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Posted: 5/31/2006 2:28:25 AM EDT
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My gut feeling tells me that this is probably not do-able, but... Does anyone know if it is legal to re-mark a lower reciever with a different manufacturer name? I'm working on a build of an A1 clone of the gun I had in the Army, and it would be perfect if I could re-mark the reciever with Hydra-Matic markings. Anyone else think of this or look into this? I don't think Hydramatic is in business any longer. I would assume I'd have to keep the SN and original mfg. markings to meet ATF requirements. I was thinking of putting the Hydramatic markings on the left side (with the real SN) and keeping the original mfg. markings on the right side. |
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As long as you don't sell it you would probably be fine. Trademark infringement lawsuits are generally about gaining a commercial advantage from the trademark theft. ETA: GM is most definitely still in business !! I am pretty sure the Hydramatic division still exists. rj |
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ATFE regs require that the name, location, etc... of the original manufacturer be on the receiver. To mark any lower with a name other than the original manufacturer requires a variance from ATFE to the actual manufacturer, who has to be the entity that puts the other entity's name on it....and the other entity has to have it go across their books, etc...So, in essence, it isn't something that you can do or have done without the actual entity(who's name is going to be on the receiver) being involved. Steve/RRA |
Those laws/regulations only apply to manufacturers. I don't get the idea Pakieser is a manufacturer, so no worries there. Far as Federal law goes, you can engrave “illegal firearm” on it, or weld up the silly animal logo, or drill it full of holes, and all this on the Sabbath if you so wish. But, you may not mess with the serial number, or risk violating 18 USC Section 922(k). Unlike others, say for example USC Section 922(r) this is a law that is enforced, and there are people in jail for violating it. What you need to check is state and local laws. In many states it is illegal to “deface” a firearm, |
The first thought that comes is that, if you use a lower in which the manufacturers marking is further back on the side, like Bushmaster or DPMS, you could get rid of the logo portion up over the serial No, and put anything you wantind to on as a replacement. And anything would be better than that damned snake or the sick looking cat.
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I could be wrong here (I know that Ekie has much more experience in this area than me, and I respect his knowledge), but as I understand it, serial numbers do not stand alone - they go with a manufacturer ( e.g.,any manufacturer may have SN "0001" on their receiver, and there are probably dozens of receivers out here with this number on them). if the mfr's name and city/state are changed, the weapon is no longer identifiable in BATF's records, and I don't think they would like this!! (If I am ignorant in this regard, I stand ready to be properly flamed). 
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Correct, ATF would not "like this", but no Federal law stopping you from doing it. You can look it up yourself, the law is 18 USC Section 922(k), and it only mentions serial numbers, nothing else. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 922(k): It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport, ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, anyfirearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered or to possess or receive anyfirearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. |
It's alot of work & I am probally going recountor a RRA lower for my next retro. |
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