There may be no legitimacy to it but keep in mind two
things.
The ATF does NOT have a sense of humor and
you are never too old to go to prison.
A piece like That,
Automatic with S/N filed off
would have sent Me running!
No comment,
No Question
No Frickin way would
I Touch it.
The individual with the item
would be avoided like the Plague.
That’s Why they call it HOT!