shotgun with no serial #. I have a Stevens

[mldollins]

model 311a double barrel 2 tritters that does not have a serial number. My understanding is that this model was made before serials were required. Could this be illegal or is there a grandfathering in with such?

thanks

[geo in mi]

The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 began the requirement for serial numbers on all firearms. Being a Stevens, it could have been made as early as 1948, when Stevens, later Savage, took over the 311 model from Springfield. NSN guns prior to 1968 are grandfathered. It is a felony to remove serial numbers. That being said, I would take it to a gunsmith before firing it, due to its age.

[watcher]

Its legal to own it if it came from the factory w/o a sr#. If you take it to a gun smith, IIRC, he is required to stamp a sr# on it and go through all the paperwork necessary to get it all government approved.

[alchemist317]

I bought an old Mossberg 410 that was pre serial-number. They just write pre serial number on the form where it's asked for.

[SnakeRiver]

I am a Gunsmith and FFL. I see no reason not to trust the gun due to age it it is in good functioning condition. I routinely shoot rifles that are in excess of 100 years old. A well maintained gun needn't be worried about. However should you suspect that anyone has tinkered with the gun, get it checked.