ltwguns.com

I recently acquired a BHP with the serial number on the front(very faint) of the grip frame where I would like to have it stippled. What do I do about this., My gunsmith say you have to get permission from the BTAFE to move it. Has anyone had this problem and how did you solve it. Please pardon me if this has been addressed in the past.
Marsh

This comes up about every two weeks somewhere on the net. It's usually followed by about thirty guys who each swear they know someone who's gotten authorization from ATF to move a serial number. It's BS. Not gonna happen. First and foremost, no form or application exists to even begin the process. Nothing goes anywhere in any government agency without forms and /or applications.

For that reason, real Hi-Power smiths don't offer this paper chase as a service. The accepted standard is to simply stipple around the serial number. You're not obliterating it, you're "accentuating" it.

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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's stippling around the serial number looks very sharp! Just have it done that way and it'll look great!

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https://www.graffcustom.com/

I have a Novek Hi Power built up and they just put a border around it, it really does look nice after they are done with it. Have it borderd and what ever treatment you want around it, you will be happy.

What a novel solution. I never would have thought of that. Thanks guys. Anyone got a picture?
Marsh

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

This front strap is a matted surface with the serial number bordered, done by Novak's

This brings up an interesting question for you guys. My BHP's serial number is literally fading away from wear. It was never very deep to begin with. What are the ATF ramifications of a worn away serial number on a gun(not filed off!), and how does a 'smith handle a weapon of this sort, paperwork wise?

I don't think I can answer your question as mine is so faint that when I bought the gun from my gunstore, the owner could find the serial number until he put it under a strong light and then used a magnifing glass to read it for the paper work. We got a good laugh out of it and went on with the transaction.
Marsh

Ted re-stamps the serial # on MKIII frames ($50.00), don't know about earlier models.

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Bulman Gunleather
http://www.bulmangunleather.com
(814)696-8615

If it bothers you there, go buy one of the current FN MkIIIs, the serial numbers are on the side of the frame and slide.

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Julian

To clarify, Some of the MKIII Hi-Powers have very faint serial numbers. I don't overstamp these, as that would obliterate the original numbers - illegible as they may be. I re-strike the same serial number in another location where it can be read without a microscope. This can be either the side of the frame or under the grip panels. In either case, I still stipple around the serial number on the frontstrap. The only guns we accept for checkering are Parcticals, FN's, or the odd "511" series MKIII's.

_________________
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

If you buy a Practical Model Browning HP as a base gun, which is the two-tone version that comes with wrap-around Pachmyer grips, it comes with the serial number stamped on the frame instead of the front-strap; since the grips cover the front-strap.

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http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

Mr. Williams,

We would love to see more pics of that browning HP.

JPAD, I don't have too many of that particular gun, but have attached what I do have. I'm also posting some photos of one that's a bit different. This customer wanted serrations instead. Also, he's a leftie, and wanted a strong side saftey for a left-hander, and since he has problems with the slide stop protrusion on that side, wanted the slide stop shortened and the hole bevelled ala" the 1911.




600 x XXX

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Don I am really digging that gun you built for a lefty. As a southpaw myself it has everything I would want in a Hi-Power except I would have gone with stippling vs serrations. Very nice work.

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"Domari Nolo"

I don't think I've ever seen serrations on a BHP. I like it.
That's just a neat gun overall.

Don,

Thank you for posting the pics. I think I speak for most when I say that we would love to see more of your work. Those guns are very elegant. I love them.