Double Rifle Serial Number Location Under the Forend

[Yukontom]

I am searching for advice and/or opinions on traveling to Africa with a double rifle. The rifle is a Charles Osborne 450-400 3-1/4" made (or marked as made) in London in the 1920s (pic below). The only serial number on the rifle is on the barrels on the latch under the forearm which means the forearm needs to be popped off to see the number. I wonder if anyone has any experience with a similar situation with US Customs, or transiting through South Africa to Zimbabawe.

I am already researching having an engraver put new numbers on the exterior just to make life easier. This brings up another question on anyone having experience with an engraver to work with in the midwest US.

 

[Rare Breed]

My DR’s seem to always have the number on the receiver so you have to break it down. You get used to it

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I definitely would not have anyone engrave serial numbers on that rifle. Not even sure that it is legal or not in USA. You will not have a problem in Zim especially if you have your temp license filled out in advance.

Di not worry and enjoy your hunt.

Lon

 

[JimP]

In the US the SN needs to be on the action and not on the barrels. The action is what is considered the firearm since the barrels can be removed and replaced with other barrels. Perhaps not easy but it can be done.

 

[Yukontom]

In the US the SN needs to be on the action and not on the barrels. The action is what is considered the firearm since the barrels can be removed and replaced with other barrels. Perhaps not easy but it can be done.

Jim P I think you are correct for new stuff but the rifle is an antique which may or may not make a difference and someone managed to import it to the US as-is. My receipt from the dealer when I traded for it says "no ser. number". I have also seen a number of other imports with the serial numbers on the barrel.
The guys at CBP may even not know or care about where the number is when I get my 4457 filled out and stamped. I may make a trip to their office here and explain the situation and get comments.