Hello Larry & Thanks for the link.

Bob

 

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.

 

I'll bet it can be.

Best.

 

CPW Post/ ++
Steves post/ ++
Regards, G>M>F>

 

Information like that is priceless. Thanks.

 

Just to throw a'spanner'. My 40S&W serial number is 513XXXXXXX - Anybody want to do this?

 

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.

 

G'Day,
Yep it threw me, and I've been dealing with them for 30 years. It's a 1999 model. We have only one choice - Belgium

 

thanks just what I was looking for.
pete

 

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

 

My 40cal BHP starts with 2W5NW


Gil..

 

First reply recieved to the enquiry, no data prior to 1999 in it, prefixes:
511 for 9mm,
513 for .40S&W,
516 for BDA; and
518 for BDAO-C.
Thank you Marie, Merci and Sergio.

 

Serial Number list 1999 - 2006 thanks to the Good People at FN

 

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

 

Jay Bee, yes they did.

 

ozgunman:

WOW!! How'd you get that table from FN?

That table answers a lot of questions. (And raises a bunch, too.)


Good on Ya

 

G'Day,
I found an email address in the 'Contact Us' on the FN Belgium site and sent a very polite request last November. It bounced around (everbody at FN wanted to help it seemed) and there you go!

 

Can one assume that Hi Powers branded as Browning as well as FN branded follow the same sequence. I just purchased a .40 BHP Practical with a serial number beginning with 513mw..

 

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.

 

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

 

Never mind, I found the information on another thread. Thanks though, John

 

Interesting info. My .40 was made VERY late in 2002 and I bought it in the middle of 2006.

Is it common to have that long of a lead time from FN?

 

I just bought one last week, I knew it had been used, but very lightly, according to that chart it was made in 1982.

 

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?

 

Someone posted here that T290xxx was a 1971 and the Ts continued up into 1975.

Give the Browning historian (Glen Jensen) a call, he has been very helpful in identifying year manufactured and original configuration. 800-333-3504

HTH,

TAB