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Civilian HP numbers

18K views 29 replies 14 participants last post by  Guest 
#1 ·
Just an site for those interested in (civilian) numbers:

http://www.ilmondodellearmi.com/HP35.html

I modified the post to include the datas and translate them in english

1954-57 70000-80000
FN begins to sell the BHP on the civilian market

1958 80001-85276

1959 85268-89687

1960 89688-93027

1961 93028-109145

1962 109146-113548

1963 113549-115822

1964 115823-T136568
FN begins to introduce the T prefix during that year.

1965 T136569-T146372

1966 T146373-T173285

1967 T173286-T213999

1968 T214000-T258000

1969-75 T258001-T261000 + 69C1000-???
FN introduces a numbering system with a numerical prefix to identify the year, followed by the letter C (identification of the model HP).

1976-97
FN introduces a 3 numbers prefix to designate the destination of the weapon (245 for civilian, 215 for military). It is followed by a 2 capital letters code for the year.

1994
FN starts production of .40 BHPs with the prefix 4W5.

1998
FN introduces a new prefix 510 for 9 mm BHPs.

Key for year code letters from 1976 on:
Z=1
Y=2
X=3
W=4
V=5
T=6
R=7
P=8
N=9
M=0

Example: 215RP11xxx for a military HP made in 1978 (mine).

It must precised that military contract pistols with special numbers do not fit in this board.

Bye.

L.
 
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#2 ·
Hello Larry & Thanks for the link.

Bob
 
#3 ·
It does not mention the dates for the Hi-Powers with serial number in excess of T261000.

This is like the data provided on the Browning website.

It is helpful to be able to check the serial number list easily. So I was wondering if this post could be made a sticky so it could be easily used.
 
G
#8 ·
I believe that that's the first reported with a 513 serial number prefix. HP's with a 511 prefix were manufactured in the 1999-2003 period and later. I don't think any 512 prefixes have been reported either.
 
#11 ·
I was just looking at this thread again, and Ozgunman's post caused me to go look at my 40 S&W FN SFS-HP -- it too starts with 513xxxxxxx. I bought it new almost exactly a year ago.

My 9mm FN SFS-HP is at the gunsmiths right now, but I am 99% sure it is 511xxxxxxx. So is it possible that 513 designates the .40 series? I don't know how long FN has been making the .40 HPs.

elb
 
G
#15 ·
I have two BHPs - one an FN, the other a Browning. Both carry the 245 serial number series. The Browning has a 1989 code, and appears to be a Mk III - firing pin block, ambi safety smooth slide top. It also has what appears to be a parkerized finish. It's quite rough, and almost green.

The FN is allegedly an Israeli military import. The safety is (was; I replaced it) the left-side only, and is a little-bitty Mk. I style. It has the ugly black finish and everything carries the serial number - frame, slide & barrel.

Did the Izzy military pistols have civillian serial numbers from FN?

jb
 
G
#20 ·
Yes. It appears that when or after HP's are serial numbered, some are then roll-marked "Browning" for U.S. distribution and others "Fabrique Nationale" for marketing elsewhere. There has never been a correlation between whether HP's are Browning or FN marked and how they are serial numbered reported.
 
G
#21 ·
I just picked up one of those that is stamped FN Browning but is made in Argentina and the serial number is 304xxx. Is there any way to tell what year that was made in? Also, are these just cheap knockoffs or licensed copies or what? Thanks in advance, John
 
G
#25 ·
I have a BHP that was Made in Belgium that was purchased in Puerto Rico in 1970. The thing that throws me off is that the serial number is T28xxxx which does not match the information posted on the first page or on Browning's site. Could someone help me out?
 
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