Gun Proof Date Codes

Modern Browning / Miroku / Winchester Serial Number Date Codes

Modern Browning, Miroku and Winchester shotgun and rifle serial numbers consist of a mixture of numbers and letters. The first string of numbers are generally a unique serial number for the firearm. These numbers are then followed by two letters which correspond to a two digit date code of manufacture which you can use the table below to decode. Many recent models then finish with 3 numbers being a model / type number.

Letter Corresponding Number
M 0
Z 1
Y 2
X 3
W 4
V 5
T 6
R 7
P 8
N 9

Modern Itallian Proof Stamp Date Codes

Modern Itallian shotguns and rifles such as Beretta and Benelli feature a two letter date code situated in a square box usually situated on the block of the barrel next to the proof marks. Very modern firearms manufactured on or after 2020 in Italy generally feature the initials IT followed by a 2 digit date stamp ie. IT24 which would show the firearm was manufactured in 2024.

LettersCorresponding Year LettersCorresponding Year LettersCorresponding Year
AA1975 BA1991 CA2006
AB1976 BB1992 CB2007
AC1977 BC1993 CC2008
AD1978 BD1994 CD2009
AE1979
AF1980 BF1995 CF2010
AH1981 BH1996 CH2011
AI1982 BI1997 CI2012
AL1983 BL1998 CL2013
AM1984 BM1999 CM2014
AN1985 BN2000 CN2015
AP1986 BP2001 CP2016
AS1987 BS2002 CS2017
AT1988 BT2003 CT2018
AU1989 BU2004 CU2019
AZ1990 BZ2005 CZ2020

Modern German Proof Stamp Date Codes

Modern German shotguns and rifles such as Blaser, Sauer and Mauser feature a two letter date code next to an engraved / stamped antler.

LetterCorresponding Number
A0
B1
C2
D3
E4
F5
G6
H7
I / J8
K9