Far from meaningless
You buy a gun new or used from a shop / business for a while now most have never stopped EVER keeping full records other than the transfer number new part now to be added so now they will get back to 100% of the sales vs what ever today's number is. We had log books for sales in the 60's in the old mans shop
- record and retain for a minimum period of 20 years from the day on which the business transfers a non‑restricted firearm, or for a longer period that may be prescribed, the following information:
- the reference number issued by the Registrar and the day it was issued, and
- the transferee’s licence number and the firearm’s make, model, type and serial number; and
It is attached to you doesn't matter what it is and your Pal is attached to it and if one thinks they don't still have the old data from the gun registry with you attached to the firearms that you registered at that time best feel your head
You sell any of theses with no reference number and it is later used in a crime and it is YOU they will be asking questions to about selling a gun illegally and you will be charged and lose your pal ( not just me saying it either ) and like they care about court challenges.
How many have firearm owners ever won ?? we are doing great with all the ones in court for the ban NOT
Cheers