There are differences in the serialization coding between the FN-marketed guns and the Browning-marketed guns. The Browning ones will have the alpha-numeric product code first (i.e., "245" for 9mm, and "2W5" for .40, followed by a 2 letter alpha date code). The FN-marketed guns have a three-character numeric product code (i.e., "511" for 9mm, "513" for .40), which is then followed by the same 2 character date code (both FN and Browning Hi-Powers utlize the same date code system)-the numbers that follow the date code characters are the actual weapon serial number. A quick examination of Larry's initial date code chart lays this out, although the 1994 and 1998 specified info for Hi-Powers immediately above it is confusing and a bit misleading (sorry, Larry!)-combine this with the FN produced chart for FN marketed guns provided by Ozgunman and you'll get a pretty complete picture for FN and Browning codes over the years.

Best, Jon

 

Jonhp,

no offense, we are here to learn and I'm very satisfied to read the following of this post.

Thanks all.

 

Here's the link to the Date Code's on Browning's website.

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35

 

ozygunman,
Am I reading that chart from FN correctly...did they only produce 585 9mm Hi-Powers in 2006? And if so, what does this low number mean for the future of Hi-Power production?