Running a gun serial number search is essential if you’re looking to buy a used gun from an individual or a dealer. While it is illegal for dealers to sell guns that have been lost, stolen or used in a crime and wanted by the police, it can happen. Private-party sales of stolen guns are also uncommon, but can occur. Running a gun serial number search before you buy will make sure you get a gun that you can legally own and register in your name.
To find a serial number on a gun, look at the receiver or frame, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This is a legal regulation, and on firearms from Jan. 30, 2002, or later, the serial number must have a minimum depth of 0.003 inch. If information is available, the cost for these reports will be $40 per gun Please attach pictures, include serial numbers and a detailed description of any condition issues. = Date Of Manufacture. Savage Arms Model 1899-A 26 inch Round Barrel Rifle.-1926/27 Blued with walnut stock. Serial number ranges from 10000 to 300000. 26 inch barrel. Savage Arms Model 1899-A 26 inch Round Barrel Rifle.300 Savage 1899-1926/27 Blued with walnut stock. Serial number ranges from 10000 to 300000. 26 inch barrel.
Locate the serial number for the gun you want to check. If you are purchasing a gun or checking one that is already in your possession, you can check the documentation that came with the gun. In many cases, the serial number will be noted in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the owner’s manual you will need to locate the serial number on the body of the gun. The serial number is usually located on the handle or inside the gun, but this does vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Contact a reputable gun dealer in your area and ask them to run a serial number search for you if you’re looking to buy a gun from a private party. In most cases, the dealer will charge you a small fee for this service. However, this is often the fastest, simplest method. Many gun dealers will be able to give you basic records about where and when the gun was registered.
Check your local department of law enforcement’s website to see if you can run an online gun serial number search. Some states do not maintain a database that individuals can access, so this method may not work in all areas. If you can’t find the database, contact a law enforcement representative and ask if an online gun serial number search can be performed in your state.
Contact your local police department or sheriff’s office to run a gun serial number search if you are looking to purchase a pre-owned gun from a dealer. Police records will indicate whether the gun has been used in a crime or has been reported lost or stolen. Checking the serial number with the police department or sheriff’s office is beneficial if you’re considering buying a gun from a dealer because they can quickly check whether a gun was used for a crime or reported stolen in all states using the national ATF database.
Check the Gun Verify database if you are purchasing a pre-owned firearm from a dealer or individual to make sure that it is not stolen. Gun Verify is a user-based database, meaning gun owners input their own information if their gun is lost or stolen.
Tip
- If you can’t find your gun’s serial number on the body you should contact the manufacturer. If you know the model of your gun they will likely be able to tell you where you can find the serial number right away. If you don’t know the model, a description or photograph may be necessary in order to locate the serial number.
Warnings
- Private websites like Gun Verify can be helpful in finding information about a pre-owned firearm and they’re easy to use. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use other resources to check the serial number if there is no Gun Verify match.
- Do not buy a pre-owned gun if the serial number appears to be missing or has been filed off. This is illegal in some states, and in many cases, it means the gun has been stolen or used for a crime. Antique guns may not have serial numbers, but be sure to do your homework to make sure the particular model you’re looking at wasn’t imprinted with a serial number before you buy it.
References
Search Gun Value By Serial Number
About the Author
Christopher Godwin is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. He spent his formative years as a chef and bartender crafting signature dishes and cocktails as the head of an upscale catering firm. He has since ventured into sharing original creations and expertise with the public. Godwin has published poetry, fiction and nonfiction in publications like 'Spork Magazine,' 'Cold Mountain Review' and 'From Abalone To Zest.'
Photo Credits
Beretta Gun Value By Serial Number
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PARKER SHOTGUNS SERIAL NUMBERS AND YEAR OF PRODUCTION
One of the frequent requests I receive is on the year their grand fathers old Parker was manufactured. To help you with this I have listed the serial number & year manufactured. For more information please call me.I do not charge for this service as this is MY HOBBY. My goal is to help people ascertain the value. I tell clients I was helped by many collectors and this is how I try to repay them for the time they spent with helping me learn about SXS.
Year to Last Serial Number
1867-1878 to 10,000
1878 to 13,000
1879 to 16,000
1880 to 18,000
1881 to 22,700
1882 to 27,300
1883 to 34,900
1884 to 36,000
1885 to 46,450
1886 to 48,125
1887 to 56,650
1889 to 59,500
1890 to 61,350
1891 to 66,800
1892 to 71,600
1893 to 77,000
1894 to 80,300
1895 to 82,400
1896 to 85,200
1897 to 86,450
1898 to 89,350
1899 to 92,450
1900 to 97,300
1901 to 105,750
1902 to 113,100
1903 to 121,900
1904 to 129,200
1905 to 132,000
1906 to 138,300
1907 to 144,250
1908 to 148,250
1910 to 153,000
1911 to 157,050
1912 to 157,800 Trojan Introduced
1913 to 165,000
1914 to 168,200
1915 to 171,500
1916 to 173,450
1917 to 175,650
1918 to 180,250
1919 to 184,900
1920 to 190,100
1921 to 195,000
1922 to 200,500
1923 to 205,150
1924 to 207,150
1925 to 214,400
1926 to 218,050
1927 to 222,650
1928 to 228,200
1929 to 230,700
1930 to 234,200
1931 to 235,950
1932 to 236,100
1933 to 236,300
1934 to 236,650
1935 Parker Brothers taken over by Remington
1935 to 237,000
1936 to 239,900
1937 to 240,300
1938-1942 to 242,385
- Mike O'Malley Says:
Hello Bud,
I have a CHE grade that is a single trigger beaver forehand full full 3″ chambers and scroll engraved only ( no dog) how would I find the history of it? - Rick Ross Says:
I have a Parker Brothers uplift 12 ga #208 can you tell me anything about it and its value? Thanks Rick.
- Robert Anderson Says:
I bought a Parker 12 Ga double hammer shotgun.Serial number is 42081,with #2 above,last patent date june 25 1878.engraved with birds.Any information appreciated. Robert
- Joe Oyer Says:
Hi I have a Parker Trojan 20 gauge side by side serial # 195251 and a Parker 12 gauge Single Trap serial # 238161. Both guns are in reasonably good shape but I am NO EXPERT in assessing condition. Can yoy give me a range of values for these guns as I am inclined to sell them. My children aren`t interested in gun collecting and I would like to see them in the hands of an appreciative collector. Also does the Trojan have a Damascus type barrel? What type of barrel does the single trap have? I have shot standard load shells out of it in the past at a local trap range with no issues. I have never shot the Trojan. Where is the best place for me to sell these guns? I live in Mass. Thanks!! Joe
- jason trabakoolas Says:
Hi,
I am looking to buy a Parker Brothers DH 20 Gauge SxS Shotgun. It has it’s original case and the serial numebr range in in the 200,000. It is in excellent condition. Can you help me come up with a fair price? I know it is tough not seeing it but anything would help. Thanks, Jason
- Jim Pitzer Says:
need to know when gun with serial number 54383 has made and a value range