Is It Legal To Remove Import Markings~
 

I ask this because I have seen Ted aka Thors' magic. I am sure with a little effort and his luger restoration magic he can erase this federal scar!

If it is "erased" no one will know.
Don't ask, don't tell.

The mark is added to assure "trace-ability"; hence it removal is almost certainly "illegal".

Ted says "NOPE" well I gave it a shot! TKS

I think I disagree a bit - import markings are placed there for tractability for into the country. Once sold a couple of times, the importer marking is pretty useless. That said, LEGALLY BATF states the serial number can never be taken off - it does not state anything about removing importer markings (i.e. russian letters are not the serial number used, the new number can't be removed).

http://weaponsman.com/?p=10863 Simpson spent $36k on an import printer!

I Agree~ http://rockislandauction.blogspot.co...ort-marks.html

I have seen ATF rulings saying that it's ok to remove these markings. I think the reasoning was a bit weird, something like "the law says to put the markings on, but it doesn't explicitly say that they can't be removed". However, BATF's rulings aren't even worth the paper they're written on, so I would tread carefully.

It all depends who is doing the enforcement! I don't want an unwelcome knock on my door!

Ed,

I have a slightly different take.
Guns that are import marked are traceable from the importer to distributor to the ultimate seller and to the first buyer - for sure.

The first buyer is always "on the hook" for the disposition of the weapon and should have sufficient records to satisfy the authorities that it is no longer in his posession!

I had a rifle traced to me last year, bought it on GB, they were checking the GB sellers records. I still had it, if not, I would have needed to " 'splain" where it went!:eek:

Like I said,
If the markings are removed to the extent you can't tell they were there- how would anyone know?:confused:

If they are not removed to invisibility, then don't try at all!

If "they" didn't want them to be permanent- a gummed sticker would pass!:evilgrin

To raise another lurking issue with marking removal(and restoration or addition)- is that not dishonest and done to "boost" the value of the article?:confused:

Don, once they lose their virginity, like a bad tattoo, they are better left alone! It seems with most lugers they are unmarked or maybe there not advertised so! This originality will add to their value years from now as there will be some more value to attrition! I have 20 virgins and I'm a proud father~Ed should do a survey, Would you purchase a marked one if its rare! HMMMM? Where does restoration fit in? Teds lugers are works of are and maybe more than an original~Ed I'm sure your carbine hagning above your door is more prized than originals>PS Ted told me its very illegal to remove or alter the stamp!

I think that the answer to Eric's question is mixed.

§ 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.
[T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32508, July 17, 1991]




I know of no regulation prohibiting removing import marking - however - there is a rule (above) against removing serial numbers. Sometimes, the gun gets a new legal serial number when it is imported. It would then be illegal to remove it.

https://thefiringline.com/forums/att...1&d=1293641413

Three years of Villanova Law School and it still makes no sense!!

yes,
I own several lugers with import markings, they were either :
-cheap
-scarce
-I wanted it !:evilgrin:

There will always be a buyer for a pretty luger~

ATF says it is illegal to transfer a firearm that has had the markings removed. You can claim you did know but not worth it to me , I like living outside a place with bars, but hey, what works for you.

Just because one files or whatever, removes stamped numbers on a metal object; one should not assume the data is not still there and cannot be read at a later time if needbe.

Most import markings are no longer stamped, but laser or roto engraved.

Makes no difference to the legality of removal though.

I suspect displacement......is displacement; and is detectable. As most know, with the right equipment/knowledge, anything is possible.

Seems to be a moot point to most anyway.

Every wound leaves a scar!!