How to date a firearm?

Answer 1

The answer will vary, depending on WHICH firearm. In some cases, the manufacturer (Browning and Ruger are very good at this) has data posted on their website- you need the model and serial number. Remington used a letter code stamped on the barrels, Marlin used a letter prefix to the serial number. With some guns, you can call the maker- others, collectors have assembled data based on serial numbers. With some guns, we can only go by what years that make and model were produced (no serial numbers on early rifles or shotguns) and in a few cases, like the British SMLE, the date is stamped on the metal band at the wrist of the weapon. Unfortunately, for many out-of-business makers, there are no records.