ltwguns.com

Is it illegal to remove import marks from a Norinco 1911 dust cover? I am thinking of completing my pistol by having it Black T'd, and would like to have them removed if legally acceptable. I would love it if one of the professional members could answer my question.

Any imported firearm must have the manufacturer, importer, and country of origin stamped on the receiver, as well as the serial number. You can't alter or obliterate any of these.

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

Ted, thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate an answer from a pro vs. internet cowboy. May I ask how a Springfield Armory pistol with a foreign Brazillian frame would be affected by this? I know the Springfield frames are forged in Brazil, and finished in Genesco, IL. I also know it is not too uncommon for people who are having work done to Springfield entry-level pistols (like WWII's and Milspecs) to have the dot matrix import marks removed. Is this illegal, or because the frames are "finished" in Illinois, is this how they can do this?

Just remember that in the case of a 1911, the frame is the firearm. Even if it's finished in USA, it's imported. If it was apppropriate to remove the markings, wouldn't Springfield do it?

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

Ted,

Isn't it also true that a gunsmith cannot remove these marks or numbers and re-engrave them on another part of the frame?

I recall this coming up when some BHP's had their serial numbers on the frontstrap area making any kind of checkering or stippling very difficult.

The key to it all is the language that says you can't obliterate the markings. To move the marking and then obliterate the old mark by checkering or stippling still means you've crossed that line.

That's why we'll only stipple Hi-Powers with the serial number on the frontstrap, and require the number to be up on the frame in order to checker them. It's easy to border the serial number and leave it untouched.

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

I vaguely recall that Dean Grennell had a BHP converted by Seecamp, and they had to file all kinds of paperwork to re-mark the serial number (that one was on the frame over the trigger) in order to do it.

Apparently, that is the sole Seecamp DA BHP in existence, due to Seecamp declining to do any more, and the ATF refusing to allow re-marked serial numbers.

But my caffiene level is low, and I may be mis-remembering it.