Beretta Manufacture Date By Serial Number

The serial number listings by month presented below were developed by Scott Duff, a recognized authority on and author of a series of books on the M1 Garand. The following information can be found in the books 'The M1 Garand: WWII' and 'The M1 Garand Serial Numbers and Data Sheets' found at Fulton Armory, and are used here with Mr. Duff's permission.

Special serial number range 92SB-C: U.C.L.A. Official Weapon - 1984 – Olympic Games - shown with Chief Of Police John Barber’s badge which is inscribed to me on reverse – This is the only of 20 pistols marked to commemorate this event – there is also one PM-12S sub machine gun of 4 used which is marked in the same manner. Glock Serial (Barrel) Number Lookup. Remington 870 Safety Buttons, Wilson Combat (Scattergun Technologies), S&J Hardware, Vang Comp Systems. Remington 870, 1100, 700 Serial Number Lookup. 6 Best Red Dot (Reflex, Holographic) Sights for Shotgun. Shotgun Shells Explained – Types Of Ammo (Birdshot, Buckshot, Slugs) Best Remington 700 Upgrades. According to Charles Gage: Your Beretta Model 950BS in.25 caliber auto. Was manufactured from 1955 onward. The serial number is not the way you date these firearms. The name was changed, however, to become first the Model 1926-1931, and later the Mode 1934. In any case these various model numbers can be found only in the Beretta catalogues. Ali the guns manufactured up to the mid-1930s are marked simply «BREV.

PLEASE NOTE: The following information is copyrighted and may not be copied, distributed or used in any other forms of publications, or in any other written or electronic form without the expressed permission of Scott Duff or Scott Duff Publications.

The tables below list only the Springfield Armory and

For guns made since 1988 in the USA by Beretta USA, the date can be traced by the serial number. I understand that the manufacture year is marked with 2 letters before the serial number. It says near the top of this post, the code for year of manufacture is not part of the serial number.

theWinchester Repeating Arms Companyserial numbers.

Date

Springfield Armory production 1932 - 34 : 80

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1937

August

120

September

307

October

539

November

696

December

1,034

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1938

January

1,186

February

1,338

March

1,809

April

2,213

May

2,406

June

2,911

July

2,911

August

3,537

September

4,386

October

5,242

November

6,072

December

6,972

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1939

January

7,715

February

8,762

March

9,893

April

10,703

May

11,511

June

12,848

July

12,911

August

14,823

September

17,010

October

19,410

November

21,293

December

23,567

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1940

January

26,729

February

30,008

March

33,790

April

38,034

May

41,679

June

46,221

July

51,970

August

59,868

September

68,054

October

78,306

November

90,177

December

100,000 - 165,501

to 169,073

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1941

January

183,519

February

197,811

March

211,288

April

228,527

May

248,757

June

269,686

July

296,252

August

324,301

September

349,442

October

377,258

November

401,529

December

429,811

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1942

January

462,737

February

498,216

March

542,494

April

588,879

May

638,679

June

691,401

July

749,779

August

809,016

September

872,343

October

940,250

November

1,008,899

December

1,090,310

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1943

January

1,169,091

February

1,200,000 & 1,357,474

to 1,396,255

March

1,469,177

April

1,547,452

May

1,629,565

June

1,710,012

July

1,786,469

August

1,877,654

September

1,978,407

October

2,092,825

November

2,204,430

December

2,305,849 & 2,410,000

to 2,420,191

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1944

January

2,543,412

February

2,634,316

March

2,723,004

April

2,810,312

May

2,900,312

June

2,981,126

July

3,051,952

August

3,114,434

September

3,180,532

November

3,302,641

December

3,359,159

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1945

January

3,450,503

February

3,531,489

March

3,672,442

April

3,717,867

May

3,797,768

June

3,875,601

July

Unknown

August

Unknown

September

Unknown

October

3,888,081

M1 Garand collectors may note some duplication of Springfield and Winchester

serial numbers, particularly in the range of 2,305,800 to 2,533,400 range.

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1941

January

100,501

February

100,831

March

102,701

April

104,901

May

107,801

June

111,501

July

115,501

August

120,111

September

122,081

October

126,130

November

131,130

December

137,960

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1942

January

144,110

February

149,130

March

155,310

April

162,190

May

165,500 & 1,200,001

to 1,203,692

June

1,210,472

July

1,218,972

August

1,228,982

September

1,241,002

October

1,254,002

November

1,266,502

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1943

January

1,282,762

February

1,294,762

March

1,309,772

April

1,323,872

May

1,336,882

June

1,349,982

July

1,364,982

August

1,380,000 & 2,305,850 -

2,305,932

September

2,318,032

October

2,334,032

November

2,349,632

December

2,364,642

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1944

January

2,379,642

February

2,394,642

March

2,409,642

April

2,242,642

May

2,439,642

June

2,454,642

July

2,469,642

August

2,484,642

September

2,499,642

October

2,513,822

November

2,523,942

December

2,533,142

Year/Month

Serial # at end of Month

1945

January

2,534,232 & 1,600,000

to 1,605,600

February

1,607,100

March

1,613,000

April

1,620,000

May

1,627,000

June

1,640,000

No monthly range of serial numbers has yet been developed for Post-World War II production of the M1 Garand. Following are the serial number blocks assigned to Springfield Armory and the two prime contractors, International Harvester and Harrington & Richardson Arms.

Manufacturer

Serial # Range

Quantity

Springfield

4,200,001 - 4,399,999

5,000,000 - 5,000,500

5,278,246 - 5,488,246

5,793,848 - 6,099,905

1,999,998

499

210,000

306,057

International

Harvester

4,440,000 - 4,660,000

5,000,501 - 5,278,245

260,000

277,744

Harrington &

Richardson

4,660,001 - 4,800,000

5,488,247 - 5,793,847

139,999

306,600

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This large group of pistols was and is manufactured by Fabrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta, Gardone Val Trompia (Brescia ), Italy. This is certainly one of the oldest firearms manufacturing firms in existence, as it was founded in 1680. It is still very active. For nearly three centuries it has enjoyed an excellent reputation for the arms it has produced. Previous to 1915 their chief product was shotguns, but in that year they turned their attention to automatic pistols and, to date, well over two million have been made.

The early pistols, and most of the later ones, are of a simple blowback design with a highly functional firing system. Since their introduction they have constantly been improved. In 1950 it was realized that there was need for a powerful, compact, and effective 9 mm. caliber pistol for military use and this led to the development of a fully locked, recoil operated design which has since become known as the 1951 Model (or M951). The 1956 catalog states that it was available to foreign countries for military use. The pistol had, at that time, been adopted by the Egyptian Army. Though it was reserved solely for military use up to 1956, this restriction seems now to have been removed.

1915 Type-7.65 mm. (Brng.) This was a blowback with internal hammer, Mauser pocket pistol type of barrel mounting, and a firing pin which acted as ejector. It had straight grip frame, wood grips, magazine capacity of 7 cartridges, and 6-R rifling. It was made for Italian army and police use only and was marked PS (Pubblica Sicurezza, public security) for police use or RE (Regio Esercito) for army use. It was covered by 1915 patents and discontinued in 1919.

1915 Type-9 mm. Parabellum (or M910 ctge. ) This was a slightly modified version of the 7.65 mm. type, but somewhat larger and provided with an ejector. It was for military and police purchase only and had either RE or PS markings. It was discontinued in 1919 (Figs. 109, 110).

1915, 1919 Type-7.65 mm. (Brng.) This was a greatly modified version of the 1915 Type, with an original barrel mounting, changed safety lever, internal hammer, straight grip frame, metal grip plates, magazine capacity of 8 ctges., and 6-R rifling. Specimens were marked PS and some also were sold commercially from about 1920 to 1930.

1919 Type-6.35 mm. (Brng.) This was a somewhat modified and improved version of the 7.65 mm. 1915, 1919 Type. A grip safety device which blocked the sear motion was added.

Molded plastic grips were later changed to sheathed grip pieces of the 1935 form. It had a magazine capacity of 7 ctges., and an internal hammer. It was introduced in the early 1920's and one specimen dated 1935, with Serial No. 606,460, has been noted.

Model 1923-9 mm. Parabellum (or M910 ctge. ) This was a further modification of the 1915 design, greatly enlarged and, for the first time, with external hammer. It had RE markings but was also sold commercially from 1923 to ca. 1936 or 1937. It could be had with a combination shoulder stock-holster. It had a magazine capacity of 8 ctges. and 6-R rifling. It was the first Beretta to have an official model designation (Modello 1923).

Model 1931-7.65 mm. (Brng.) This model, often called the Navy Model, returned to the 1915, 1919 Type in size, but was greatly streamlined and had an improved firing system and a closed bridge slide. Known specimens have wood grip pieces and show the RM crest, indicating that they were for Navy use. It is believed that they were not sold commercially.

Model 1934-9 mm. (.380) This is a further streamlined version of the 1931 model, with sheathed plastic grip pieces (Figs. 111, 112). It was designed for and adopted by the Italian military service. Specimens show the RE mark. It was also sold commercially in large quantities. (Mag. cap. 7 ctges., rifling 6-R.) This pistol is currently known as Mod. 934 (Corto). It appears to be identical to the prewar Mod. 1934.

Model 1935-7.65 mm. (Brng.) There seems to be some confusion concerning the proper nomenclature for this model. It is stated that though it was first issued as the Modello 1935 (and was so marked) it was later given the designation Modello 1934 and that specimens were so marked. The 1956 Beretta catalog designates it as Mod. 935. This pistol is identical in design to the 9 mm. Modello 1934, though smaller in size. (Mag. cap. 8 ctges.) It is currently advertised as an Ordnance pistol for the Italian Navy, Air Force, and Police.* It is sold commercially and is obtainable in extra finishes as „Mod. 935 bis' and „Mod. 935 D.D.,' both de luxe types.

*Pistols intended for the Air Force may be marked AM (Aeronautica Militare) or RA (Regio Aeronautica ). Those for Navy use may be marked RM (Regio Marina). Those for Army use are marked RE (Regio Esercito, i.e., Royal Army).

Beretta 21a Serial Number Date

Model 318-6.35 mm. In the mid-1930's the 6.35 mm. Mod. 1919 was improved by addition of the newest modifications. The new model had the same shaped grip safety but the grip frame was more streamlined. Serial numbers for the Mod. 318 are continued from the 1919 Type, starting around 610,000. This model was generally known as Mod. 1934. When the change of name to Modello 318 was made is not known, but the pistol seems to date from 1935. (Mag. cap. 8 ctges., rifling 6-R.) Presumably, production of this pistol was stopped at the start of World War II. The highest serial number noted is 622,297, found on a pistol marked as made in 1939.

Beretta Manufacture Date By Serial Number

Following World War II, in 1946 or soon thereafter, some changes in the design of the Beretta pistols were made. Production of the 7.65 and 9 mm. pistols had been continued during the war, under German supervision.

Model 418-6.35 mm. (Brng.) Model 318 was redesigned, but not greatly changed in appearance, and given the designation Mod. 418. The more obvious changes are in the shape of the grip safety, a better design, and the use of slanting rather than vertical serrations on the rear of the slide. In the current production the Beretta design on the grips has been changed. High quality chromium-nickel forged and hammered steel is used, according to catalog statements. This pistol is obtainable in three degrees of finish-standard (Mod. 418), chromium plated and engraved (Mod. 420), and the de luxe type (Mod. 421). The last is richly engraved and gold plated and has „turtle shell' grip pieces. (Mag. cap. 8 ctges. Rifling 6-R.) For the Mod. 418, serial numbering started at No. 1-A and by 1957 it had passed 100,000. This and other Beretta models have appeared with aluminum alloy frames, with a resulting decrease in weight.

Model 951-9 mm. Parabellum („Lungo Parabellum'). This pistol was designed and produced in 1951 especially for the Italian Navy and Air Forces, for special detachments. It has a recoil-operated barrel locked by a special vertically sliding catch, standard magazine capacity of 8 and a special magazine capacity of 10 ctges. The body is of light alloy („Ergal') and the shape of the grip is quite similar to the German P-38 (Figs. 113, 114, 115).

Model 948-.22 cal. L.R. This is a comparatively new member of the Beretta family, with factory designation Mod. 47. Known as the „Featherweight,' it is made of duraluminum alloy and weighs 480 grams (less than 17 ounces). (Barrel length, 35/16 inches; over-all length, 57/8 inches; mag. cap., 8 ctges.) It is similar in appearance to Mod. 935. A special 150-mm. barrel, interchangeable with the standard barrel, is obtainable for target shooting. Mod. 948 is sold in the U.S. as the „Plinker.'

Model 950 c.c.-.22 cal. Corto (short). This is a new pistol of quite different construction from previously made Berettas. The barrel is hinged at the front end, in front of the trigger guard, and tips up from the rear. It has an exposed hammer, double safety catch, and a duraluminum frame. (Mag. cap., 7 ctges.; barrel length, 23/8 inches; over-all length, 411/16 inches.) It is sold in the U.S. as the „Minx.'

Model 950 c.c. Special-Same as above except that it has a 100-mm. (about 4 inches) barrel.

Model 949 Corto-This is a .22 caliber target pistol known as the „Tipo Olimpionico'-specially designed for Olympic target shooting. It has a muzzle deflector, adjustable weights, and a hand-lapped barrel. (Length of barrel, 83/4 inches; length over-all, 121/2 inches; weight, 38 oz.) It has a trigger pull of 11/2 pounds (Fig. 116).

Model 949 L.R.-This is the same as Model 949 except for the cartridge used.

Beretta Age By Serial Number

The Roman numerals appearing on Beretta pistols which were made during the Fascist regime represent the year of that regime and probably were required by government order.

The 9 mm. Mod. 1934 Berettas made in 1941 and 1942 are normally in the 800,000 to 900,000 range of serial numbers. Variant serial numbers are frequently found, however. Some of these are definitely pistols made for (or sold to) some foreign country, such as Nos. 02,147, 08,991, and 20,830, all of which are dated 1941 and bear evidence of being sold to Rumania. These are marked r. BERETTA - CAL. 9 SCURT - MO. 1934 - BREVET. Some of these have the Roman numerals, while others do not. Other variant markings have been found, such as No. F-63,599 (dated 1942), 3662-AA (dated 1943), and 4996-BB (dated 1944). Presumably these also were made on some special order.

For rifling specifications for currently made Berettas see Appendix II.

Beretta Manufacture Date By Serial Numbers

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Beretta Manufacture Date By Serial Number Lookup

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Fig. 114. 9 mm. Beretta Mod. 1951. Disassembled.

Fig. 115. 9 mm. Beretta Mod. 1951. Schematic view.

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