Browning T-Bold Serial # Question

[clybstr]

I have a very nice Browning T-Bolt rifle and it has a serial number that isn't consistant with the numbering system that Browning used. The number is 63942 X (same number is on the box too). I was hoping someone with Browning knowledge could help out with year built etc.

 

[PetahW]

AFAIK, The Belgian T-Bolt rifle's DOM is determined by the number (s) AFTER the "X" (aka: suffix) in the SN.

1965 = X5
1966 = X6
1967 = X7
1968 = X8
1969 = X69
1970 = X70
1971 = X71
1972 = X72
1973 = X73
1974 = X74
1975 = X75


.

 

[clybstr]

PetahW, Thanks for the info. This is what I found also which makes it all the more confusing because there are no numbers or letters after the X (on the gun or box). I did take it to the local Cabela's Gun Library to see if they could help and he was perplexed also. He did figure it was most likely a 1974, but couldn't confirm for sure. He did say that the stock was not one of the salt wood units. Thanks again.

 

[Rembrandt]

When first introduced serial numbers were placed on the bottom of the barrel in front of the forearm. The only other place they will appear is on the receivers on the right side. This started in 1968 because of the new Federal gun laws.

The serial numbers for the early guns had an "X" preceding the year of manufacture. This designated the model. During each year from 1965-to-1974, the serial numbers began with 0001.

The model codes for the T-bolts prior to 1975 were "X". These were then changed to 116 for the T-1 and 216 for the T-2.

1965 = X5
1966 = X6
1967 = X7
1968 = X8
1969 = X69 or X9
1970 = X70
1971 = X71
1972 = X72
1973 = X73 or X37
1974 = X74 or X47

 

[clybstr]

That would make sense that it would have to be a 1974 or earlier. Also does not have the metal front bead site that the earliest models had. Still weird that there are no numbers or letters after the X. Thanks!