Assuming that the methods above don’t work in your favor, there is only one option left: decipher the, by yourself. } Like the “Serial Number Lookup”, you should be able to request the Letter Of Authenticity just by visiting Colt website. There are a lot of ways for you to lookup serial numbers the firearms nowadays. "description": "If you're figuring out how to read Colt serial numbers for the first time, then this article will surely help you out. Hence, the serial number you enter might return no result. Double asterisk (**) under Bushmaster, a person on the internet e-mailed me that he had a lower that was shipped stripped (thus not a complete rifle) in 1991 from Bushmaster with serial #0327XX - ALWAYS CALL TO VERIFY. Custom modifications like finish, barrel, and caliber changes like aftermarket engraving aren’t included though. 1847 1 1848 2000 1849 8000 1850 12000 - 14000 . Year / Serial Number. Well, Colt serial numbers tend to go across the board in a rather unpredictable pattern so it’s near impossible to read without reference books. In other cases, the characters are simply used to show the year the item was manufactured. "https://www.reddit.com/user/theshootingmystery" Join Date October 2006 Location 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”,…, 8 Worst Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid Today [2021 Update], Best Travel Trailer & RV Brands 2021 – Top Rated Manufacturers, Top 10 Best Class C RV Brands For The Money, The Cheapest State to Buy RV: Evading Sales Tax and Other Fees, A Breakdown of Living in an RV Full Time Cost. It’s still the best method when it comes to reliability though. Aside from that, there is nothing else to say beside keep learning until you get to the bottom of it. If you want to know how to read Colt serial numbers, then this article will offer you some tips. To get the letter, you have to pay a fee, depending on your Colt model. For most of the time, COAs include relevant details about the item from manufacturing date to the history of ownership. This will give you a manufacture date that can be applied to the following Issues. "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Organization", , you have up to 3 available choices to choose from depending on your preference: Step 2: Hover the mouse to “Customer Service”, Once you get to that page, enter all the characters and the numbers on your firearms into the search field. Note: This service is provided as reference only, and accuracy is not guaranteed. 0 0 0. The "U" under the serial number is a factory inspectors stamp. Colt Model 1917 Revolver With Early Serial Number With Pistol Rig Description: This Colt was produced in 1918. This Colt is in as issued condition. "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dwEQfHK1tk_ZeaA4PniOA/", That means aftermarket modifications like caliber, finish and barrel changes would not be reflected on the Colt Letter Of Authenticity. Year : Type: Serial Number (1903 .32ACP) Serial Number (1908 .380 ACP) Year Trooper serial numbers are very confusing. Rating - 0%. Colt put the new gun through a rapid series of design upgrades with each change getting a new model number. All Rights Reserved. The major changes were a slightly heavier slide and a slotted collet barrel bushing. Next, you need to hit search to see the result. Best RV Mattress Short Queen 2021 | Top 10 Picks for RVers, Top 8 Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Reviews, The 10 Best 4-Person Tents For Camping In 2021. Again, some Colt models do share their codes with each other so what you find here may not be applicable in certain cases. 1840-1843 1-500 . After spending most of his career as a firearms expert and instructor in Nebraska, he retreated to the great outdoors to enjoy retirement. Furthermore, the letter covers historical fact tied to the gun which usually increases its collectible value by a large margin. "dateModified": "2021-01-04", Next, you need to hit search to see the result. All it takes to get the numbers to changes could be minor changes in the design, the beginnings of new time periods and many others. You don’t have to worry though because there are several alternatives when it comes to reading, Have you ever heard about the Certificate Of Authenticity (COA)? The Canadian company Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) licensed production of a rifle (Colt Model 715) and carbine (Colt Model 725), but later went on to produce an entire line of AR-15/M16 pattern weapons developed independently. All it takes to get the numbers to changes could be minor changes in the design, the beginnings of new time periods and many others. "sameAs": The first few Colt serial numbers (001-100) were toolroom prototypes and mules, and numbers were reused, and some were built on unnumbered receivers. "name": "Shooting Mystery", he numbers, prefixes, and suffixes contain information about the weapon’s history. 2 uses a frame from Colt Custom Shop while a 3 has a non-standard frame. Colt's Manufacturing Company - firearms, handguns, pistols, rifles, revolvers. "url": "https://mk0shootingmyst008bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Shootinglogo.png" 4) Colt M1911 British RAF Contract: S/N W91,100 to W110,696 = Jan. 22, 1918 to April 28, 1919 (Approx. Sistema Serial Numbers The Colt Sistema was produced by Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles (FMAP) in Argentina. 03-07-2012 12:02 AM # ADS. "@type": "ImageObject", Outdoorfact.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. } Started in 1912, the M1911 Commercial and its A1 variant got normal serial numbers with a simple prefix and suffix. Those prices are only the base value. Finally, the fourth digit is the finish or stock of the weapon. According to Colt, it was designed to shoot 2" groups at 15 yards, and it does, even 44 years later. However, you have to keep in mind that the Letter Of Authenticity only describes the original configuration of the gun. "keywords": ["how to read colt serial numbers"], Thanks to the advance of technology, now you are able to look up Colt serial number on the Internet. Below are easy steps to take when learning how to read the numbers, along with interesting information about Colt’s serial rules. The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice. That number style remained in production up until mid-1976 before the 70 was then moved to the last two digits of the code. Enter your Ruger® serial number above to view its model number, product line, caliber, production status, ship date and instruction manual. "publisher": { In addition to that, special engraving, shipping destinations and alike should increase the final expense. Thanks to technology,  you can now look up Colt serial number on the internet. We recently had a visitor looking for the date of manufacture (DOM) of his Colt Python with a low serial number beginning with the KT prefix. While these codes have little impact on firearms‘ performance, they’re one of the best ways to trace the origin of a gun. You should note though, that the database isn’t totally complete yet. There are other factors like special engraving and specific shipping destination which could raise the final price substantially. COLT MODEL 1903 .32 ACP / 1908 .380 ACP POCKET HAMMERLESS PRODUCTION. It worth the time and effort to check out Colt model code as well since it contains information about the gun’ characteristics. On the other hand, a capital C prefix or suffix is used to indicate that the model is for Commercial Use. While the serial numbers have no impact on field performance, they allow people to trace the origin of the guns. Colt also sold the gun as a commercial sales model, and it was immediately a popular gun with the public. With the information we’ve shared above, we hope that now you’. }. That being said, it’s rather hard to extract key information from serial numbers if you lack experience and knowledge. He called Colt at 1-800-962-COLT and they informed him that the DOM was 1991. The same thing could be said about, There are a lot of ways for you to lookup serial numbers the firearms nowadays. Have you ever heard about the Certificate Of Authenticity (COA)? "https://theshootingmystery.tumblr.com/", Obviously, performing a manual lookup is tedious which involves substantial investments in times and efforts. The fourth digit has been used many times as a way to differentiate later models from earlier ones. In 1920, larger, highly visible sights replaced the original thin blade and notch. Technically this is a carbine since the true Buntlines were in a certain serial number range and had a flat top. The same thing could be said about Colt serial numbers. In the early 1950's Colt was introducing new models and the serial numbers during that time are intermixed and difficult to sort out. 10,000 pistols were shipped to the Royal Air Force from this serial number range and were .455 Webley caliber.) Year / Serial Number. The second digit of the model code is the weapon caliber. The first few Colt serial numbers (001-100) were toolroom prototypes and mules, and numbers were reused, and some were built on unnumbered receivers. This is a Frontier Six Shooter .44-40 caliber revolver with factory 12” barrel. This finish would rate a 95% overall condition. The Letter Of Authenticity from Colt work pretty much in the same way and it’s considered to be the most reliable method to infer information from colt serial numbers. If you want to know the exact age of the gun though, you’d have to find a reference table to crosscheck the characters with the manufacturing year. Your first guess is that the numbers simply progress forward as time passes by, right? That being said, it’s rather hard to extract key information from serial numbers if you lack experience and knowledge. Most of these were destroyed. If multiple models appear for your serial number simply match the date with the appropriate model, as certain vintage firearms can share serial numbers between different models. Hence, the serial number you enter might return no result. From 1970 to 1976 the serial numbers had a prefix of "70G", from 1976 to 1980 they had a suffix of "G70" which changed to a prefix of "70B" from 1980 until 1983 when production ceased. The accuracy of the result is mediocre as well compared to other choices but it’s still better than nothing. ll have little trouble tracing the origin of your gun. Includes Challenger, Huntsman and Targetsman FIRST SERIES WOODSMAN: 1915-1947 (Target and Sport Models) DATE Approximate Serial Number Mar 1915 1 Jan 1916 850 Jan 1917 4000 Jan 1918 6400 Jan 1919 7000 Jan 1920 20200 Jan 1921 25000 Jan 1922 27200 Jan 1923 33500 Jan 1924 38700 Jan 1925 43000 Jan 1926 46650 Jan 1927 51700 Trooper serial numbers are very confusing. Like the “Serial Number Lookup”, you should be able to request the Letter Of Authenticity just by visiting Colt website. While these codes have little impact on. It’s a bit tricky to learn how to read Colt serial numbers at first, but you should get better as time goes by. Colt Baby Dragoon Pocket. 1840-1843 1-500 . Learn more. He hopes for all readers to gain useful and practical knowledge for enjoying their time outdoors. Shooting Mystery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. In most of the case, a standard Colt Letter Of Authenticity for the average guns shall cost you $100 but the price could always rise further. The year/serial numbers under Colt SP series was forwarded to me by an individual whose return address I no longer have. Year / Serial Number. With that said, let’s 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. "author": "Christopher Wade", The majority of firearms in circulation these kinds of days feature serial numbers that facilitate identification in times of need. Simply go to Colt’s homepage and hover your mouse to the Customer Service tab. I am looking for a reference to cross serial numbers to manufacture dates, specifically Colts. Colt's online serial number database has remained incomplete for the past 10-15 years or so it has existed. Keep reading for an easy guide. . This is since some vintage guns have overlapping serial numbers with other models. Colt serial number ship dates for Pre 70-Series Guns. We recently had a visitor looking for the date of manufacture (DOM) of his Colt Python with a low serial number beginning with the KT prefix. Some information contained in it may no longer be current. If you didn’t know yet, Colt offers a unique research service to their customers. Click on Serial Number Lookup and then enter the serial number seen on your Colt. tend to go across the board in a rather unpredictable pattern so it’s near impossible to read without reference books. Well, Colt serial numbers tend to go across the board in a rather unpredictable pattern so it’s near impossible to read without reference books. Non-manufacturer markings won’t be addressed on the letter. Life Lesson: Get the Colt SAA's serial number and call 1-800-962-COLT before making the purchase. Having a good understanding of the code will help you differentiate similar models from each other. The frame serial number is 155563. 1871 1 1872 4000 1873 5000 1874 6000 1875 7200 1876 9600 - 9952 . On the letter, you’ll find details of your firearm’s original specifications and features, plus the delivery address as well. Colt Serial Number - Manufacture Date Thread starter TJC44; Start date Dec 9, 2016; T. TJC44. © 2021 - Outdoor Fact. Serial numbers that begin with a “C” were .45 ACP and serial numbers that begin with a “W” were .455 Webley calibers. 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. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/read-colt-serial-numbers-first-timers/", For the first digit, a 1 means your Colt is the first model with a basic frame. 1st Model Deringer Chambered in .41 caliber Manufactured circa 1870-1890. Also, if you’re a gun owner and need support with tactical gear, then you should also check out our article on the. In these guns, the letter is part of the numbers. Year / Serial Number. For example, SA is Single Action, NF is New Frontier, SP is Sporter, and MT is Match Target. COLT MODEL 1903 .32 ACP / 1908 .380 ACP POCKET HAMMERLESS PRODUCTION. Design changes can also change the look of the serial numbers. "headline": "How to Read Colt Serial Numbers: For First-Timers (2021)", Year / Serial Number. Simply go to the Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. For example, there is the issue of the 1970s Colt M1911’s commercial production. SERIAL NUMBERS. Most of these were destroyed. Colt AR-15 Serial Number List. Colt introduced this model in 1970 as a newer version of the Model 1911A1. Double asterisk (**) under Bushmaster, a person on the internet e-mailed me that he had a lower that was shipped stripped (thus not a complete rifle) in 1991 from Bushmaster with serial #0327XX - ALWAYS CALL TO VERIFY. With that said, let’s see what you must pay attention to while attempting to solve the puzzle of Colt serial numbers on your own. A Colt single action model usually has 1 character prefix and 4 numbers. In 1896, at serial number 164,100, a spring-loaded base pin latch replaced the cylinder pin retaining screw and by 1900, at serial number 192,000, the Colt Single Action was certified for use with smokeless powder. The meaning of the fourth digit depends largely on the preceding digits. © 2020 All Rights Reserved by Shooting Mystery, Colt serial codes could be hard to read if you aren’t experienced. "@type": "Article", are later versions. Half the time I get a result and half the time I don't. To get to know the meaning of the characters in such cases, it’s necessary to get a reference book. The third digit is the caliber of the gun. Best RV Cover Reviews For RVers: Do NOT Buy Before Reading This! It’s a bit tricky to learn how to read Colt serial numbers at first, but you should get better as time goes by. The fee is typically priced at around $100 for common products. Aside from that, there is nothing else to say beside keep learning until you get to the bottom of it. To put it plainly, the purpose of a COA is to show that the item it comes along is authentic. Double asterisk (**) under Bushmaster, a person on the internet e-mailed me that he had a lower that was shipped stripped (thus not a complete rifle) in 1991 from Bushmaster with serial #0327XX - ALWAYS CALL TO VERIFY. Since it’s quite a costly method, the archive letter is often used to tie a particular firearm to a well-known individual in the past. Junior Colt .25ACP and Colt Auto Cal .25 Ship Dates Year Approximate Serial Number 1958 1CC 1959 3500CC 1960 7100CC 1961 9500CC 1962 11901CC-14000CC 1962 25000CC 1963 26431CC 1964 30631CC 1965 34939CC 1966 40136CC 1967 44739CC-45531CC 1967 75132CC 1968 75882CC-85082CC 1971 0D10001 1972 0D38301 1973 0D82601-OD120471 J Joined Nov 7, 2016 Messages 11 Likes 0. Also, if you’re a gun owner and need support with tactical gear, then you should also check out our article on the best otf knives you can buy. The prefix tells you the type of frame, while the numbers indicate the weapon version, caliber, barrel length, and model variation. Cloverleaf House Model Revolver .41. The easiest way of finding out what series of Detective Special you have is to search the serial number of your revolver (found on the frame, visible when the cylinder is open) through Colt’s website for free. All it takes to get the numbers to changes could be minor changes in the design, the beginnings of new time periods and many others. The Canadian company Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) licensed production of a rifle (Colt … 1847 1 1848 2000 1849 8000 1850 12000 - 14000 . Made in 1893. Just combine the methods and you should have little trouble learning Colt’s serial rules and regulations. 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. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the database is approximate. }, The numbers, prefixes, and suffixes contain information about the weapon’s history. "https://twitter.com/Shoot1ngMystery", The Pistol's grip strap military serial number is 5762. Numbers 2, 3, 4, etc. 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. Top PM Register To Reply. [ For most of the time, COAs include relevant details about the item from manufacturing date to the history of ownership. The prefix tells you the type of frame, while the numbers indicate the weapon version. "height": "549", Shooting Mystery is reader-supported. The accuracy of the result is mediocre as well compared to other choices but it’s still better than nothing. Simply go to Colt’s homepage and hover your mouse to the. The Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver was introduced in 1850 and manufactured through to 1873. As example in the late 1960's Colt started combining allsmall 'D' frame models like the Detective Special, Cobra, Agent,Diamondback, Viper, Police Positive Special, etc in the same serial numberranges. The year/serial numbers under Colt SP series was forwarded to me by an individual whose return address I no longer have. Dec 9, 2016 #1/14 I know I've seen it before, but I can't find it now. Highly Recommended. For specific questions or additional information, please contact Customer Service. Because it was easy to remove stamps from the flat bottom of the frame, Colt began stamping double action revolvers serial number on the frame under the barrel where the cylinder crane seats, on the crane itself, and often inside the side plate. For this part, we’ll take a look at the meaning behind the Colt serial numbers, prefixes, and suffixes on a variety of guns. "url": "https://mk0shootingmyst008bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/d27a5761b9ecf6e1ead9d8856447b417-man-up-colt-m.jpg" Information. ", Friends and Sponsors. This means that the letter descriptions may also not completely match the current configuration of your gun. The Letter Of Authenticity from Colt work pretty much in the same way and it’s considered to be the most reliable method to infer information from. Some codes are pretty easy to figure out since they’re just the abbreviation of the weapon name. Even after Colt began using unique serial numbers in the 1960's, Colt often combined a number of models into one serial number range. These were the Models 1889, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and the 1903. According to Colt, it was designed to shoot 2" groups at 15 yards, and it does, even 44 years later. Colt’s civilian line of semi-automatic Colt AR-15 rifles is identified by a four digit code following a specific prefix. Colt's Manufacturing Company - firearms, handguns, pistols, rifles, revolvers. Technically speaking, Colt serial numbers tend jump all over the place with no set pattern. Take. The model code contains lots of information about the characteristics of the gun so it’s strongly recommended that you give it a good look. However, usually, you can still get the general idea of the Colt code by checking out the information below. SERIAL NUMBERS. To show you how things work, we shall check the model code that Colt uses on Colt Single Action models. With the information we’ve shared above, we hope that now you’ll have little trouble tracing the origin of your gun. Year : Type: Serial Number (1903 .32ACP) Serial Number (1908 .380 ACP) Year On a Letter Of Authenticity, you are going to find the specifications of the Colt, features and the delivery address. It has the correct war time finish. "image": { Double asterisk (**) under Bushmaster, a person on the internet e-mailed me that he had a lower that was shipped stripped (thus not a complete rifle) in 1991 from Bushmaster with serial #0327XX - ALWAYS CALL TO VERIFY. It provides an official archive letter as proof of your gun’s history. 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. Because of that, to perform a manual Colt serial number lookup, you have to accumulate experience in addition to grasping key developments of the brand. Year / Serial Number. The year/serial numbers under Colt SP series was forwarded to me by an individual whose return address I no longer have. At that time Colt started using letters as a prefix or suffix in the serial number. The leading source for examples of Old Colt Pistols, Revolvers, 1911, M1911, 1911A1, M1911A1, Government Model, National Match, 38 Super, Pocket Auto, Vest Pocket, Model 1905, Detective Special, Bankers Special, New Service, Police Positive and other Colt Firearms. As example in the late 1960's Colt started combining all small "D" frame models like the Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Viper, Police Positive Special, etc in the same serial number ranges. Because of Colt's serial number systems it may not be possible to … It can reach up to $300 for vintage variants like the 1851 Navy. Needless to say, such a document must require a certain fee that people occasionally feel to be a bit expensive. A Colt single action model usually has 1 character prefix and 4 numbers. How To Read Colt Serial Numbers For First-timers, The majority of firearms in circulation these kinds of days feature serial numbers that facilitate identification in times of need. 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. To put it plainly, the purpose of a COA is to show that the item it comes along is authentic. Just more of Colt's dysfunctional nature, I guess. 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. So even though this method is fast, it isn’t a 100% efficient yet. Even after Colt began using unique serial numbers in the1960's, Colt often combined a number of models into one serial number range. 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.

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