Placement of Engraving on Firearms
Receiver, Frame, or Barrel
You need to know where to put the required marks on your firearm. The rules for nfa items are clear. You must engrave the serial number and other details on specific parts. The receiver is the main spot for the serial number. You can also engrave extra information on the barrel or frame. These areas are strong and hard to change, so your marks will last.
- Place the serial number on the receiver or frame.
- Put other details, like your name and location, on the receiver, frame, or barrel.
- Make sure the marks are deep enough so they cannot be removed easily.
The ATF wants you to use these spots because they help keep your firearm safe and legal. You should choose a flat area that is easy to reach. This makes the engraving clear and easy to read.
Visibility and Exceptions
You must make sure your engraving is easy to see. The ATF says you cannot hide the marks under grips or inside the gun. You should place the marks where anyone can read them without taking the firearm apart. This helps law enforcement check your firearm quickly.
- Engrave on a surface that is visible when the firearm is fully assembled.
- Do not put marks under removable parts or inside the gun.
Sometimes, there are exceptions to these rules. The Director may allow a different way to mark your firearm. This happens if normal engraving could be dangerous or hard to do, like with destructive devices. If you think you need an exception, you should ask the ATF before you engrave.
Tip: Always check your marks after engraving. Make sure they are easy to see and match your paperwork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent errors:
- Engraving too shallow or too small
- Using a duplicate serial number
- Placing markings where they are not visible
- Spelling names or locations incorrectly
- Not matching engraved info to paperwork
Note: Fixing mistakes often means redoing the work—careful engraving saves time and risk.
Using the HeatSign fiber laser machine completely eliminates these risks. Its precise parameter settings ensure each character has a minimum height of 1/16 inch and a depth that perfectly meets compliance standards, thereby protecting your legal rights.