I Bought a slightly rough Bulgarian Makarov a couple months ago.

The Importer lined out the original serial # and put a new one on it.
(the new # was put on the 4473 and PA state form when I bought it. )

I plan on getting it refinished (maybe Duracoat)
Is it OK to have the old number buffed smooth and then have the finish applied?

I would hate to have a new looking pistol with an obvious mutilation.  

Quoted:   I Bought a slightly rough Bulgarian Makarov a couple months ago. The Importer lined out the original serial # and put a new one on it. (the new # was put on the 4473 and PA state form when I bought it. ) I plan on getting it refinished (maybe Duracoat) Is it OK to have the old number buffed smooth and then have the finish applied? I would hate to have a new looking pistol with an obvious mutilation.

It is illegal to remove a manufacturer's or importer's serial number or to possess a firearm which has hade that number removed..  See 27 CFR §478.34

TITLE 27--ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND FIREARMS   CHAPTER II--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES,                          DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PART 478_COMMERCE IN FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION--Table of Contents          Subpart C_Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 478.34  Removed, obliterated, or altered serial number.    No person shall knowingly 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 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.

Since the importer's serial number is now the serial number of record, you may be able to remove the old serial number.  But, since logic or common sense should not be used when interpreting government regulations, I wouldn't remove any serial number without a written OK from BATF Hq in Washington (NOT a local field office).

"Since the importer's serial number is now the serial number of record, you may be able to remove the old serial number. But, since logic or common sense should not be used when interpreting government regulations, I wouldn't remove any serial number without a written OK from BATF Hq in Washington (NOT a local field office)."

Good Point! ,  although I should have realized this , being that I AM a Govt. worker.....

DOH!

After a closer look , I think the "line out" is shallow enough to be polished so that the new finish
will cover it and the Bulgarian # will still be perfectly Legible