Model numbers or names are often stamped or engraved on the barrel or slide, often along with the Make. In some cases, the Model will also be represented as a prefix or other portion of the pistols serial number, or may be stamped on the frame in less obvious locations (e.g., under the grip panels).

What rifle do I have?

Locating your rifle model number can be done with little difficulty. Look at the upper receiver of the weapon. Most semi-automatic rifles have the model number adjacent to the manufacturers logo stamped on the upper receiver. Observe the side plate of the rifle.

Are shotguns considered rifles?

A shotgun is a firearm subject to the NFA if the shotgun has a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length. A weapon made from a shotgun is also a firearm subject to the NFA if the weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length.

What happens if you put a 20 gauge shell in a 12 gauge shotgun?

Smaller shotshells (such as 20-gauge shells), if mistakenly fed into a 12-gauge gun, will slip past the chamber and lodge in the barrel, causing serious personal injury or gun damage if a 12-gauge shell is loaded and fired. Some barrels are not stamped.

Are a rifle and shotgun the same?

Handguns and rifles have rifled barrels, meaning that there are grooves cut lengthwise into the inside of the barrel. The grooves cause a bullet to spin, which makes it shoot out straighter and travel faster. Most shotguns are not rifled inside.

Can a hollow point bullet be traced?

The bullet casings cant be traced back to the gun, but the bullet can be, due to the rifling imprints left on the bullet as it travels down the barrel. The serial number allows the gun to be traced to its owner (if the state requires the owner to register their gun).