How to Search for the Manufacturer From a Firearm's Serial Number

Locate identification markings, known as proof marks, to determine the manufacturer of a gun.

Firearms are marked with serial numbers and identifying marks as per current gun control laws. The Gun Control Act of 1968, currently known as Title 18, section 923(i), and the National Firearms Act, Title 26, section 5842(a) of the United States Code, pertain to the marking of firearms by the manufacturer or importer. Federal regulations 27 CFR 478.92(a) and 479.102(a) detail how the serial number and other types of marks must be engraved or cast on the frame of a weapon.

Instructions

1. Find the serial numbers and markings on the firearm. Markings include words, numbers or distinct symbols; they're located on gun barrels or handles. In rare instances, some disassembly of the gun may be required.

2. Look for the name of the company or recognized abbreviation for the company. If you're not sure which abbreviation is for the company, start by eliminating the markings indicating caliber and gauge, the city and state or country of manufacture and the model, if present. The abbreviation left should be the name of the manufacturer.

3. Research the name of the manufacturer online to verify that it did indeed make the model and that you've eliminated the correct parts of the serial markings.

4. Look for other clues included in the serial number that are specific to the manufacturer. For example, Browning began using the year of manufacture as part of a serial number in 1962, and letters in their serial numbers in 1975 in place of a two-digit date. Glock serial numbers begin with two or three letters followed by a three-digit number.

5. Enter specific marking details on websites such as Old Guns to find manufacturer information for guns manufactured before 1968. Other sites such as Blue Book, Inc., and Phoenix Investment Arms feature a list of various firearm manufacturer markings that you can scroll through. Each includes information from international firearm manufacturers.

Tips & Warnings

• Some gun manufacturers, like Ithaca Guns, were using serial numbers prior to 1885.

References

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms: ATF Ruling 2009-5
• Justia.com: 27 C.F.R. § 478.92 How Must Licensed Manufacturers and Licensed Importers Identify Firearms, Armor Piercing Ammunition, and Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices?
• Glock FAQ: Serial Numbers
• Browning: Date Your Gun

Resources

• Ithaca Guns: Models, Serial Numbers and Manufacturing Dates for Ithaca Guns
• Old Guns: Gun Markings
• Blue Book Publications, Inc.: Firearm Proof Marks
• Phoenix Investment Arms: Proof Marks