Do serial numbers mean anything ??

[schick]

When it comes to serial numbers, does it mean anything in terms of quality?

Do earlier or lower serials represent a level of workmanship versus larger serial numbers?

I never really payed attention to the serial number on my 10" 44V before. It reads:

00408X    (I used an "X", supposedly showing the entire number is unsafe :?)

It looks like a pretty low number to me.

[schick]

I must have asked one of those awkward or hard to answer serial number questions.   :-)

How about this, does a serial number in the 4000 range indicate an old gun?
Is older better?

[RollTide]

schick,
Serial numbers are not terribly significant.  Place of manufacture is more so.  See the following link for a discussion on these.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=20675

In general, Monson guns and Norwich guns are considered a little better than Palmer guns, although I have had Palmer guns that were excellent.

Dan Wesson quality has always been pretty good, but under the new owners in Palmer, there was reputed to be a little slip in quality of at least some of the guns made there.  The Palmer guns were not made long, so there are relatively few of them.

Hope that helps,

Roll Tide

[schick]

Thanks that helps a bit. Looks like mine (Monson) is really old,

I noticed that guys with serials in the tens or even hundreds of thousands, are dating back to the mid to late 70s. Mine is only in the 4000's. It must be a really old one.