verifying serial number

[Gyrobob]

Hi, I am a newbie here with a question.

I inherited an abused 870. It is in good condition mechanically but has these issues:
-- The stock has the original gloss walnut finish but has light scratching and denting.
-- The metal exterior has minor rust areas,.. not deep enough to be called pitting, but maybe just discolorations.
-- The serial number (T69xxx3V) was defaced. Not scratched enough to be unreadable at all,.. just scratched up some. Go figure. The barrel number is KO67. See the pics.

Is there a source of info somewhere that can show the legal status of this gun? I doubt there are any problems,.. this thing was sitting in a widow's closet for decades, loaded, supposedly for home defense. I'd just like to know if there are any "encumbrances" attached to this serial number.

I plan to modify it some to change it into a mild combat version. Since the finish is not all that great, I'm going to remove the bluing and coat it with KG Guncoat. I used that stuff on an AR build,.. it is tough stuff. It was developed for Navy Seals hardware.

So, if any of you have an idea on how to research a serial number for legal peace of mind, please let me know.

Thanks.

[bbull311]

When you say legal piece of mind are you trying to make sure it isn't stolen?

[Gyrobob]

Oh, I'm pretty sure it is not stolen. Reputable family, no legal issues ever, gun gathered dust in that closet for decades. I'm just wondering why someone put some scratches on it, and I'd like to find some way to research a serial number, if that is even possible.

[Gyrobob]

How do you get a message to an forum admin?

[Synchronizor]

Assuming you're in the US, there's no national firearm registry that keeps track of individual guns and their owners. There are websites where folks who have had their guns stolen can enter the serial numbers, some run by law enforcement groups even, but none that I'm aware of are "official" national databases. Even if there was one, it would be strictly voluntary, and thus incomplete. Plus, if your gun was kept in a closet for decades before coming into your possession, whatever prompted the scratches over the serial number likely pre-dated all of those websites.

If the serial number is still reasonably readable, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You're refinishing the gun anyway, so if you're concerned about the scratches arousing suspicion, just sand them (if they're shallow) or fill them (if they're deep) before proceeding with the Gunkote. If your purchase wasn't done through a FFL, you should also make sure you have a proper bill of sale with a date, names, and contact information is written out, so you can show that you obtained the gun legally if necessary.

How do you get a message to an forum admin?

If you're not able to send a PM, just post something. Every new post on these forums crosses my screen.

[Gyrobob]

Assuming you're in the US, there's no national firearm registry that keeps track of individual guns and their owners. There are websites where folks who have had their guns stolen can enter the serial numbers, some run by law enforcement groups even, but none that I'm aware of are "official" national databases. Even if there was one, it would be strictly voluntary, and thus incomplete. Plus, if your gun was kept in a closet for decades before coming into your possession, whatever prompted the scratches over the serial number likely pre-dated all of those websites.

If the serial number is still reasonably readable, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You're refinishing the gun anyway, so if you're concerned about the scratches arousing suspicion, just sand them (if they're shallow) or fill them (if they're deep) before proceeding with the Gunkote. If your purchase wasn't done through a FFL, you should also make sure you have a proper bill of sale with a date, names, and contact information is written out, so you can show that you obtained the gun legally if necessary.

Sounds reasonable. Thanks.