I ended up shelling out $15 for them to send a letter with S/N and build date. Cart. Fine Silver .999 Grip Material: Genuine hand fitted Sambar Stag with Silver Colt Medallions Finish: Colt Blue, Selective Nitre Manufactured Year: 1981 Serial Number: P20131 Caliber: 22LR Barrel Length: 6" Condition . You can also watch the videos below to learn more about serial numbers on Colt products. I've done it before. You can also watch the videos below to learn more about serial numbers on Colt products. Thanks to technology, you can now look up a Colt serial number on the internet. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/read-colt-serial-numbers-first-timers/", Colt introduced the double-action Diamondback as a deluxe model in 1966. Youll also want to make sure that the gun youre buying is legal in your state. trying to find model and year my marlin was made 9009003. Another circa 1976 Diamondback. Click on Serial Number Lookupand then enter the serial number seen on your Colt. Would the folks here agree? Two Colt Detective Special revolvers from two different eras. [1] It is a 6-shot revolver with a swing-out cylinder and was available in blue or nickel finishes. So even though this method is fast, it isnt 100% efficient yet. Smith & Wesson Model 586: Reviewing A .357 Revolver With Class. (Left) Manufactured in 1932, serial number 410568. Also, The serial number of this 4-inch blued . The first is the grade and type of gun. For example, a serial number for a firearm manufactured in 2017 would be 070117. That being said, its rather hard to extract key information from serial numbers if you lack experience and knowledge. The third serial number specifies the caliber of the gun. Then you can proceed to determine when it was made. iver Johnson 32 serial # 5355 date of manufacture, am arms co boston 12 ga sing shotgun ser 9287 pat march21 82 may 29 83 any one, I have a friend who is wondering how old his mauser is.It is a patrone 22 LR.Serial number is 41361, I'm trying to figure out what year and model of a colt serial number 188609 on barrel has .38 SPC. It is a 6-shot revolver with a swing-out cylinder and was available in blue or nickel finishes. Do not no the year it was my fathers gun I think he got it in the 50s. Feb 9, 2011 #2 Rockzilla Active Member Feb 6, 2010 4,115 Serial number SB059678. Like the Serial Number Lookup, you should be able to request the Letter Of Authenticity just by visiting Colt website. The Letter Of Authenticity from Colt work pretty much in the same way and its considered to be the most reliable method to infer information from. ; 6": 33oz.. That being said, its rather hard to extract key information from serial numbers if you lack experience and knowledge. Hence, the serial number you enter might return no result. Serial Number Data Main Page COLT Derringers and Pocket Pistols Conversions Single Action Revolvers Double Action Revolvers Semi -Automatic Pistols Long Guns Colt Derringers and Pocket Pistols top Baby Dragoon Pocket Belt Model Paterson No. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The Browning website features a page where you can search for your firearm's serial number or click on the model to locate the serial number. Serial Number Data Main Page COLT Derringers and Pocket Pistols Conversions Single Action Revolvers Double Action Revolvers Semi -Automatic Pistols Long Guns Colt Derringers and Pocket Pistols top Baby Dragoon Pocket Belt Model Paterson No. Home Colt Serial Number Lookup. pistol single shot, also break down barrel to load and unload. - Right now, there is no visible drag line on the cylinder (at least to my 65 year old eyes). (AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine - very rare model), https://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/68254-How-to-Identify-Date-a-S-amp-W, http://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup, In my own little world, minding my own business, Smith & Wesson 19-5 - Looking for Date of MFG - Serial # ACWxxxx, Bidens MLK Speech: Ban the Number of Bullets That Go in a Magazine. On the rifle there are no. To get the letter, you have to pay a fee, depending on your Colt model. The serial number on the warranty card, box, and target sheet shows a serial #5463, however on the frame inside the barrel and on the hinge the number D4265 appears. 2023 All Rights Reserved by Shooting Mystery. You should note though, that the database isnt totally complete yet. You dont have to worry though because there are several alternatives when it comes to reading Colt serial numbers. Since parts were so difficult to get, it was common for barrels from other models to be used as replacements. tend to go across the board in a rather unpredictable pattern so its near impossible to read without reference books. Mossberg guns are conspicuously absent from this list. Does anyone really answer any of these questions ? Colt firearms are known for their high quality and durability. 12 steps to bake ice hockey skates, How to bake new ice skates? Can anyone tell me what it may be worth? The Colt serial number format is generally a six-digit number, with the first three digits representing the year of manufacture, and the last three digits representing the model of firearm. Shooting Mystery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Colt Serial Number Lookup. "name": "Shooting Mystery", It had gained popularity with gun enthusiasts due to the inexpensive price of .22 caliber ammunition and since it has been discontinued, for its rarity. value thanks in advance. By understanding the various prefixes and suffixes used on Colt firearms. As the website already stated, a couple of vintage guns share serial numbers between models so if multiple models appear, simply match the proper date. When introduced, the Diamondback retailed for a flat and easy $100 across all three caliber options. What he has is an aluminum frame Cobra someone installed a Detective Special barrel on. "https://theshootingmystery.tumblr.com/", Fortunately, one of the functions happens to be the Serial Number Lookup which permit you to learn about your Colt guns using their serial numbers. By following these simple steps, you can easily determine the history of your Colt firearm. Keep reading for an easy guide. I was looking up a Charter Arms that your site says they have. Black in color. The Diamondback was dropped from production in 1988. How To Pick A Top-Notch Quality Rifle Scope While On Budget? Colt Serial Numuber Rules and Regulations. HUGE 2A VICTORY-US Appeals Court Issues New Opinion Finding Federal Gun Control Law Unconstitutional, W&C renewal in Carroll County recommendation. Would also like some idea of values ! For example, a hunting rifle might have a higher grade than a pistol for self-defense purposes. But i would like to know how old it exactly is. Shooting Mystery is reader-supported. For that you have to buy a Colt Archive Letter. is 51189. Eg: 1A1234. ll have little trouble tracing the origin of your gun. 1931. For the first serial number, a 1 means your Colt is the first model with a basic frame. (.38) 2": 26oz; 4": 28.5oz. Lots of coin for a 6 shot .22. Last few I saw at the Chantilly show were over $1200. However, by understanding the basics of how serial numbers work, it is possible to gain a great deal of insight into a particular guns history and origin. If you enjoy the forum please consider supporting it by signing up for aNES Membership The benefits pay for the membership many times over. You can download this PDF for free and reference it offline. RL Sportster made by Harrington & Richardson Arm. "author": "Christopher Graham", serial number 1020. can you help with identifying the year of this gun and possible average value? This can be a most difficult question to answer. To ensure that your Colt firearm is in the best possible condition, it is important to know its year of manufacture. Made in spain. First, identifying a Colt revolver can be frustrating because beginning in 1840 Colt always started each new model at serial number "1", and progressed upward until the model was discontinued, OR until the mid-1960's when the serial number system changed to meet Federal law. "width": "1500", All Rights Reserved. Smith & Wesson 39-2 on November 19, 2019: have a savage mark 22, looking for its age--SN is 1144557, trying to find out age and worth of my gun ser number AY3538, I have a Iver Jonsons arms & cycle works the number is 8382, Trying to find out how old my savage arms mod. I have a Clement pistol with serial number 9199 and wonder about the year manufactured & the correct caliber. }. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Its still the best method when it comes to reliability though. That means aftermarket modifications like caliber, finish and barrel changes would not be reflected on the Colt Letter Of Authenticity. Because of that, to perform a manual. I took the wood stock off and found the number 32 on both barrel and stock. The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, with a range of 00-99; the next three digits represent the month of manufacture, with a range of 01-12; and the last two digits represent the day of manufacture, with a range of 01-31. Assuming that the methods above dont work in your favor, there is only one option left: decipher the, by yourself. The prefix tells you the type of frame, while the colt serial number combination indicates the weapon version, caliber, barrel length, and model variation. 2. 250 and 111. can I get a clip for it? The Colt Diamondback is a revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, in calibers of .22 LR and .38 Special. looking for ruger single six ser # 369972. "headline": "How to Read Colt Serial Numbers Like a Pro: For First-Timers", ser.# of my diamondback is NO24xx. thanks again for the info, Don, THANKS FOR THE INFO,GUYS. 2023 - Outdoor Fact. When you click on the model, you can learn a huge amount of information about your gun, including the introduction year, year discontinued, total production, variations, and associated serial number blocks. Welcome. You are using an out of date browser. Member Posts: 83 (12/18/02 8:14:25 am) Reply | Edit | Del Colt } Years ago gun parts were terribly expensive and often almost impossible to obtain. Custom modifications like finish, barrel, and caliber changes like aftermarket engraving arent included though. Colt introduced the double-action Diamondback as a deluxe model. Some codes are pretty easy to figure out since theyre just the abbreviation of the weapon name. thanks for the info, have 2, both 6", .38Spl, .22lr and yes both unfired, think I paid $250 for both, back in 80's (investments). 2 & 3 Cloverleaf House Model Revolver .41 Derringer: 1st Model Derringer: 2nd Model Derringer: 3rd Model michael v ventimiglia on October 30, 2020: new england firearms ( N G 001039 ) model r22 ultra mini. With the information weve shared above, we hope that now you. F.A. 5350-10340. These are family owned weapons! I know I've seen it before, but I can't find it now. When it comes to purchasing a gun, there are a few things that you should be aware of. Serial Number Prefix : Model Name : Sample Model: BD: AR15A3 Tactical Carbine. Can you tell the 1960s were the heydey of Colt wheel guns? For most of the time, COAs include relevant details about the item from manufacturing date to the history of ownership. (.22) 2": 28.5oz. Worcester Mass USA . Unfortunately, there is no one-stop shop for this task, but hopefully this article will help you find your firearm by manufacturer below and visit their website in order to track your weapon. This leads us to HOW to determine when your Colt was made. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Check out ourMilitary ClassicsandCollectors Cornersections where firearms like the Colt Diamondback are just a click away. But if you truly want to discover the story of your Colt guns using their serial numbers, this article might just be what you need. If you are looking to buy a Colt Detective Special or have one that you are interested in consigning please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-238-8022 or visit our website https . Their products include numerous other standard and tactical pieces of equipment, from rifles to shotguns. The smaller 2.5-inch Roscoe used Colt service grips, giving the shorty Diamondback the appearance of a bulked-up Colt Detective and for good reason the Dick Special used the same D-style frame, albeit with a smaller barrel and fixed sights. Again, some Colt models do share their codes with each other so what you find here may not be applicable in certain cases. Can you tell what a gun is by the serial number? "url": "https://shootingmystery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-to-Read-Colt-Serial-Numbers.jpg" Marlin firearms are kept in a database along with other manufactured firearms for easy reference. # 365 wondering the date on this . "sameAs": Outdoor fact may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. 5 steps to measure your own ice skate size, Is boat gas the same as car gas? Ballistics By The Inch tests including the Colt Diamondback. The 10 Best 4-Person Tents For Camping In 2023, The 10 Best Camping Coffee Makers Money Can Buy, 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes For Men of 2023, The 8 Best RV GPS To Buy In 2023 Reviews and Buying Guide. It is a sticky under "Firearms". In order to determine the year of manufacture for your Colt SAA, you will need to look at the serial number. Gun Codes and Markings. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I would love to figure out manufacture date and any other info. It can reach up to $300 for vintage variants like the 1851 Navy. Savage arms 12ga serial #27113 Date of Manufacture please!! [5], In addition, the Diamondback was marketed to law enforcement agencies who did not allow the use of the .357 Magnum cartridge.[1]. "publisher": { thanks, don. Finally, the fourth serial number is the finish or stock of the weapon. and fully adjustable sights, the Diamondbacks were produced from 1966 through 1991. S&W FPC Folding 9mm Carbine (Sub2k knock off). First (frame): 1 means basic frame, 2 means frame from Colt Custom Shop, 3 means non-standard frame,, Second (caliber): 4 means .32-20 Winchester, 6 means .357 S&W Magnum , 7 means .44 Remington Magnum,, Third (barrel length): 3 means 3 or 4 inches, 4 means 4.75 or 5 inches, 5 means 5.5 inches,, Fourth (finish): 1 means nickel or full blue finish, 2 means nickel or casehardened finish, 3 means nickel finish,. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here you will find the serial number breakdown by letters and numbers, which can help you figure out when your Makarov firearm was created. } Is it an original 1966 or early 1967 model? Aside from reading colt serial numbers, its worth the time and effort to check out a Colt weapons model code as well since it contains information about the guns characteristics. Moreover, its worth noting that the database is approximate. Colt firearms are known for their high quality and durability. Has a 6 digit serial number followed by a baseball on the inside of the rear non-drive side dropout. [ "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dwEQfHK1tk_ZeaA4PniOA/", Select whether your firearm is a handgun or a long gun and choose the appropriate link to be directed to the lookup tool. Serial number location. Colt is known for creating some of the highest quality firearms, including the 1911 pistol. But, usually, the problem is that not everyone can understand them. Non-manufacturer markings wont be addressed in the letter. Best yet, as collectors have gone hot and heavy on magnum snake guns like the Python, Anaconda, and King Cobra, the Diamondback often gets overlooked, making it more of a sleeper. For this part, well take a look at the meaning behind the Colt serial numbers, prefixes, and suffixes on a variety of guns. A 7 and 8 are used for special variants. In 1966, Colt decided to come up with what was essentially a mid-shelf revolver that was more modern than their staple six-shooter offerings but cost less than their top-of-the-line Python .357 Magnum. The Diamondback used a familiar frame to Colt, as the D-frame started with the Police Positive and Police Positive Special, then also extended to the Detective Special, Commando, Cobra, Agent, and Courier. Colt serial numbers were traditionally assigned in numerical order, with the first number representing the oldest firearm produced by Colt. As example you may have a model of revolver made in .22 and in .38 Special, with the .22 revolver serial numbers mixed with a different model Colt, and the .38 caliber version of that model in yet a different model range. Note that they won't give you any more information. Classic Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 Review: Busting Clays With the Old Humpback Shotgun. In most cases they can help you identify exactly what model of Colt you have. This is since some vintage guns have overlapping colt serial numbers with other models. When you have anomalous information and just arent sure what you have, then is when you need the experts and that's the experts on the Colt Forum. I am looking for a reference to cross serial numbers to manufacture dates, specifically Colts. 16 gauge serial number is 90524xe what would it be worth and how old is it. What kind of gun is this serial number 13J185 and when made. 2.5 inch barrel 38spec. Since its quite a costly method, the archive letter is often used to tie a particular firearm to a well-known individual in the past. A common first question for a Colt owner is "When was my Colt made". Well, Colt serial numbers tend to go across the board in a rather unpredictable pattern so its near impossible to read without reference books. This article will explain how to search for your firearm's date of creation or manufacture via its serial number. JavaScript is disabled. It falls through the cracks to a degree as it doesnt have the noir appeal of Sam Spade-era guns like the Police Positive and Detective, but doesnt hit the .357 club like the bigger snakes. How can I find out when it was manufactured? The meaning of the fourth digit depends largely on the preceding digits. Colt Single Action Army firearms were manufactured between 1836 and 1964. Knowing how to read Colt serial numbers can help you understand the firearms history and give you some context for your own purchase. The serial number should be in sequential order, starting with the number 1.. Different Types of Ammo for Your Hunting Rifle. Take Colt revolver serial numbers for example: SA is Single Action, NF is New Frontier, You could see the same thing on others: SP is Sporter, MT is Match Target, Additionally, Colt also uses the characters in certain situations to illustrate the year of production. Having a good understanding of the code will help you differentiate similar models from each other. Christopher Graham writes all the content and reviews on this site with the help of his team of hunters and shooters. Colt SP2's didn't hit the market until 1985. In the case of Colt serial numbers, you have up to 3 available choices to choose from depending on your preference: Now is the age of Internet so Colt duly keeps itself up to date by introducing a website for customers that incorporate multiple helpful functions. "@type": "ImageObject", Serial number 38656. . I'll have to go check mine. With that said, lets see what you must pay attention to while attempting to solve the puzzle of, In the case you are a weapon enthusiast, you should be able to comprehend the prefix and suffix characters on your Colt guns fairly well. "@type": "ImageObject", This is not John Waynes revolver it is a modern work of art! Approximate Serial Number SN Range. You plug in the serial number and it will give you a list of guns it could be. Can anybody tell me what year it was made? To put it plainly, the purpose of a COA is to show that the item it comes along is authentic. It should be clearly noted that it is a felony to possess a Post-Ban (newly assembled after Sept 13 .