Scope mount conceals serial number

swmike · July 24, 2010, 08:45 PM

I'm preparing to mount a leupold 1-piece (std) base on a 1903 A3 action. When I place the base on the action to check the fit, the serial number is almost totally concealed. I have considered the following:

Alter the mount by beveling the right side, thus exposing the serial number. This would result in the loss of approximately 1/3 of the mounting surface. Since the serial number is long (326XXXX) and the characters are about 3/16" in height (typical military fashion) any "window" would have to be quite large.

Go ahead and mount the base and then just engrave a second set of numbers below the original in order to have a visible number.

Mount the base and just cover the number, realizing that anytime someone wanted to see the serial number I would have to remover the base.

Any comments or suggestions (short of suggesting a different base)?

noyes · July 24, 2010, 09:09 PM

This;Mount the base and just cover the number, realizing that anytime someone wanted to see the serial number I would have to remover the base.

drail · July 24, 2010, 09:19 PM

As long as the serial number is not obliterated, altered, or removed you are legal. Of course we do have to consider the intelligence of the average BATFE agent.

**James K** · July 24, 2010, 09:37 PM

If they ever arrest folks for serial numbers covered by scope mounts, you will have plenty of company in jail.

Seriously, don't worry about it; the law prohibits removing, obliterating, or altering the serial number. You are not doing any of those things; the serial number is there and visible simply by removing the mount.

Jim

**4V50 Gary** · July 24, 2010, 09:39 PM

What Jim says.

swmike · July 24, 2010, 10:45 PM

Thanks for the replies. I had a hunch I would be ok by just mounting. The only time I would anticipate anyone needing to see the serial number will be when my heirs sell it as part of my estate. In the meanwhile, I intend to shoot this rifle regularly until then.

rtpzwms · July 27, 2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

when my heirs sell it as part of my estate

You have the wrong heirs! Put me in the will I won't sell them!

July 24, 2010, 08:45 PM	#1
swmike Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2005 Location: Marysville, WA Posts: 638	Scope mount conceals serial number I'm preparing to mount a leupold 1-piece (std) base on a 1903 A3 action. When I place the base on the action to check the fit, the serial number is almost totally concealed. I have considered the following: Alter the mount by beveling the right side, thus exposing the serial number. This would result in the loss of approximately 1/3 of the mounting surface. Since the serial number is long (326XXXX) and the characters are about 3/16" in height (typical military fashion) any "window" would have to be quite large. Go ahead and mount the base and then just engrave a second set of numbers below the original in order to have a visible number. Mount the base and just cover the number, realizing that anytime someone wanted to see the serial number I would have to remover the base. Any comments or suggestions (short of suggesting a different base)? __________________ My definition of Gun Control--- A steady grip and hitting your target. "In God we trust, all others are suspects." "If I shoot all the ammo I am carrying, either I won't need any more, or more won't be of any help". ____________________________________________

July 24, 2010, 09:37 PM	#4
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,428	If they ever arrest folks for serial numbers covered by scope mounts, you will have plenty of company in jail. Seriously, don't worry about it; the law prohibits removing, obliterating, or altering the serial number. You are not doing any of those things; the serial number is there and visible simply by removing the mount. Jim __________________ Jim K

July 24, 2010, 09:39 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 15,422	What Jim says. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

July 24, 2010, 10:45 PM	#6
swmike Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2005 Location: Marysville, WA Posts: 638	Thanks for the replies. I had a hunch I would be ok by just mounting. The only time I would anticipate anyone needing to see the serial number will be when my heirs sell it as part of my estate. In the meanwhile, I intend to shoot this rifle regularly until then. __________________ My definition of Gun Control--- A steady grip and hitting your target. "In God we trust, all others are suspects." "If I shoot all the ammo I am carrying, either I won't need any more, or more won't be of any help". ____________________________________________

July 24, 2010, 09:09 PM	#2
noyes Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Posts: 1,032	This;Mount the base and just cover the number, realizing that anytime someone wanted to see the serial number I would have to remover the base.

July 24, 2010, 09:19 PM	#3
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	As long as the serial number is not obliterated, altered, or removed you are legal. Of course we do have to consider the intelligence of the average BATFE agent.