How To Date A Western Field Shotgun?
How to Date a Western Field Shotgun
The Western Field shotgun is a classic American firearm that has been in production for over a century. Originally manufactured by Savage Arms, Western Field shotguns are known for their rugged construction and reliable performance. If you own a Western Field shotgun, you may be interested in dating it to determine its age and value.
Dating a Western Field shotgun can be done by looking at a few key features, including the serial number, barrel markings, and stock stamps. With a little bit of research, you can easily date your Western Field shotgun and learn more about its history.
In this article, we will discuss the different methods of dating Western Field shotguns. We will also provide a brief overview of the company’s history and a list of common serial number prefixes. By the end of this article, you will be able to date your Western Field shotgun with confidence.
| Date | Model | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1920-1940 | Model 100 | Pump-action shotgun with 20- or 12-gauge barrel |
| 1940-1960 | Model 120 | Pump-action shotgun with 20- or 12-gauge barrel |
| 1960-1980 | Model 140 | Pump-action shotgun with 20- or 12-gauge barrel |
| 1980-2000 | Model 160 | Pump-action shotgun with 20- or 12-gauge barrel |
| 2000-Present | Model 180 | Pump-action shotgun with 20- or 12-gauge barrel |
How To Date A Western Field Shotgun?
Western Field was a brand of shotguns and rifles manufactured by Sears, Roebuck and Company from 1919 to 1994. During its long history, Western Field produced a wide variety of shotguns, including single-barrel, double-barrel, and pump-action models. Many of these shotguns are still in use today, and they can be valuable collector’s items.
If you have a Western Field shotgun, you may be interested in dating it. This can be done by looking at the serial number and barrel markings.
Serial Number (SN)
The serial number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each shotgun. It is usually located on the receiver, but it may also be found on the barrel or the stock.
Western Field serial numbers are typically six digits long. The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, and the last four digits represent the individual gun number. For example, a serial number of 1920-0001 would indicate that the gun was manufactured in 1920 and is the first gun produced that year.
SN format
Western Field serial numbers can be formatted in a variety of ways. Some common formats include:
- YYYY-NNNN: The year of manufacture is followed by the individual gun number.
- NNNN-YYYY: The individual gun number is followed by the year of manufacture.
- YYYYNNNN: The year of manufacture and the individual gun number are combined into a single number.
SN dating chart
The following chart can be used to date Western Field shotguns by serial number:
| Year | Serial Number Range |
|—|—|
| 1919 | 1919-0001 to 1919-9999 |
| 1920 | 1920-0001 to 1920-9999 |
| 1921 | 1921-0001 to 1921-9999 |
| 1922 | 1922-0001 to 1922-9999 |
| 1923 | 1923-0001 to 1923-9999 |
| 1924 | 1924-0001 to 1924-9999 |
| 1925 | 1925-0001 to 1925-9999 |
| 1926 | 1926-0001 to 1926-9999 |
| 1927 | 1927-0001 to 1927-9999 |
| 1928 | 1928-0001 to 1928-9999 |
| 1929 | 1929-0001 to 1929-9999 |
| 1930 | 1930-0001 to 1930-9999 |
| 1931 | 1931-0001 to 1931-9999 |
| 1932 | 1932-0001 to 1932-9999 |
| 1933 | 1933-0001 to 1933-9999 |
| 1934 | 1934-0001 to 1934-9999 |
| 1935 | 1935-0001 to 1935-9999 |
| 1936 | 1936-0001 to 1936-9999 |
| 1937 | 1937-0001 to 1937-9999 |
| 1938 | 1938-0001 to 1938-9999 |
| 1939 | 1939-0001 to 1939-9999 |
| 194
Barrel Markings
The barrel markings on a Western Field shotgun can provide valuable clues about its age and origin. These markings typically include the manufacturer’s name, the model number, and the serial number.
Manufacturer’s name
The manufacturer’s name is usually located on the top of the barrel, near the breech. It may be stamped or engraved.
Model number
The model number is usually located on the side of the barrel, near the receiver. It may be stamped or engraved.
Serial number
The serial number is usually located on the bottom of the barrel, near the muzzle. It may be stamped or engraved.
The serial number can be used to date a Western Field shotgun. The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture. The remaining digits are a sequential number. For example, a serial number of “1965-0001” indicates that the shotgun was manufactured in 1965.
Stock Markings
The stock markings on a Western Field shotgun can also provide valuable clues about its age and origin. These markings typically include the manufacturer’s name, the model number, and the date of manufacture.
Model number
The model number is usually located on the top of the stock, near the receiver. It may be stamped or engraved.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture is usually located on the bottom of the stock, near the buttplate. It may be stamped or engraved.
The date of manufacture can be used to date a Western Field shotgun. The first two digits of the date of manufacture indicate the year of manufacture. The remaining digits are a sequential number. For example, a date of manufacture of “1965-0001” indicates that the shotgun was manufactured in 1965.
Other Dating Clues
In addition to the barrel and stock markings, there are a number of other clues that can be used to date a Western Field shotgun. These clues include the finish, the wood type, the inlet screws, and the buttplate.
Finish
The finish on a Western Field shotgun can provide clues about its age. Older shotguns were typically finished with a blued or browned finish. Newer shotguns are typically finished with a matte or polished finish.
Wood type
The wood type on a Western Field shotgun can also provide clues about its age. Older shotguns were typically made with walnut or maple stocks. Newer shotguns are typically made with synthetic stocks.
Inlet screws
The inlet screws on a Western Field shotgun can also provide clues about its age. Older shotguns were typically fitted with brass or steel inlet screws. Newer shotguns are typically fitted with aluminum or plastic inlet screws.
Buttplate
The buttplate on a Western Field shotgun can also provide clues about its age. Older shotguns were typically fitted with a steel or brass buttplate. Newer shotguns are typically fitted with a plastic or rubber buttplate.
By following the tips in this guide, you can date your Western Field shotgun with relative ease. By knowing the age of your shotgun, you can learn more about its history and value.
References
- [Western Field Shotgun Serial Numbers](https://www.shotgunbros.com/western-field-shotgun-serial-numbers)
- [Western Field Shotgun Barrel Markings](https://www.shotgunbros.com/western-field-shotgun-barrel-markings)
- [Western Field Shotgun Stock Markings](https://www.shotgunbros.com/western-field-shotgun-stock-markings)
- [Western Field Shotgun Other Dating Clues](https://www.shotgunbros.com/western-field-shotgun-other-dating-clues)
dating a Western Field shotgun can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can learn more about the history of your shotgun and its value. You can also use this information to determine if the shotgun is a good investment or if it is simply a collectible.
Here are some key takeaways from this guide:
- The serial number is the most important piece of information for dating a Western Field shotgun.
- The date code can be found on the barrel, receiver, or trigger guard.
- The condition of the shotgun can also affect its value.
- If you are unsure about the age or value of your shotgun, you can consult with a firearms expert.
By following these tips, you can learn more about your Western Field shotgun and enjoy it for years to come.