When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. } Single action that's all so far. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. During the mid-1950's the serial number data is so mixed as to be almost incomprehensible. With that said, lets see what you must pay attention to while attempting to solve the puzzle of Colt serial numbers on your own. "https://twitter.com/Shoot1ngMystery", "description": "If you're figuring out how to read Colt serial numbers for the first time, then this article will surely help you out. MFG. [1] Visually, the Diamondback resembles a scaled-down version of the Python, though the action was not tuned as finely as the Python, nor did it receive the Python's Royal Blue finish. 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. However, as it is increasingly on the radar with the higher-profile serpents getting snapped up, and the prices on a nice Diamondback are rising. Next, you need to hit search to see the result. 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. I thought we were missing something on this thread, so here it is. Mine has a K at the beginning so that make it a K series? A Colt single action model usually has 1 character prefix and 4 numbers. Inspired by the successful Colt Python , the Diamondback was manufactured from 1966 to 1988 and was available in barrel lengths of 2, 4, and 6 inches. "@type": "ImageObject", Diamondback Serial Numbers 1966 D1001 1967 D2600 1968 D14400 1969 D26500 1970 D38450 1971 D45551 1972 D51400 1973 D55401 1974 D59801 1975 D60251 1976 D72251-D99999 1976 N01001-N01800 1977 N01801-N15674 1978 R13901 1979 S65863 Read more about this topic: Colt Diamondback Dpm Recoil Reduction System Vs Rungsten, Great White Shark Cage Diving: Places, Time, and Tips, How to bake ice hockey skates at home? For vintage weapons, Colt might even ask you to pay a hefty sum of $300 in order to produce the letter. I am looking for a reference to cross serial numbers to manufacture dates, specifically Colts. Looking To Buy Guns Online For Your Next Hunting Trip? Colt introduced the double-action Diamondback as a deluxe model. The pistol is NIB with all the papers.Thanks in advance Benny mckheean V.I.P. Serial No. To show you how things work, we shall check the model code that Colt uses on Colt Single Action models. Colt 38 Super & Super Match Serial Number Ship Dates. Also, roughly what is everything worth? Serial number begins 1 2 2 0 0, i have a hawes 22lr revolver sayes made in w germany how can i find out more about the gun. Stay in the know. "https://www.pinterest.com/theshootingmystery/", Assuming that the methods above dont work in your favor, there is only one option left: decipher the, by yourself. Not able to locate the date of manufacture for your Colt firearm? 6 Tips for determining ice skate size, How to measure ice skate size? However, the new Diamondback was far from the least expensive Colt wheelgun, as the Offical Police, Police Positive,Trooper,Detective Special, and Cobra all ran between $76 and $92. For that you have to buy a Colt Archive Letter. For most of the time, COAs include relevant details about the item from manufacturing date to the history of ownership. are later versions. Appears to be North American Arms gun, has no identification on it other than serial no. Unfortunately he threw out the box and paperwork years ago. I just purchased a Colt Diamondback 38 cal.6" Barrel with nickel finish.The serial number is S74493.Can someone tell me the date of mfg?The book I have stops at 1978 and it is not in it. Again, some Colt models do share their codes with each other so what you find here may not be applicable in certain cases. The serial number is generally in Arabic numerals, but may also include letters or other symbols. In order to determine the year of manufacture for your Colt SAA, you will need to look at the serial number. Two Colt Detective Special revolvers from two different eras. Has a 6 digit serial number followed by a baseball on the inside of the rear non-drive side dropout. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It should be clearly noted that it is a felony to possess a Post-Ban (newly assembled after Sept 13 . Thanks to technology, you can now look up a Colt serial number on the internet. "image": { ATG's recent rule change on 80% receivers and frame kits overturned. "https://theshootingmystery.tumblr.com/", Maryland Shooters is the most active and largest Maryland gun community online. For most of the time, COAs include relevant details about the item from manufacturing date to the history of ownership. To do this, look for a serial number on the firearm. Colt firearms are known for their high quality and durability. WHAT COLT MODEL DO I HAVE? How do I find year of manufacturer and if it has a letter prefix. For example, SA is Single Action, NF is New Frontier, SP is Sporter, and MT is Match Target. Next, you need to hit search to see the result. Also note that the people working the phones are rushed, may not be totally familiar with Colt models and have been known to give out incorrect information. AA 45838 MADE. You are using an out of date browser. Some or all lowers are cast. A 7 and 8 are used for special variants. That means aftermarket modifications like caliber, finish and barrel changes would not be reflected on the Colt Letter Of Authenticity. Since parts were so difficult to get, it was common for barrels from other models to be used as replacements. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. With the information weve shared above, we hope that now you. Need all info you can find please. Omega model 32 ser number 3903 on November 26, 2019: Looking for make and model for my bolt action rifle sn 4744100, Looking for manufacturing date for Rock Island Armory 1911 Ser. Can you tell the 1960s were the heydey of Colt wheel guns? Since many of these guns used the exact same barrel except for the model name stamped on it, we have situations where an owner is convinced he has a rare, unknown model of aluminum frame Detective Special. Their products include numerous other standard and tactical pieces of equipment, from rifles to shotguns. But by the mid-1970s, the serial numbers stopped continuing from the numbers of the previous ones. 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. Serial Number Prefix : Model Name : Sample Model: BD: AR15A3 Tactical Carbine. Youll also want to make sure that the gun youre buying is legal in your state. In some cases, firearms produced before a certain year may have been given a special serial number that was not included in the traditional numbering scheme. I have acquired a Savage 340 in 22 Hornet with fixed side mount weaver scope. Take. Please note: This Japanese frame identifier . The Colt Detective Special morphed through four (4) variations (or series) in its almost seventy years; First series Detective Specials were manufactured from 1927 to 1946, with square butt grip frames through 1933 and round butt grip frames thereafter. That being said, its rather hard to extract key information from serial numbers if you lack experience and knowledge. # 365 wondering the date on this . To get the letter, you have to pay a fee, depending on your Colt model. Naturally, it would be safe to assume that if your serial comes after the last in this list, yours is between 1979 and 1986. Most people were happy to get their gun repaired and since the barrel was entirely usable, most people didn't care that the gun was one model but the barrel was marked as something else. 16 gauge serial number is 90524xe what would it be worth and how old is it. A Cold War era classic with smooth lines, a legendary back story, and an exotic-sounding name, Beretta's Model 71 was definitely a mouse that roared. Home Colt Serial Number Lookup. Colt now has a serial number look-up data base on their web site. The first source is the Colt Firearms Company. Title: The Signature Diamond, a Colt Diamondback Master Engraver: Tom Harvey Precious Metals: 24kt Gold, Pure Platinum. "@type": "ImageObject", Different Types of Ammo for Your Hunting Rifle. Don't know model or year of production. For example. On the rifle there are no. Click on Serial Number Lookup and then enter the serial number seen on your Colt. F.A. Any idea on the date of manufacture. What Is A Brass Catcher, And What Is It Used For? , 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. ll have little trouble tracing the origin of your gun. I have a Clement pistol with serial number 9199 and wonder about the year manufactured & the correct caliber. WWII German Ordnance Codes. With a distinctive full-lug vent-rib barrel that gave the gun much of the same look and feel of their vaunted Python, the Colt Diamondback was popular with a host of buyers. ", What year was my Colt Single Action Army? You can also watch the videos below to learn more about serial numbers on Colt products. Finally, the fourth serial number is the finish or stock of the weapon. "height": "800", Simply go to Colts homepage and hover your mouse to the Customer Services tab. , you have to accumulate experience in addition to grasping key developments of the brand. The Winchester Firearms website offers some history about serial numbers as well as a Serial Number Reference page. It has a wide serrated target hammer, ventilated rib, fully adjustable target quality sights, and full-length barrel underlug. Moreover, its worth noting that the database is approximate. This means that the letter descriptions may also not completely match the current configuration of your gun. 12 gauge single barrel full choke. 3. Before you can determine when a Colt was made, you first have to determine WHAT Colt model you have. A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. You aren't going to find it under Ct laws. Last few I saw at the Chantilly show were over $1200. JavaScript is disabled. 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. It would be nice to cover these also. Colt also offers an archival service for a moderate fee that will locate all records of your original Colt shipment. Harington-Richardson has little info available. DPMS 800-578-3767 Below 10300 - Pre-Ban. 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. "author": "Christopher Graham", EDWARD LAVAUGHN CAFFEE on September 29, 2020: i have henry 44 cal rifle serial number is bbo4619 how old is it my wife bought it for me on our first anniversary i have never fired it i think it was 2002 but want to be sure. So even though this method is fast, it isnt 100% efficient yet. 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. What year was it made? The second question is often "What Colt do I have"? 289716. 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. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. 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). The first is the grade and type of gun. Well, Colt serial numbers tend to go across the board in a rather unpredictable pattern so its near impossible to read without reference books. I have a 357 magnum revolver serial number ACT2910. 2.5 inch barrel 38spec. M1892/1894/1895/1896/1901/1903/1905, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Colt_Diamondback&oldid=1120862665, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. }. Eg: 1A1234. "sameAs": Can anybody please tell me the year of manufacture of my 6" 38 spl. The fourth digit has been used many times as a way to differentiate later models from earlier ones. Years ago gun parts were terribly expensive and often almost impossible to obtain. I ended up shelling out $15 for them to send a letter with S/N and build date. Since the data base seems to be a work in progress, many newer models may not be listed. And this article Discoverthedinosaurs.com will help you answer the following questions about colt serial number lookup: The manufacturers number is stamped on the barrel of most Colts. You are using an out of date browser. Check out ourMilitary ClassicsandCollectors Cornersections where firearms like the Colt Diamondback are just a click away. The serial number is composed of a series of letters and numbers, which are used to track each weapons production and history. While the serial numbers have no impact on field performance, they allow people to trace the origin of the guns. Started in 1912, the M1911 Commercial and its A1 variant got normal serial numbers with a simple prefix and suffix. While these model codes have little impact on firearms performance, theyre one of the best ways to trace the origin of a gun. serial number 144xxx. ser.# of my diamondback is NO24xx. thanks again for the info, Don, THANKS FOR THE INFO,GUYS. 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. Not all guns are created equal, and some may be better suited for certain activities than others. Serial number SB059678. This post mentions that "Viper, Pacer 500 & Super Streak were available that year", but an archived copy of os-db reveals . 2. Have you ever heard about the Certificate Of Authenticity (COA)? And therein lies a real can of worms. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Would also like some idea of values ! The new value of a COLT DIAMONDBACK pistol has fallen ($1,262.25) dollars over the past 12 months to a price of $2,325.36 . NOT BAD FOR A GUN I PAID 140 DOLLARS FOR 12 YEARS AGO THANKS AGAIN, DON. Classic Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 Review: Busting Clays With the Old Humpback Shotgun. As a result, the Letter Of Authenticity is mostly favored by collectors that have a lot of money to spend. Most Colt revolvers had the same thread size and it was often possible to install a barrel from a totally different model on a frame. Note that they won't give you any more information. Address: 4455 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ste 114 #852, Fort Worth, TX 76107. As with most 20th Century Colt wheel guns, the Diamondback had a six-shot swing-out cylinder with a clockwise or right-hand rotation, as opposed to Smith & Wesson which used counterclockwise or left hand rotating cylinders, allowing Colt fans the eternal cry of Colt got it right!. Then, you can visit the other links in this article to look up the firearm that your Sears firearm is most similar to and find out the year of its manufacture. Their products include numerous other standard and tactical pieces of equipment, from rifles to shotguns. 270 caliber. Gun Codes and Markings. There are a lot of ways for you to lookup serial numbers the firearms nowadays. To put it plainly, the purpose of a COA is to show that the item it comes along is authentic. Different weapon manufacturers tend to use different arrangements though the main idea remains largely unchanged. 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. Hard to believe since they are the biggest shotgun maker in the WORLD!! Also, The serial number of this 4-inch blued . Except in the sacred tests of democracy and in the incantations of the orators, we hardly take the trouble to pretend that the rule of the majority is not at bottom a rule of force.Walter Lippmann (18891974). I have a New England Firearms 20 gauge shotgun, serial # 206695. ProofHouse.com. To comply with the law, Colt began adding letters to the serial numbers as prefixes and suffixes to make each firearm have a unique number. Any reference to model is not visual externally. Once you get to that page, enter all the characters and the numbers on your firearms into the search field. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A gun owner or even gunsmith couldn't just log on or call up a big parts house and order the parts he needed. It can reach up to $300 for vintage variants like the 1851 Navy. [4] Saddam Hussein collected the Colt Diamondback among other guns. By understanding the various prefixes and suffixes used on Colt firearms. Even though this was necro'd for zero reason I still feel like I should tell you guys you can call Colt and ask them. Firearms Int'l. How To Choose The Top Firearm Optics For Your Specific Needs. . The one I found that bothers me is a GCNM in SS that Colt told me on the phone was made in 1988 but on the lookup tool it comes up 1995. You plug in the serial number and it will give you a list of guns it could be. "dateModified": "2022-03-25", This 1985-production Diamondback is a 6-inch .22LR model that runs just short of being a foot long overall and is likely an easy-recoiling tack driver. "@type": "Article", Do not no the year it was my fathers gun I think he got it in the 50s. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. My questions are what is the actual serial number and date of manufacture? How did the Diamondback go over? thanks? I have a colt diamondback in new condition. Hence, the serial number you enter might return no result. A Colt single action model usually has 1 character prefix and 4 numbers. 2 & 3 Cloverleaf House Model Revolver .41 Derringer: 1st Model Derringer: 2nd Model Derringer: 3rd 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. 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. Now aside from Colt telling me on the phone it was made in 1988 the friend I bought it from remembers getting it from his Son for Christmas of 1988. Some codes are pretty easy to figure out since theyre just the abbreviation of the weapon name. "publisher": { What kind of gun is this serial number 13J185 and when made. Traditions flintlock muzzloader ser. (Photos: Guns.com). I don't know about the online database, but when I called them with the S/N of a Colt pre-ban AR-15, they were able to tell me the month and year it was built. When introduced, the Diamondback retailed for a flat and easy $100 across all three caliber options. Using the same style of full-lug high-vent ribbed barrel as the Python, the Diamondback was a handsome, modern revolver that set itself apart from legacy pencil barrel offerings that looked like they came from the Roaring 20s because, in many cases, they did. 1908), The principle of majority rule is the mildest form in which the force of numbers can be exercised. ALL SERIAL NUMBERS SHOULD BE VERIFIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO ANY PURCHASE OR ASSEMBLY. You dont have to worry though because there are several alternatives when it comes to reading, Have you ever heard about the Certificate Of Authenticity (COA)? Does anyone really answer any of these questions ? If you didnt know yet, Colt offers a unique research service to their customers. 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 . Colt serial number format F.A.Q colt serial number lookup: 1. 5 steps to measure your own ice skate size, Is boat gas the same as car gas? Year Approximate Serial Number Range 1912 C1 - C1900 1913 C1900 - C5400 1914 C5400 - C16600 1915 C16600 - C27600 1916 C27600 - C75000 1917 C75000 - C99000 1918 C99000 - C106000 1919 C106000 - C121000 1920 C121000 - C127000 1921 C127000 - C129000 1922 C129000 - C134000 1923 C134000 - C135000 1924 C135000 - C140000 1925 . 250 and 111. can I get a clip for it? Every cowboy needs a revolver. Shooting Mystery is reader-supported. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/read-colt-serial-numbers-first-timers/", Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297. This law mandated that from then on all new firearms had to have a serial number and that number had to be unique. The archive letter contains important historical facts about your gun which considerably enhances its collectible value. http://www.wilsonbooks.com/ The Colt Diamondback is a revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, in calibers of .22 LR and .38 Special. The Colt historians will present you with an official Archive Letter detailing your gun's history, which is an amazing document for collectors and enthusiasts. There are other factors like special engraving and specific shipping destinations which could raise the final price substantially. I was looking up a Charter Arms that your site says they have. Serial number was between '78-'87, I got my Dads 45 back two years ago built in 1917, shoots like a dream, Hmm, entering a Python Serial it comes up with '. The serial number is located on the left side of the weapon near the muzzle. This beautiful circa 1976 Colt Diamondback has been dressed up with aftermarket grips. Marlin firearms are kept in a database along with other manufactured firearms for easy reference. By following these simple steps, you can easily determine the history of your Colt firearm. Your email address will not be published. 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. This site has a data base that ends in 1979, so any Colt made after that won't be covered: 5350-10340. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. 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. Where is the serial number on Colt 1911? thanks, don. Last, you can ask for help on the Colt Forum where a good deal of data is available from the members. Furthermore, the letter covers historical fact tied to the gun which usually increases its collectible value by a large margin. If you want to know the exact age of the gun though, youd have to find a reference table to crosscheck the characters with the manufacturing year. But, usually, the problem is that not everyone can understand them. The fee is typically priced at around $100 for common products. Black in color. The Blue Book numbers don't reflect the real world prices. I have a 22 model 844 over Johnson and another #A5620 can u help, how old is my H&R 410 single shot shotgun?Says 410-44cal on top of barrel serial #62502 in the breech #is62502o, When was Sig Sauer P220 serial number G406386 made. It can be difficult to see, so it is important to use a serial number lookup tool to help identify it. Colt is known for creating some of the highest quality firearms, including the 1911 pistol. I just got a .22 cal. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Well Joe, I finally checked my serial number..1976, a great year. 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. All you have to do is type in the serial number for your gun, and the site will present you with its date of creationit's as simple as that.