The number of vintage guns without serial numbers is a small percentage and getting smaller every day. He borrowed it from his grandfather, which is not a route available to the average murderer.

But there is no central database with registrations connecting serial numbers to individuals.

And that particular .30-06 rifle was made before there were requirements to record serial numbers in sales transactions.

For those not in the know, that is not a 1903 Springfield 30 06 (7.62×63mm) as used in the U.S Garand of WWII. The 30 06 is a very common large caliber hunting rifle available in a large number of designs.

While Mauser ammunition is scarce and expensive it is still available. Could the rifle have been rechambered? Possibly, but it would require very specialized gunsmithing. Also, the picture I saw was not a WWII configuration Mauser. It is possible that someone could have converted it to a "sporter" configuration. It is just not the kind of weapon Joe Average would have and use. However, it certainly could have been a grandpa's souvenir.

Of all the law enforcement agencies out there, I would expect the FBI to be able to tell the difference and report it accurately. Oh, yeah, the FBI is busy chasing down brown people.

These people need to get their stories straight.

Epstein, Kirk, Epstein, Kirk, Epstein, Kirk Americans want to know.

And they were far from the only military surplus sellers

Have you seen anything reliable that indicates this was a German WWII Mauser? The Mausers from Mexico, Belgium and some South American countries were factory chambered in .30-06 , mostly in the 1950s. Older 7mm models were rebarreled to .30-06.

"German Mauser" immediately after the event.

The FBI seems to have said a great deal in a situation where they would normally be very stingy with information.

particularly vintage firearms.

And maybe not your average FBI agent, either....

cartridge and since it was made before 1898 it falls under antique non firearm which needs no federal registration. The ammo, unless it was rechambered for a modern cartridge, would be very difficult but not impossible to find. I remember back in the 1990's tons of these showed up in sportsman's catalogs for around $200 buck. I still see them for sale online but at about double that price. This is just one example out of hundreds of pre 1898 weapons available that fall under the no paperwork loophole.

Something's not adding up, here...

...which was not my intention.

I don't hunt but grew up around the culture. If a gun shoots straight and the manufacturer of the weapon discussed is known to ...and being a bolt action, one shot is basically what you get.

During the gun deer hunting week around here, the countryside sounds like a war zone on opening day. There's a saying.... "If you hear one shot, dear. If you hear two shots, maybe dear. If you hear three shots, no dear." A good scope makes all the difference.

Have good night Paladin.

M

Your area appears to be like central Texas during deer season---lots of hunters, many deer. Early mornings at daybreak do indeed sound like open warfare. The younger members of my family do the hunting, now. I'm content with the memories.

Only licensed gun dealers are required to record information about the gun sold , such as the serial number, and the buyer.

You'd easily lose half your MAGA base instantly.