Why cross out the serial number when posting gun pics?

**bripro** · February 21st, 2010, 02:54 AM

What would be compromised if someone got the serial numbers of my guns through pics I have posted?

**jahwarrior72** · February 21st, 2010, 02:57 AM

your sense of modesty?

**MDJschool** · February 21st, 2010, 06:35 AM

Smart criminals who manufacture fake serial numbers and install them on guns might like to use a serial they know is good. This cunning plan is defeated when police officers break the law and use the sales database as an ownership database. Gun control works!

Someone who knows your serials can harass you by reporting your gun stolen (after collecting other information to make the story) or allege a gun with your serial was used in a crime, etc. While detective work will quickly put an end to the prosecution, assholes know that sometimes the government will proverbially 'shoot first and ask questions later', to your dismay, subjecting you to police harassment or criminal proceeding, however limited. Further, while you may be completely innocent regarding the gun, the trouble your enemy has stirred up may lead to some other absurd result.

The government will be able to make a new link in their database between your identity here and your serial. They can do all the cross-referencing later.

I assume these are some of the reasons which people consider when omitting a serial.

**Exbiker** · February 21st, 2010, 07:04 AM

Many cover license plates when posting a car pic online too. Yet they ride down the street with it showing................

**bnkrtstk** · February 21st, 2010, 09:59 AM

Paranoia, but to teach their own.

**ar15jules** · February 21st, 2010, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by bnkrtstk

Paranoia, but to teach their own.

I agree with this.
Jules

**Edg** · February 21st, 2010, 02:06 PM

Why not? It only takes a second, I already have the program open to reduce the size of the pic for forum rules, cant hurt to block it out. I can think of many credible to far fetched reasons to black it out. I cant think of any not to.

**Lazydog** · February 21st, 2010, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by MDJschool

or allege a gun with your serial was used in a crime, etc.

I would be questioning how they know the serial number when it is printed small enough on the gun that you cannot just look over and see it. No... wait. Common sense. Strike that last comment.