While it was common practice for some manufacturers, the legal requirement to mark all produced firearms with a unique serial number was put into effect on October 22nd, 1968, with the Gun Control Act (GCA). Why Do Guns Have Serial Numbers? Example of guns serial number on the side of weapom In this article, we will cover the history of serial number requirements and modern-day examples of how they’re used (fully updated for 2023). This applies to all firearms manufactured in or imported to the United States since 1968.Ī responsible gun owner would be wise to understand why these serial numbers are required by law and what can be done with them. The serial number will be in a convenient location: the butt or frame of a revolver, the frame or slide on a semi-automatic pistol, the action side of a rifle, the bottom or action side of a pump-action or semi-auto shotgun, or the action flat of a break-action shotgun.

Buying a stolen gun can get you in serious trouble, so it’s important to check this information if you’re skeptical about the private party you’re dealing with. The serial number can tell you the date and location of the gun’s manufacturing and indicate whether or not the gun is stolen. Knowing where to look for this identifier on different models of guns is essential, especially when buying firearms from private parties or inheriting guns. For the last fifty years, gun manufacturers have been required to give each firearm a unique identifier known as a serial number.

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