Am I in violation? (serial # covered)

[mjw6263]

I just attached a shell holder (side-saddle) to my Mossberg 500 shotgun. It is made specifically for this model and mounts onto the left side of the receiver. However, I noticed that it entirely covers the gun's serial number. The number cannot be read without unscrewing 8 tiny screws.

Could some overzealous cop (or DA) give me trouble for "attempting to conceal" the serial number?

[Swarner793]

You can conceal it. Just nothing permanent.

Be safe (and unscathed).

Scott

6110.2. Possession of firearm with altered manufacturer's number



(a) General rule.--No person shall possess a firearm which has had the manufacturer's number integral to the frame or receiver altered, changed, removed or obliterated.


(b) Penalty.--A person who violates this section commits a felony of the second degree.


(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "firearm" shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in section 6105(i) (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms), except that the term shall not include antique firearms as defined in section 6118 (relating to antique firearms).

[sharontony]

I have the same side ammo holster and do not believe it violates any laws. In fact, a friend of my transported his Mossburg with the same side saddle ammo holder to Alaska and had to cross the Canadian border (he was driving) and the Canadian border guard only had him remove the ammo holder so he could confirm the serial number then allowed him to put it back on. I you can get a shotgun thru Canada like that (not exactly a gun-friendly country), I'm sure it's good in PA.

[son of the revolution]

Your fine , like Swarmer said , its only permanent screwing with the SN that gets you in trouble , theres several models of pistols that have their serial numbers concealed under the grip panels . Dont sweat it

[gnbrotz]

The next question is, if the number is concealed for some reason (some revolvers have the number under the grips) is a warrant required for an LEO to take any action necessary to view it?

I ask out of the interest in taking lawful measures to prevent an LEO from seeing if my gun is "registered" by running the serial number. What if it's not under the grips, but simply covered by a piece of non-transparent tape? Inquiring activist minds want to know.

[son of the revolution]

The next question is, if the number is concealed for some reason (some revolvers have the number under the grips) is a warrant required for an LEO to take any action necessary to view it?

I ask out of the interest in taking lawful measures to prevent an LEO from seeing if my gun is "registered" by running the serial number. What if it's not under the grips, but simply covered by a piece of non-transparent tape? Inquiring activist minds want to know.

I have a funny feeling its going to depend on whether or not what ever is concealing the SN is considered " part " of the gun , like grip panels or tac light mounts ( Glocks and HK USP's have their numbers on the underside of the frame , (right where a light or light mount would go ) as opposed to something like a piece of tape.

[knight0334]

The next question is, if the number is concealed for some reason (some revolvers have the number under the grips) is a warrant required for an LEO to take any action necessary to view it?

I ask out of the interest in taking lawful measures to prevent an LEO from seeing if my gun is "registered" by running the serial number. What if it's not under the grips, but simply covered by a piece of non-transparent tape? Inquiring activist minds want to know.

I think there is a case involving that exact situation, and if I remember correctly the police were required to have a warrant to remove the grips to inspect the serial #.

...wasn't in PA, some Joe Smo got picked up or searched, SN# was hidden, police had to do something to looked for it, in the end they needed a warrant.

[gnbrotz]

I have a funny feeling its going to depend on whether or not what ever is concealing the SN is considered " part " of the gun , like grip panels or tac light mounts ( Glocks and HK USP's have their numbers on the underside of the of frame , right where a light or light mount would go ) as opposed to something like a piece of tape.

Why? The law doesn't prohibit "concealing" it. Covering is covering.

[son of the revolution]

Why? The law doesn't prohibit "concealing" it. Covering is covering.

Oh Im just spitballin what I think a Judge might say , I suppose a decent analogy to illustrate my line of thinking would be like the difference between moving a jacket aside and discovering something on a car seat and physically having to physically remove parts from the same vehicle to find said object. Not at all saying thats the way it would go , but I can see them trying that as a justification.

[RJT]

Oh Im just spitballin what I think a Judge might say , I suppose a decent analogy to illustrate my line of thinking would be like the difference between moving a jacket aside and discovering something on a car seat and physically having to physically remove parts from the same vehicle to find said object. Not at all saying thats the way it would go , but I can see them trying that as a justification.

He better have a VERY good reason to be moving any jacket I have sitting on a seat in my car




But I understand the point you're trying to make LOL