Selling Firearms

[Chris Heins]

Sorry if a stupid question I'm new to the forums. When selling firearms should I keep the serial #'s out of pictures or does it matter?

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[Howard1955]

Good question.

I've never worried about that - but maybe there's a reason to keep the number hidden.

Someone here will have the answer.

 

[Catfishmoon]

I would keep mine out of a photograph on a public forum..
I would provide it to a prospective buyer if we agreed on all other terms and they wanted to check it against a database of stolen weapons before purchase.

 

[Luvmegrandkids]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Chris Heins]

Good question.

I've never worried about that - but maybe there's a reason to keep the number hidden.

Someone here will have the answer.

Good question.

I've never worried about that - but maybe there's a reason to keep the number hidden.

Someone here will have the answer.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks!

 

[TTSX]

In theory, someone could report as stolen, however I typically buy new and/or used from FFLs directly and have a receipt to prove it so with possession being 9/10 of the law and the other 1/10 bring proof of purchase, I'm not worried about it.

Some people think they'll be financially ruined if the serial is visible it maybe their pecker will fall off? Gun owners are by nature a paranoid breed in my experience.

 

[Tlock]

I don't worry about it at all

 

[clanhanson]

I'd worry about it... it's fairly easy for somebody to look up a serial number and find out your personal information or where you live.

Edit: to the laugh emoji person(s), it's happened to me. Let's hope it doesn't happen to you. The usual gaggle...

 

[Ruger Rich]

Depending on the S/N length, often times providing the first few digits will
suffice through lookup to date or approx date of manufacture. It could aid
in furthering interest in the sale.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Keep it out. No reason for it to be in there.

 

[Chris Heins]

I appreciate everyone's responses it seems to be just matter of personal preference and who's comfortable posting that information.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I appreciate everyone's responses it seems to be just matter of personal preference and who's comfortable posting that information.

There is zero benefit to having it. There are potential risks from additional info avail to gov agencies, to insurance fraud using its serial number, to false sales of your gun. There have been many reports on NWFA about people stealing there photos for guns (real or fake) on gunbroker. Also there are scams going on selling guns peopel don't have using your photos and serial number, Fe see below. Why take such risks for zero benefit? Makes no sense to me.

ATF knocked on my door last night! - The Firing Line Forums

ATF knocked on my door last night! General Discussion Forum

thefiringline.com

 

[Chris Heins]

There is zero benefit to having it. There are potential risks from additional info avail to gov agencies, to insurance fraud using its serial number, to false sales of your gun. There have been many reports on NWFA about people stealing there photos for guns (real or fake) on gunbroker. Also there are scams going on selling guns peopel don't have using your photos and serial number, Fe see below. Why take such risks for zero benefit? Makes no sense to me.

ATF knocked on my door last night! - The Firing Line Forums

ATF knocked on my door last night! General Discussion Forum

thefiringline.com

I get what your saying.

 

[CountryGent]

I'll admit I normally position a picture in such a way that it is at least partially obscured. Why? Paranoia strikes deep ... in reality, it really doesn't matter. Force of habit for some, but the odds of it being a problem in real life isn't great. That said, I can see the argument of just making that possibility zero by hiding it.

In the off chance it is of interest. Gun Jesus' response with his thoughts:

View: https://youtu.be/ac5psNc445k?si=UscqGhqOiCH3vDmL&t=1352

 

[Chris Heins]

I'll admit I normally position a picture in such a way that it is at least partially obscured. Why? Paranoia strikes deep ... in reality, it really doesn't matter. Force of habit for some, but the odds of it being a problem in real life isn't great. That said, I can see the argument of just making that possibility zero by hiding it.

In the off chance it is of interest. Gun Jesus' response with his thoughts:

View: https://youtu.be/ac5psNc445k?si=UscqGhqOiCH3vDmL&t=1352

I don't have reactions yet so for now Great video thanks for sharing.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I guess I'm the only person left that looks at benefit vs risk but if there is zero benefit and any risk at all why would you do it? Makes no sense. Takes maybe 5 seconds to mark out the serial # in pics.