These concerns notwithstanding, it is suggested that many (but perhaps not all)
carbon/alloy steel and magnetic stainless steel firearms are viable candidates fm magnetic
particle serial number recovery based on their material properties. The use of fluorescent
particles is seen as an aid in the recovery process. These particles seem sensitive enough to
distinctly create the visual indications (due to deformation froin under the stamped serial
numbers) hndamental in this work. Also, the inherent contrast of fluorescent particles viewed
under ultraviolet (UV, or black) light against a dark background creates dramatic visual images
which are easy to interpret. As the degree of obliteration is lowered, so the likelihood of a
successful magnetic particle recovery of serial numbers seems to understandably increase.
However, it was also noted that additional polishing of the damaged area (to approximately 600
grit or so) over coarse grinding seems to increase the signal to noise ratio of the recovery
process, making the indications a bit clearer for the inspector.