DoctorCheney223 Posted January 1, 2018 Report Share Posted January 1, 2018 Hi Folks, I've been offered a Amnesty registered M2 carbine and this is the first time I've ever seen one. The serial number starts with IRS and then numbers. It was engraved on the left hand side of the receiver below the wood line. Did the ATF/IRS just issue a new number during the Amnesty? V/RRon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTRS-14.5 Posted January 1, 2018 Report Share Posted January 1, 2018 Nothing unusual here... I got a large collection last year with 27 Amnesty guns and they where all listed as such IRS 8XXX. On some of the paper work the original Mfg SR# was referenced on the amnesty paperwork. My 2 cents PTRS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoctorCheney223 Posted January 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2018 (edited) Nothing unusual here... I got a large collection last year with 27 Amnesty guns and they where all listed as such IRS 8XXX. On some of the paper work the original Mfg SR# was referenced on the amnesty paperwork. My 2 cents PTRS Much appreciated! Did you have any that listed a IRS number that did have a factory serial number but that serial number was NOT listed on the Amnesty paperwork? V/RRon Edited January 1, 2018 by DoctorCheney223 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1921A Posted January 1, 2018 Report Share Posted January 1, 2018 Does your M2 carbine have a factory s/n on the back of the receiver? The only time I've seen an IRS number used (NFA weapons) is when the manufacturer's serial number was removed, unreadable or, there was originally no s/n number present on the firearm - like a prototype or tool room specimen that was not registered prior to the 1968 GCA and subsequent amnesty. There are probably other reasons but these are the cases I've seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoctorCheney223 Posted January 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2018 Does your M2 carbine have a factory s/n on the back of the receiver? The only time I've seen an IRS number used (NFA weapons) is when the manufacturer's serial number was removed, unreadable or, there was originally no s/n number present on the firearm - like a prototype or tool room specimen that was not registered prior to the 1968 GCA and subsequent amnesty. There are probably other reasons but these are the cases I've seen. It looked like there was a number there but it was tucked under the rear site and I couldn't see if it clearly. V/RRon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black River Militaria CII Posted January 2, 2018 Report Share Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) I no longer have the guns, but years ago had several examples that came from the Naval Air Station museum in Maryland. The IRS ID was stamped as a prefix to the serial number engraved on the receivers.I did not see the original registration paperwork so could not tell if information had been dropped during transfers since the F3s I had for the guns was the only paperwork eo which I had access.As noted above, the IRS ID/number was a convenience for putting a serial number on MGs being registered that were missing serials, or the serials were illegible or unreliable for whatever reason. It was not common but quite a few MGs were processed that way, lucky for us!! It is an interesting anomaly. FWIW Edited January 2, 2018 by Black River Militaria CII Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devious6 Posted January 2, 2018 Report Share Posted January 2, 2018 M1/M2 carbines all had the manufacturer and SN stamped on the top of the receivers just behind the rear sights. With the original Type 1 flip sight, they were easily readable. WHen the began installing the larger adjustable sights in later production, and when the flip sights were removed and Type 2 and 3 sights added, it becam difficult - sometimes near impossible - to read them. The sights drift out from left to right - the adjustable sights are generally not staked. I've removed them using both a brass drift punch and a rear sight removal tool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Hammer Posted January 2, 2018 Report Share Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) I have an M3 Greasegun that I bought years ago from an estate. It looks early and is all original with the original finish as far as I can tell. It has a serial number of IRS with four numbers. There is no sign that any other serial number had previously been on the gun. No grinding on the mag well, a very, very clean gun. Is it possible that this was an early gun with no original serial number, or possibly an early prototype in storage somewhere? The only reason I'm interested in knowing is because I may be interested in selling this gun this year and I would like to at least have some explanation in the listing as to the IRS serial number. Mike Hammer Edited March 5, 2023 by Mike Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimB Posted January 3, 2018 Report Share Posted January 3, 2018 I no longer have the guns, but years ago had several examples that came from the Naval Air Station museum in Maryland. The IRS ID was stamped as a prefix to the serial number engraved on the receivers.I did not see the original registration paperwork so could not tell if information had been dropped during transfers since the F3s I had for the guns was the only paperwork eo which I had access.As noted above, the IRS ID/number was a convenience for putting a serial number on MGs being registered that were missing serials, or the serials were illegible or unreliable for whatever reason. It was not common but quite a few MGs were processed that way, lucky for us!! It is an interesting anomaly. FWIW More than that bubba. I have seen stamped IRS SNs on the grip of one H&R Handy Gun as well as on muzzle loading guns such as the 1855 Springfield as well as two shoulder stocked 1860 Colt .44swhen the NFA became law there was no antique exemption Truth is most ignored the law on percussion guns but some did comply How widely ignored the 1935 act was is broadly illustrated buy the numbers of Stevens and other pocket rifles that crawled out of nowhere post legalization as exempt C&Rpretty easy to run down examples with matching stocks todayalmost none were ever registered in the NFTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsonlmg41 Posted January 3, 2018 Report Share Posted January 3, 2018 One of the guns I have with an IRS number is right near the extremely obvious serial number on the gun. It may have been laziness or lack of knowledge by the original registrant, so may have been the easiest path? Some of the owners were already dead by the amnesty and "junk in the attic" may have been hastily registered by spouses or relatives last minute. Imagine asking a treasury agent by phone or letter as to how to find the serial number on a gun back in the day? Likely the reply was, "don't worry, we'll assign you a number if you can't find one" and things were good. Personally I'd be happy to file a free amnesty registration tomorrow on anything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NFA amnesty Posted July 1, 2018 Report Share Posted July 1, 2018 I just purchased a Bridgeport Thompson M1A1 with IRS tax number placed on top of the breach. The serial number was grounded off. Only thing on left side of receiver is 204 T.S. Solomon neatly stamped along with some military proofs. I am waiting for form 4 approval so at my dealers right now. Weapon is in excellent condition but of course re-parked with no pitting. Plan to have some fun with research and of course shooting it. Speculation on my part but wondering if this was a small arms placed on Liberty Ship Solomon for the armed guard? Was trying to do some basic research but found no mention of the armed guard assigned to liberty ships having Thompsons, but would assume they would in case of boarding, etc. Wondering if the 204 is a rack number. I did not purchase this weapon with the understanding it came from a troop ship and paid around same price as a West Hurley so very happy with the M1A1 USGI. Also was thinking doing a history of the weapon with ATF but heard they usually redact names and address info, so not sure if that would even help. Any recommendations on researching would be appreciated. Of course someone named Solomon could have stamped their info on the receiver but wondering then what the 204 would stand for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifthmdec Posted July 1, 2018 Report Share Posted July 1, 2018 FOIA would at the very least give the original registration date and form type. That is what really matters... Occasionally some other information, such as a correction as to model, caliber, aquired date... Worth it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lightguy Posted July 1, 2018 Report Share Posted July 1, 2018 Supposedly there are people that collect IRS # guns.Had my chance at two Stens but blew it before I knew this.They sold cheap.Still kicking myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petroleum 1 Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 I think that thompson was posted here on the forum for discussion a while back maybe late last year. Try and search it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NFA amnesty Posted July 3, 2018 Report Share Posted July 3, 2018 I think that thompson was posted here on the forum for discussion a while back maybe late last year. Try and search it.Petroleum, thank you for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzo25mm Posted August 9, 2018 Report Share Posted August 9, 2018 Would the irs/ atf do an amnesty as of 2018? I might know of an M-3 with no serial#. It was quite a few years ago dont know if it is still around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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