Import Mark Requirement & Refinishing Older CZs

[1Shot1Kill]

I am collecting & restoring CZ-75 firearms. I have some that have the etched Importer Marking. These markings tend to be ugly, and certainly detract from the style & beauty of the CZ.  I'm a minimalist and like the least bit of junk etch-a-sketch scratched all over my guns.

A question arises pertaining to sending the guns to a excellent shop like CZ Custom for tune-up & re-finish. If the Importer etching is scratched, mainly in the polycoat finish, can it be legally removed when having a professional polish/de-horn or re-finish ?

CZs have the serial number, maker, location (deep) engraved in the gun's slide, barrel, & frame, so those will stay and not be altered.

Are there US Laws/Regulations that stipulate the requirements for (leaving) Import Markings on personally owned firearms that have already been legally imported into the US, and where the (CZ) manufacturers data is still clearly visible ?

I went to the ATF website and saw the instructions pertaining to professional importers/businesses. I am not an importer, just an individual shooter/collector.

Thanks

[derweibhai]

I dont think it is illegal for you to remove the import marks yourself, but I doubt that you will ever get a company to do it for you. Legally (I think) the only thing that has to be on the gun is the serial number, and that only needs to be on the frame. You could have a gunsmith with a Tig welder, weld up the lettering and then grind it smooth with the rest of the frame after the polycoat was removed. Your best bet would be just purchase a Pre-B that doesnt have import marks.

[angus hobdell]

I would say that to avoid falling foul of law, I would write a  "VERY carefully" worded email to ATF technical branch and ask them directly.

[angus hobdell]

interesting thread about the above

http://weaponsman.com/?p=10863

[angus hobdell]

Here?s the actual wording of 922(k) (source, Cornell law library):

(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport, ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which has had the importer?s or manufacturer?s serial number removed, obliterated, or altered or to possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer?s or manufacturer?s serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

[1Shot1Kill]

I would say that to avoid falling foul of law, I would write a  "VERY carefully" worded email to ATF technical branch and ask them directly.

Angus & All, Thanks for the discussion & info provided.

Under the current (ambiguous, if not openly hostile anti-gun) climate, I believe the best course of action, is to take the advice of writing the ATF about the specific firearms & surface re-finish procedures in question.

I plan to photo each gun and clearly diagram the specific areas of ugly, un-needed etching that I would like to remove (if ATF-approved). If not able to remove, maybe ATF could grant authorization to move the marking elsewhere, e.g., inside the frame dust cover, magazine well, under the pistol grips, etc.

Based upon ATF Official & Written Directive/Guidance response, I can then (legally) continue, or not.

Hopefully, this process will permanently & legally resolve the problem.

[angus hobdell]

If / when you get the reply, please update this thread so we can all be made aware of there answer.
Thanks