serial number placement question and transfer paperwork

[MNShooter]

Hello,
I am new to the site but frequent many other sites under the same name.
I am trying to learn about lugers and have a question regarding serial numbers.

Which part of the Luger (barrel, frame or receiver) is the portion that is actually the "firearm" to the atf? Or another way to put it, if a Luger had a different serial number on the barrel, receiver and frame, then which number would go on the transfer paperwork when purchasing/transferring it?

My guess is that like a Ruger MK II, it is the receiver, not the frame. I have asked numerous people (internet, gun shops, friends) and everyone gives me their own answers for different reasons.

If anyone knows for sure and it isn't a guess please respond and educate me.

Thank you

[Ron Wood]

It is the frame, and that isn't a guess. It seems odd, I know, since technically the "upper" (barrel, receiver and toggle train) is a firearm capable of firing a cartridge independent of the frame. But as far as the BATFE is concerned, the frame is the controlled part and requires a FFL for transfer.

[John Sabato]

...and please don't forget that if there is an alphabet letter character as a suffix under the number on the frame (just above the front of the trigger guard) that it is an integral part of the serial number... (e.g., 2197 u )

There may be many pistols marked 2197 in any given year of manufacture, but only a single specimen would be marked as the example. The "u" indicates that the gun was 2197th pistol manufactured in the 21st production run of serial numbers for that manufacturing year...

[mrerick]

The number and suffix letter (if one exists) are on the front of the frame above the trigger guard.

The number may be between 1 and 5 digits. WW-I and later Military serialized Lugers are numbered 1 to 10000 and usually have a suffix letter just under the number.

Marc

[MFC]

Originally Posted by John Sabato

The "u" indicates that the gun was 2197th pistol manufactured in the 21st production run of serial numbers for that manufacturing year...

Actually it is the 22nd... the first 10,000 don't have a suffix.
Your friendly nit picker.

[John Sabato]

By Golly you are right Mike... the 22nd run... I miscounted... Thanks for the correction.

[Lugerdoc]

To fully identify a military luger: date of manufacture (on the chamber), toggle code (maker), PO8 (indicates 9mm 4" barrel) serial number with suffix letter, if present. Commericals without dated chamber need to be identified as to model, caliber and serial number. Some contract lugers have their own separate serial range, so in addition to the above, the exact contract, maker and serial should be noted. TH

[MNShooter]

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

It is the frame, and that isn't a guess. It seems odd, I know, since technically the "upper" (barrel, receiver and toggle train) is a firearm capable of firing a cartridge independent of the frame. But as far as the BATFE is concerned, the frame is the controlled part and requires a FFL for transfer.

Ron, Thank you.