Gun serial number

Besides a widespread numerical base, they may contain letters and other typographical symbols, or may consist entirely of a character string; positioning and form of such identifiers is idiosyncratic.

[6] Another form of serial number is microstamping, where the firing pin and breach face are engraved to create unique markings on the ejected cartridge; this is a legal requirement for handguns in the state of California.

[7] It should also be noted that microstamping technology does not exist at this time, making it impossible to use on handguns[citation needed].

As they note: There are many "legends" about why the historic serial number records for Winchester rifles and shotguns are not complete or why they are not always verifiable.

But the fact remains; there is no original, single, totally accurate database of serial numbers from 1866 forward that we are aware of.

[11] In the United States, the Gun Control Act of 1968 was prompted by the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Both were introduced by Senator Thomas J. Dodd and met with fierce opposition on the floor but the bills also paved the way for the creation of the Gun Control Act of 1968.

For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch.

The caliber or gauge; C. Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, the name of the foreign manufacturer; D. In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer maintain your place of business; and E. In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business.