browning serial numbers

wesman

I recently bought a Browning 22 auto rifleat a gunshow that had a problem with the cartridge stop.when I went to the Browningwebsite to order a new part I went to checkserial numbers and found out that my serialnumbers were not where they were suppose tobe.Now I am wondering if I even have a Browning receiver or if someone swapped thereceiver for a norinco.I thought I got a gooddeal but now I'm wondering.If anyone has anyinfo on my problem it would be greatlyappreciated thanks wesman

Rembrandt

Here is what I've found in Matt Eastman's book "Browning, Sporting Arms of Distinction".From the beginning of U.S. sales, the serial numbers have moved around extensively. As first introduced until about 1957 or 1958, the serial numbers were located on the front of the receiver, the trigger assembly, and at the top of the butt plate. The locations will vary from the top of the butt plate to the inside and sometimes will not appear on the trigger guards at all.After 1958, the locations of the serial numbers were changed to the metal magazine stop plate on the butt stock and on the trigger assembly and receiver. The numbers may not appear on all three parts.From 1960-1961 the serial numbers will be found on the bottom of the barrel just in front of the forearm. The serial number again moves to the front of the receiver on all three grades grades sometimes on the top or the side, and sometimes on the very front where the barrel fits.From 1956 to mid 1961, the serial numbers were preceded with a "T" for the long rifle model and with an "A" for the 22 short model. In 1961 the short designation was changed to an "E". Sometimes, probably through error, you will find these reversed.From 1961 to 1975 each year began with the number 0001 and the serial numbers were as follows:Year...Long........Short1961...1T...1A....or 1E1962...2T............2E1963...3T............3E1964...4T............4E1965...5T............5E1966...6T............6E1967...7T............7E1968...8T............8E1969...9T or 69T.....69E1970...70T...........70E1971...71T...........71E1972...72T or 27T....72E or 27E1973...73T or T37....73E or 27E1974...74T or 47T....74E or 47EEnd of Belgium Production1975...75T or 57T....75E or 57E1973 was the last year of 100% Belgium production. Many parts were sent to Japan in 1973, so you will find a lot of these with mixed parts; this also includes boxes.Production codes before 1975 were GradeI 22 short, 1406; 22 long rifle, 1506; GradeII, 2506; and for GradeIII, 3506.Model codes from 1976 to date are Grade 1-146, Grade 2-246, Grade 3-346, and Grade 6-646.Some of these were manufactured in the early years under contract with Remington.Hope this helps....Rembrandt [This message has been edited by Rembrandt (edited 11-04-2001).]

wesman

thanks Rembrandt for the info.I am still alittle confused though.My numbers are 15542T57 now does the 1554 stand for the 1,554th 22long rifle built in 1962 and if sowhat does the 57 stand for wesman

Rembrandt

I'm not sure what the 57 designates....this book doesn't have anymore info than what I've posted. You might try contacting someone with the Browning Collectors Association....they have a web site linked to Brownings home page.

legn4

Rembrant, In the past i have talked the folks at Browning. Seems the 57 is a production code (other #'s also). Maybe day shift, line #, Sam or Bob etc.

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