Import Marks

[bortle]

Is it legal to remove or alter a import mark on a gun after you buy it?
Not messing with the serial number just that laser etched stuff with the importers name, address, model and caliber.

[justashooter]

it is unlawful to deface the maker's/importer's mark in such a way as to render it unreadable. the "serial number" is only part of the mark, and is not adequate, in and of itself.

[thebearpack]

I'm pretty sure removing the import mark is fine as long as the serial number isn't touched. A lot of imported C&R guns had the mark on the barrel which may have been worn out. You're allowed to swap barrels and then the import mark would be gone. You just wouldn't want to claim it has "no import mark" when you go to resell it as that could be seen as fraud, IMO.

[bortle]

I've done some looking around and still haven't found a solid answer. Some people say yes some say no.
I found this: Title 18 USC 922
(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to 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 to 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.
This seems to just mean the serial number,
Reading all the rules and laws on the ATF web sight will drive you crazy. I may just call them,....... from somebody elses' phone.

__________________

[Xringshooter]

The manufacturer/importer has certain things they must do when they make a firearm in relation to markings. This is codified in paragraph 478.92 and 479.102. This concerns ONLY the licensed manufacturer/importer. An individual can manufacture a firearm for their personal use and it does not need a serial number.

The only thing that cannot be obliterated is the serial number as shown here:

§ 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]

Many people will remove marks that they consider intrusive (the warning on the barrel of some Rugers and other guns for example). There is nothing that I have read that says this cannot be done as long as the serial number is always intact.

The serialization of firearms came about with the Gun Control Act of 1968. The act required that all newly-manufactured firearms produced by licensed manufacturers in the United States and imported into the United States bear a serial number. Firearms manufactured prior to the Gun Control Act and Firearms manufactured by non-FFLs remain exempt from the serial number requirement.