If the West Virginia decision stands, I’ll be getting my Dremel tool some new bits.
Note of interest: Just grinding off the surface layer of metal does not erase the numbers. The impact of the numbering die leaves changes in the subsurface structure of the metal that can be used to discover the “erased” serial number.
So, anybody doing this, in some hypothetical un-free country, should first smack the crap out of the serial number with metal-working “center punches” and chisels. THEN grind off the mess.
I’m curious.. I know that there are procedures that can bring the serial number back if it has been scraped off.
But, it you actually drilled out (totally penetrated) the serial number, would the gun still be structurally sound?
If not, would it be safe to refill the hole with a weld?
You will also lose the value of the gun. As in the year it was made and collectable value. I guess if it just a generic gun grind it. lol
There are ways to bring out a ground off number using chemicals to bring out the stress in the metal.
A way to get rid of the number is to take a very small center punch and cover the number with lots of small punch marks, creating more stress in the firearm, then grind it off.