Hi-Power Serial Number

Sunrider

August 27, 2011 09:17

I just purchased a Hi-Power with serial # 76C2xxxx. When I tried to look this up at Proofhouse.com what I found was that from 1968 to 1975 they used last two digits of the year to start the serial number with. As an example:

Serial number 71B12345

71 = Year of manufacture (1971)
C = Model
12345 = Serial number

In 1975/1976 they began using serial numbers starting with 151 to designate Hi-Powers, followed by a two digit alpha code to designate year of manufacture. The alpha code "RT" would designate 1976.

From my serial number, it would suggest that the gun was manufactured in 1976, but according to Proofhouse, this shouldn't be.

Does anyone have any clue about this?

Thanks!
Bill

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  rufe-snow

  August 27, 2011 10:59

  IMHO, most likely your HP would be a transition model, i.e. made when the serial numbers were being changed between the two different formats.
  
  The serialization of the FN Belgian made Brownings varied considerably during the 1965/75 time frame when Browning was in the process of moving their production from Belgium to other countries.

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  Sunrider

  August 27, 2011 12:26

  I kind of thought such might be the case. I appreciate your response!
  
  Thanks!
  Bill

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