Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Why block out serial numbers?

William_E_Tibbe-

Below is a photo of a J.C.Higgins single-shot rifle chambered for the 22LR cartridge. It was manufactured by Marlin for Sears in the late 1950s or early 1960s. I own a rifle just like the one shown. My rifle has no serial number, and close inspection reveals that it never had one. I've checked at least 20 similar rifles in gun shops and at gun shows, and none has ever had a serial number. I purchased this rifle 40 years ago from an elderly friend who resided in the same state as myself. He's been dead at least 30 years.

This is "a commercially manufactured gun with no serial number".

What do you suggest is the proper course of action for myself, because it "is illegal and cannot be owned".

Thank you.
--Bob
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(image from gunsamerica archives)