serial numbers on guns

[smylee grouch]

I have very fortunate as I have been able to go to Canada 8 times now to hunt bears. When I first started going up there I was told I needed a serial number on my muzzleloaders to cross the border so I put a number on the bottom flat of my two half stock flinters and carried the barrels in different sleeves so the border people could check them with out having to take them down themselves. My question is has anyone else had to do this and if so where do you put your serial numbers?

[snapper]

I have crossed the border a few times with ML, but they have always been half stock percussion rifles.  I also stamp numbers on the bottom flat that is covered by the forearm.

Are you doing this for the permit?  Unless something has changed, flintlocks are not required to have the permit to cross over.

Fleener

[smylee grouch]

I put the numbers on because a lady in the RCMP office in Winnipeg told me it was required for all guns, muzzleloaders included. This was several years ago. I have never had a problem crossing the border with those guns as the border people were very good and some what curious about flintlocks and bear hunting with them.

[little joe]

A friend put his on the backside of the side plate,I think he used his SS no.

[Old Ford2]

Many people who make muzzle loading rifles, sign the rifle with their name and # ( number of build )
That may be on the top flat, or bottom.
I have also seen this on the inside of a patch box. To many this may be distracting, but to the builder it is a signature of pride.
Fred

[Bob Roller]

I have crossed the border a few times with ML, but they have always been half stock percussion rifles.  I also stamp numbers on the bottom flat that is covered by the forearm.

Are you doing this for the permit?  Unless something has changed, flintlocks are not required to have the permit to cross over.

Fleener

We all know a flintlock is not as lethal as a caplock.............................don't we

Bob Roller

[t.caster]

I went to Quebec through Ontario to hunt bear when I turned 50 (long time ago) and when the border agents looked at my .62 cal. Jaeger, they saw my name and date of build engraved on the top flat, and took that to be the serial number. No problem. I also have my own serial no. engraved on the bottom flat, but they didn't care to look.

[Hudnut]

In Canada, flintlock longarms are deemed to be antiques, regardless of when made.  Post 1897 percussion longarms are not, and are subject to the same licencing requirements as a brand new .30-06.  I wouldn't want to make any suggestions about border crossing, though.
There are reports that some knives might be problematic, particularly those that can be opened with one hand or are assisted opening.
After the 17th of October, recreational cannabis will be legal in Canada.  Wonder if US visitors are going to be checked for the demon weed by US officials when returning home?

[mikeo]

I have crossed twice with muzzloaders  without a serial number, I had no problem with it either time.
The rifles were both custom guns with the makers name engraved on the top flat, that seemed to satisfy the officer.
Mike

[Darkhorse]

Not crossing a border, but, I tried to insure mine and was told they couldn't be insured because they had no serial number. I never pursued this as I assumed a factory serial number was required. People are so ignorant about flintlocks it's hard to get the same answer twice from insurance agents agents and such.
Still interested though as we are so far out of town and secluded I think we are an easy target for thieves, and we can't stay home all the time.

[Mr. Bubbles]

It's interesting that putting any old number on a gun made by just about anybody is ok, with no identifying or "known" manufacturer.  A "Joe Schmoe # 1" is just fine.  In many countries, the barrel is considered the gun, but in this country, it's the receiver, which would be the lock.  The better known manufacturers (T/C. Lyman. Pedersoli, et. al) all number their barrels so that's how the police identify them if they are stolen I suppose.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Here, in Canada, you can use your own serial numbering system.  But it is supposed to consist of five digits, ie:  numbers and letters in any combination.  So a suggestion might be your date of birth plus a number or letter to indicate the sequence.  I would stay away from social insurance numbers...they are private and should be guarded.

That being said, only handguns fall under the above numbering system.  A longrifle can simply be the sequential number of the build.  It is simply a number to identify that particular rifle, and together with photos, in the event of loss, is all that is needed by police or insurance folk.

[Long John]

I currently do not have plans to go to Canada to hunt.  But I do put a serial number on each gun I build.  I am up to number 18.  I also put my name in the top flat and then the number and the year made, using Roman numerals for the year, on the left oblique flat.  I use Roman numerals for the year so the gun doesn't look so glaringly modern as one with a year starting with a 2.

Best Regards,

JMC
John Cholin