To the maximum extent possible, the dates of manufacture shown were obtained from the original Winchester Factory Polishing Room serialization records; otherwise estimates were made using multiple sources of information (e.g. George Madis, Ned Schwing, etc.), in which case the data was extrapolated to the best of our ability. This information is no substitute for obtaining a Winchester Factory Letter from the Cody Firearms Museum (available for certain models and serial ranges) which in addition to the Serial Number Application Date, normally provide the original Received In Warehouse Date and Date Shipped from Winchester factory. For purposes of determining if your gun is legally considered an “antique” (pre-1899 DOM), the BATF has told us they use the DOM dates published by the manufacture (Winchester). Those dates coincide with the Madis dates and can be viewed on Winchester’s site at:Winchesterguns.com
If you would like to obtain factory research on your Winchester, we urge you to join WACA and the Cody Firearms Museum. WACA members who are also CFM Members will receive 15 additional record searches on top of the regular quantity of searches included in the standard CFM membership package, regardless of membership level.
Learn - Basics
Dates in Firearm History
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
(From the Cody Firearms Museum)
In several cases, caliber rarity can also be determined. Date codes are now also provided on some manufacturers and countries to allow you to determine the year of manufacture by the date code on the barrel or frame/receiver. The publisher wishes to thank Galazan’s and Dixie Gun Works for providing a portion of this serialization. Serial number 1,500,000 was presented to president harry s. 539 548 56296 serial number 2,000,000 was presented to president dwigiit eisenhower in 1953. Serial numbers 2,500,000 and 3,000,000 were presented to too winchester gun museum, now located m cody, wyoming. ' Marketing can sometimes increase the value of your gun. Geographical areas also can influence the value as well as the time you are willing to wait for a sale. Early 'First Model' 1894 Sporting Rifle (through Serial.
Evaluating History of a Gun
Article by Jim Supica
Learn - Advanced
Factory Letters
And Military Records
Museums With Arms Exhibits
Arms Collector Groups
Other Useful Links
Book Recommendations
Book Reviews
Specialties
U.S. Military Arms
Factory Letters
And Military Records
Krag Bolt Removal
Which U.S. Bayonet?
M1917 Enfield Parts Markings
(from M1903.com)
M1 Garand Disassembly and Parts
(from CivilianMarksmanship.com)
Cartridges and Ammunition
International Ammunition Association
CartridgedCollectors.org
European Cartridge Research Association
http://www.ecra-net.de/
Cartridge-Corner.com
(headstamp info)
Corrosive Primers change to Non-Corrosive- Dates
Edged Weapons
Society of American Bayonet Collectors
BayonetCollectors.org
Recommended
Dealers
OldGuns.net
Manufacture Dates
Pre-1899 Antique
Serial Numbers
(From Empire Arms. Use at own risk.)
Mauser Pistol C-96
(Broomhandle)
Ruger
(& Factory Letters)
Markings
Serial Numbers
(foreign language)
Warnings
Spotting Fake Firearms
Antiques Roadshow Advice
Fakes
Article by Jim Supica
The Anti-Gun
Crowd Wants
YOUR COLLECTOR
GUNS TOO!
Article by David Kopel
Collection Care & Records
(Preservation tips, inventory software, insurance)
Arms / Gun Show Listings
Crossroads List
Living History
(Info coming soon)
Winchester Rifles By Serial Number
Mannequins for Uniform Display
Make them yourself!
Arms Collectors.com
Main Page