Col. Batguano said:
thanks for pointing that out. I know we can and do build them without SN's, but, because this is a factory gun, and Lyman probably IS registered with BATFE as a manufacturer, and they may do compliance as if these are manufactured firearms, if, in that case, there might be an issue, or if certain states, (CA, NY, NJ for instance) might have an issue. Still, I still think that it might be prudent to check with your local BATFE office and ask the question, particularly if you're in one of the more draconian gun law states. You can't be too careful when it comes to things like federal and state law.
this presupposes some arguable notions:
that the BATFE will deign to speak with a lowly "civilian" (you know, one of us knuckle dragging, mouth breathing, taxpaying idiots with the brain pan of a gnat and the attention span of a sugared up six year old with ADHD)
that the BATFE representative with whom you finally connect will tell you the truth as he or she knows it
that they will repeat that they told you what they told you if anything "goes wrong" (assuming that you can locate this individual ever again ... about as likely as you will locate the fellow named "Bob" who told you how you to 'fix' your computer from a call center in Bombay (sorry: Mumbai)...
that this 'advice' will hold any sway with the judge ... assuming that you get it, and force the BATFE to repeat it, and the 'representative' can be found and has the authority to provide advice.
that the BAFTE wonk will be able to provide you with 'advice' regarding
state laws inasmuch as they are federal employees ...
OK- just a few more words from the soap box...
I believe that the best way to not run afoul of these folks is not to show up on their radar ... once they get their hooks into you, you're pretty much SoL ... so... don't do any bank robberies with this muzzle loader, and for God's sake don't get involved in any drive- by bayonettings, and you'll probably be OK ...
I've climbed off my soap box ...
by way of disclaimer ::: I am not now nor have I ever been a member of the Communist Party or any other subversive organization advocating the violent or unlawful overthrown of the duly elected government ... these rantings do not constitute legal advice in any way shape manner or form: singly, jointly individually or severally ... I am sleep deprived, and thus in a 'diminished mental capacity' (that's my story and I'm sticking to it, at least until a better one comes along)
I would suspect that anyone who 'questions' your "gun" has no more or better claim that someone who would 'question' a rifle made by JoeBlow in his basement, using any one of a number of different commonly available barrels ...
Charley Brown says that he worried and worried about the exam, and Lucy asks what happened and Charley Brown says, "I got an "A:" ... I wasted a perfectly good worry."
don't waste worries or tantrums:
you get only a limited number
you don't know what your allotment is
you'll feel a fool if you need one and you're fresh out.
instead, make good smoke!