom has it that there are two reasons for this.

The first, is to avoid the legal enganglement of someone claiming that it is gun stolen from them at some time.

The second, is the problem faced by dealers of someone buying the gun, and then sending it back during the three-day (or however long) inspection period with different numbered parts--all they really wanted was some parts with the gun's number to force-match with their own pistol. An activity beyond reprehensible.

The practice of hiding parts of a serial number is extremely frustrating to those of us who are trying to do research.

--Dwight

"The practice of hiding parts of a serial number is extremely frustrating to those of us who are trying to do research."

Amen!