Dates of manufacture

[aji]

Is there a reference, either book, database, or website where I can determine the date of manufacture of various handguns by the manf., model, and serial number? I have been searching the web and cannot seem to find anything.

Thank you in advance.

 

[waynedm]

Good question. I wish they'd start doing Born On Dates on guns like they do with beer.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Many, if not all, manufacturers have a date code on the gun somewhere. Sometimes it is encoded in the serial number, other times it is elsewhere.

This is usually brand specific, so you'll need to find what you can for each brand.

A few links...
http://www.taurususa.com/products/findmodel.cfm
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/PS-SerialNumberHistory.html
http://glockfaq.com/markings.htm
http://www.sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm

 

[whitebb]

Here's another good one:

http://proofhouse.com/index.htm

 

[cdrt]

Find yourself a copy of the Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad. Not only does he give dates of mfg, but guides to markings, etc. on almost every gun out there.

Navy Vet.

 

[5Wire]

Serialization of some firearms...

From Bluebook of Gun Values