Colt 1911 Serial Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

The Colt 1911 is a legendary pistol that has been in continuous production for over a century. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable firearms in the world, and has been used by militaries, law enforcement, and civilians alike.

One of the most interesting things about the Colt 1911 is its serial number. The serial number is a unique identifier that can be used to trace the history of a particular pistol. It can also be used to determine the year of manufacture, the factory where it was made, and the model.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Colt 1911 serial numbers. We will learn how to read them, what they mean, and how they can be used to identify a particular pistol.

We will also discuss some of the common myths and misconceptions about Colt 1911 serial numbers. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of this important part of the Colt 1911’s history.

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Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Serial Number Date of Manufacture Model
123456 January 1, 1911 Colt Government Model
654321 December 31, 1911 Colt Police Positive

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How To Read Colt 1911 Serial Numbers?

The Colt M1911 is a semi-automatic pistol that was designed by John Browning and manufactured by Colt’s Manufacturing Company from 1911 to 1945. It was the standard-issue sidearm of the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985, and has been used by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world.

The Colt 1911 is a popular firearm among collectors and enthusiasts, and its serial number is an important piece of information for identification and valuation purposes. However, the Colt 1911 serial number can be difficult to read, as it is often stamped on the side of the frame in small, raised letters.

This guide will teach you how to read a Colt 1911 serial number, and provide you with information on how to use the serial number to identify your firearm.

How to Read a Colt 1911 Serial Number

The Colt 1911 serial number is located on the left side of the frame, just above the trigger guard. The serial number is a combination of letters and numbers, and it is typically stamped in small, raised letters.

The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture. The following two digits indicate the month of manufacture. The final six digits are a unique serial number that identifies the individual firearm.

For example, the serial number “191706A123456” would indicate that the firearm was manufactured in 1917, in the sixth month of the year (June). The “A” at the end of the serial number is a letter suffix that was added to some firearms during World War II. The final six digits are a unique serial number that identifies this particular firearm.

Using the Colt 1911 Serial Number to Identify Your Firearm

The Colt 1911 serial number can be used to identify your firearm and to find out more information about its history. You can use the serial number to find out the year of manufacture, the month of manufacture, and the original factory configuration.

You can also use the serial number to find out if your firearm has been stolen. The National Firearms Act (NFA) requires all firearms manufactured after 1934 to be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF maintains a database of all registered firearms, and you can use the serial number to search the database to see if your firearm has been reported stolen.

The Colt 1911 is a popular and iconic firearm, and its serial number is an important piece of information for identification and valuation purposes. This guide has taught you how to read a Colt 1911 serial number, and provided you with information on how to use the serial number to identify your firearm.

If you have any questions about Colt 1911 serial numbers, please contact a qualified firearms dealer or gunsmith.

Additional Resources

  • [Colt 1911 Serial Numbers](https://www.colt.com/serial-numbers)
  • [National Firearms Act (NFA)](https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-firearms-act)
  • [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)](https://www.atf.gov)

How To Read Colt 1911 Serial Numbers?

The Colt 1911 is a semi-automatic pistol that was first produced in 1911. It is one of the most iconic and popular pistols in the world, and has been used by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the globe.

The Colt 1911 has a serial number that is stamped on the frame. This serial number can be used to identify the pistol and its history.

The Colt 1911 serial number is a 10-digit number. The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture. The next six digits are a random sequence of numbers. The last two digits are a check digit.

The following is a table that shows the year of manufacture for each of the first two digits of the Colt 1911 serial number:

| First Two Digits | Year of Manufacture |
|—|—|
| 01-09 | 1911-1919 |
| 10-19 | 1920-1929 |
| 20-29 | 1930-1939 |
| 30-39 | 1940-1949 |
| 40-49 | 1950-1959 |
| 50-59 | 1960-1969 |
| 60-69 | 1970-1979 |
| 70-79 | 1980-1989 |
| 80-89 | 1990-1999 |
| 90-99 | 2000-2009 |
| 00-09 | 2010-2019 |

The check digit is a number that is used to verify the accuracy of the serial number. The check digit is calculated by adding the digits of the serial number together and then dividing the sum by 10. The remainder of the division is the check digit.

For example, the serial number 1234567890 has a check digit of 1. This is because 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 0 = 55, and 55 / 10 = 5 with a remainder of 1.

If the check digit does not match the calculated check digit, then the serial number is invalid.

The Colt 1911 serial number can be used to identify the pistol and its history. It can be used to determine the year of manufacture, the model of the pistol, and the factory where it was produced. The serial number can also be used to trace the ownership history of the pistol.

Colt 1911 Serial Number Location

The Colt 1911 serial number is stamped on the frame of the pistol. The serial number is located on the left side of the frame, just below the slide stop.

The serial number is also stamped on the barrel of the pistol. The serial number is located on the left side of the barrel, just below the chamber.

The Colt 1911 serial number can also be found on the original shipping box. The serial number is located on the inside of the box, near the top.

Colt 1911 Serial Number Lookup

The Colt 1911 serial number can be used to lookup the pistol’s history. The serial number can be used to determine the year of manufacture, the model of the pistol, and the factory where it was produced. The serial number can also be used to trace the ownership history of the pistol.

There are a number of websites that offer Colt 1911 serial number lookup services. These services can be used to quickly and easily find information about a Colt 1911 pistol.

The Colt 1911 is a iconic and popular pistol. The Colt 1911 serial number can be used to identify the pistol and its history. The serial number can be used to determine the year of manufacture, the model of the pistol, and the factory where it was produced. The serial number can also be used to trace the ownership history of the pistol.

How to Read Colt 1911 Serial Numbers?

1. What is a Colt 1911 serial number?

A Colt 1911 serial number is a unique alphanumeric code that is stamped on the frame of a Colt 1911 pistol. It is used to identify the gun and track its history.

2. Where is the Colt 1911 serial number located?

The Colt 1911 serial number is located on the left side of the frame, just below the slide stop.

3. How many digits does a Colt 1911 serial number have?

Colt 1911 serial numbers typically have six digits. However, some early models may have only five digits.

4. What does a Colt 1911 serial number mean?

The first two digits of a Colt 1911 serial number indicate the year of manufacture. The next two digits indicate the month of manufacture. The last two digits are a random number.

5. How can I decode a Colt 1911 serial number?

You can decode a Colt 1911 serial number by using the following chart:

| Year | Month | Serial Number |
|—|—|—|
| 1911 | 01-03 | 1-03000 |
| 1912 | 04-12 | 040001-120000 |
| 1913 | 13-15 | 130001-150000 |
| 1916 | 16-17 | 160001-170000 |
| 1918 | 18-19 | 180001-190000 |
| 1920 | 20-21 | 200001-210000 |
| 1922 | 22-23 | 220001-230000 |
| 1924 | 24-25 | 240001-250000 |
| 1926 | 26-27 | 260001-270000 |
| 1928 | 28-29 | 280001-290000 |
| 1930 | 30-31 | 300001-310000 |
| 1932 | 32-33 | 320001-330000 |
| 1934 | 34-35 | 340001-350000 |
| 1936 | 36-37 | 360001-370000 |
| 1938 | 38-39 | 380001-390000 |
| 1940 | 40-41 | 400001-410000 |
| 1942 | 42-43 | 420001-430000 |
| 1944 | 44-45 | 440001-450000 |
| 1946 | 46-47 | 460001-470000 |
| 1948 | 48-49 | 480001-490000 |
| 1950 | 50-51 | 500001-510000 |
| 1952 | 52-53 | 520001-530000 |
| 1954 | 54-55 | 540001-550000 |
| 1956 | 56

Colt 1911 serial numbers can be a valuable tool for dating and identifying your firearm. By understanding the different markings and their meanings, you can learn more about the history of your gun and its value. Additionally, serial numbers can be used to track stolen firearms and help law enforcement return them to their rightful owners.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when reading Colt 1911 serial numbers:

  • The first two digits of the serial number represent the year the gun was manufactured.
  • The next six digits are a unique serial number assigned to each gun.
  • The last digit is a check digit that is used to verify the accuracy of the serial number.
  • Serial numbers can be found on the frame, slide, and barrel of the gun.
  • If your gun’s serial number is damaged or unreadable, you can contact Colt customer service for help.

By following these tips, you can learn more about your Colt 1911 and keep it safe from theft.

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