I recently bought a Stevens 311C Series H 12 ga. From what I've learned so far, this model was discontinued around 1988, and serial numbers started around 1968. Mine has a serial number on the left side of the receiver, C387493. I'd like to narrow the manufacture date closer than a twenty year span if possible. Is there any known correlation between serial number and manufacture date?
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Post subject: Re: Savage/Stevens serial numbers
Crown Grade
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:42 pm Posts: 3773
As ar as I know, there are no published serial number-year made tables for Savage-Stevens made guns. Not even the Savage-Stevens Historian hs that information. It has been reported that what serial number-year made tables were destroyed in a fire years ago. The only information as to date made is the inclusive dates reported in publications like the Blue Book o Gun Values and the Standard Catalog of FireRMS. However if you wish, you might try contacting the Savage-Stevens Historian and ask him. His address is: Mr. John Callahan Arms Historian P.O. Box 82 Southampton, MA 01073 He has a research fee of $20.00 per gun.
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 9:23 pm
Field Grade
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2012 5:21 pm Posts: 28
I recently bought a Stevens 311C Series H 12 ga. From what I've learned so far, this model was discontinued around 1988, and serial numbers started around 1968. Mine has a serial number on the left side of the receiver, C387493. I'd like to narrow the manufacture date closer than a twenty year span if possible. Is there any known correlation between serial number and manufacture date?
I have been trying to find the date of MFG for my Savage 775A and the only way you are probably going to get in the ball park is by either factory workers who were on the production lines, or by owners who remember what year they purchased their firearms and log the model and serial numbers to start a data base. I had the same problem with Sears Ted Williams firearms and it took me about a year to figure out their barrel codes and serial numbers by watching gun auction site listings. If you ever need to know the date of Sears, Sears branded J.C Higgins, and Ted Williams firearm barrel codes from 1955 to 1982 drop me a line, as far as Savage goes this will be a much much more difficult task but I might give it a crack. Good luck on your search.