The fast method
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The most reliable method
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Colt serial rules and regulations.
Prefix and suffix
Serial numbers
Model code
- For the first digit, “1” means your Colt is the first model with a basic frame while “2”, “3”, “4” etc are the later versions. ”2” uses a frame from Colt Custom Shop while “3” utilizes a non-standard frame. “7” and “8” are employed occasionally to specify special variants.
- The second digit of the model code is the weapon caliber: “4” is .32 – 20, “6” is .357, “7” is .44, “8” is .45 and “9” is .44 – 40
- In the third digit is the caliber of the gun: “3” is 3 or 4 inches, “4” is 4.75 or 5 inches, “5” is 5.5 inches, “7” is 7.5 inches and “1” is 12 inches.
- Finally, the fourth digit is the finish or stock of your weapon: “1” is nickel or full blue finish, “2” is nickel or blue casehardened finish, “3” is nickel finish, “4” is Royal Blue casehardened finish and “6” is nickel finish. As you can see, the exact meaning of the fourth digit depends largely on the preceding digits. The fourth digit has been used many times as a way to different later models from earlier ones.
Colt Pistol Serial Number Dates
Conclusion
Colt 22 Pistol Serial Numbers
Serial Number Placement and Styles
Serial Number Placement: On all M1911A1s (1924 to 1945) produced by all manufacturers the serial number is located on the receiver between the stock and slide stop hole on the right hand side. Colt Serial Number Styles:
Note: Due to military maintenance practices as well as barracks cleaning mix-ups, 1911A1 numbered slides were often mixed up and a number of 1911A1s in this serial number range will be found with numbers that are off by only a few numbers.Many others will simply have mixed up slides and receivers. A non-matching slide will reduce the value of a pistol to a collector considerably.Yet pistols just beyond where the slides were numbered may bring considerably more money than a numbered pistol when the slide just a few numbers off. Yet there is no way to tell if the un-numbered slide matches either. Commercial Note: |
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