[Ron Wood]

It took me a couple of minutes for unspellable's message to sink in. The BATF uses the frame of the Luger as the controlled part because it bears the serial number of the gun. Sure, the barrel also has the serial number, but the barrel can be replaced legally, thus eliminating the serial number of that part. Also the receiver recoil lug is serial numbered, but only with the last two or three digts of the serial, so not useable as a control for recording and tracing. The serial number on the frame however may not be leagally altered or removed, therefore the frame is the "controlled" or traceable part. The same argument holds for the Ruger .22 - placement of the full serial number. There is no effort on the part of the BATF to control the discharge of the weapon, only maintain and control records for the "traceability" of the firearm.