[Klaatu Barada Nikto]

<< The thing that intrigued me was the existence of a small envelope in the box with the shell of a bullet that was test fired. >>

A few of the states require it, so all (I’m not aware of any exceptions) gun manufacturers automatically include it on all the guns they sell. I believe that in the states that require it, the casing must be sent to some state agency at the time of purchase. Otherwise you are the only one who has it.

Change out your firing pin and extractor and the “fingerprint” on the casing is useless. Fire a few hundred rounds and the firing pin and extractor will start altering the marks that are left. it’s a big joke, but it’s designed to make life more difficult for the law-abiding gun owner.

[TigersEye]

I believe that in the states that require it, the casing must be sent to some state agency at the time of purchase.

That sure is a joke. Go to the range and pick up a casing of the same caliber and send that in.