- Fn Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers
- Fn Pistol Serial Number Lookup
- Fn 49 Rifle Serial Numbers
- Fn Rifle Serial Numbers
- Fn Rifle Serial Number Lookup
- Fn Mauser Serial Number Lookup
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Introducing the FN 509 ® Compact Tactical. The newest member of the FN 509 ® Family features a stunning 24-round mag capacity and three included magazine options, letting you call the shots. Explore everything the FN 509 Compact Tactical has to offer below. To find your serial number, you will need to refer to your owner's manual. We have most owner's manuals online. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided on serial numbers and dates of manufacture are accurate, records on early production models such as the Auto-5 and Superposed shotguns were not included due to.
Please see our new site at www.fnbrowning.com
& Sako High Power Rifles. Introduced in 1959. Date of manufacture code included with the serial number. Post 1958 manufacture dates. 1967-68 BARs had serial numbers that read like this: 1234M8. The number after the M designates the year. Starting in 1969 Browning began the actual number using two digits for the date of manufacture, followed by an M. The number before M is the year. M=BAR High Power Rifle. This was then followed by the serial number. History for FN Collectors including FN browning 1900, 1922 and Hi Power pistol, Mauser 1924, 1930 rifles, FN-49, FN FAL rifle. The selector lever can be rotated to the automatic position but the rifle will fire only semiautomatically. If a rifle bearing one of the above serial numbers has been converted to fire full automatic, it is classified as a machine gun and is subject to all the provisions of the National Firearms Act. Pick a model from the left hand menu. Annexe 4 – Serial numbers of example FAL rifles documented in the MENA. Photo 1: A Belgian FN Herstal FAL rifle (photo credit: Small Arms Survey). The FAL rifle is an iconic product of the Cold war. Nicknamed 'The Right Arm of the Free World,' the. And the year estimation by serial number.
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Currently online: (all information is copyrighted)
- FN Browning 1899, 1900, 1903, 1905 - 1906 and Baby pistols: Guide to identification: See below
- Beware of FN marked, Walther style, PP Pistols: See below
- Popular misconceptions on FN and FN Browning Firearms: See below
Related NRA articles online: (all information is copyrighted)
- Trench Sweepers; Browning & Ruby Pistols in the Great War
Originally published in American Rifleman Magazine -- Click here for NRA article - The FN Browning 1903
Originally published in American Rifleman Magazine --Click here for NRA article - Inside the Pistols of FNH USA
Originally published in American Rifleman Magazine --Click here for NRA article
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We do NOT sell parts or firearms, please do not email us your 'Want List' or inquiries about parts as this is not our business. We deal strictly in historical information / publications. Thank you for your cooperation!
Identifying and differentiation the FN Browning Pistols:
FN Browning Model 1899 and 1900,
FN Browning 1903,
FN Browning 1905 (1906) Vest Pocket and Baby Browning pistols
FN Browning Model 1910 and Model 1922
Following is a guide for identifying FN Browning pistol models:
FN Browning Model 1899 vs. FN Browning Model 1900: The Model 1899 was first produced in January 1899 and closely resembles John Browning's prototype. It can be differentiated from the FN Model 1900 by the following features: There are no safety markings and no lanyard ring, the frame has small side-plates. The grips are secured with studs and nuts. The FN Browning 1900 was introduced in 1900 after Belgian military trials requested changes to the Model 1899. The Model 1900 has larger grips which are secured with screws, has French language safety markings (Feu & Sur), a lanyard ring and larger frame side-plates.
FN Browning Model 1903: The Model 1903 in 9mm Browning Long was manufactured for the military market. It was not a copy of the Colt 1903 as is often reported. Code 28 driver download for windows 7. FN requested a (military) handgun design from John Browning in 1901. The same prototypes were presented to Colt and FN, Colt opted to manufacture a pocket pistol while FN tried to fill a void in their line by offering the design as a military pistol.
FN Browning Model 1905 / 1906 vs. FN Baby Browning: The Model 1905 is often referred to as the Model 1906, generally in the U.S. it is known for its first patent year '1905' while in Europe, 1906 refers to FN's first manufacturing year. This model is also commonly known as the Vest Pocket model. The Baby Browning was introduced by FN in 1931, the pistol is smaller than the Vest Pocket model. The Baby Browning is a total different design from the earlier Vest Pocket pistol, parts are not interchangeable.
Beware of Walther style PP pistols that are on the U.S. market with FN - Fabrique Nationale - slide legends…
These are not FN made pistols and do not feature the typical FN quality. The PP pistols were made in one of the former Soviet countries and are available with any marking or manufacturers marking at extra cost. Somebody ordered a batch of these pistols with FN’s older legal name marked on the slide, this was done solely to mislead buyers / collectors into believing that they were getting a genuine FN made gun. FN never produced the PP and these were not made for the Belgian police as often claimed in U.S. advertising. Belgian law-enforcement agencies did not use the PP or PPK.
Popular misconceptions on FN
and FN Browning Firearms
The following misconceptions circulate in the international collector community. Here are some answers and comments that may clarify how the facts were misunderstood.
General History
- FN was a German company?!
FN has always been a Belgian company, from its inception up to the World Wars. It should be noted that the company did endure a German majority take-over from 1896 to 1914. In such, the majority of shares were in hands of a German company. Majority ownership however does not mean that a company changes national identity. During both World Wars the company was sequestered and under German control.
- FN was established by Loewe in Germany?!
The Belgian government (not FN) purchased the production rights for the 1889 Belgian Mauser and ceded those to FN. Loewe had no influence or control in the establishment of FN. FN engineers did purchase equipment and technical assistance from Loewe after the company was in existence. Loewe was selected after FN engineers had explored buying their machinery in the U.S. but ran into problems when U.S. manufacturers did not want to modify and make the machinery on metric specifications.
- FN was crucial to the German war effort and produced many guns for the German military?!
FN was not one of the most useful bodies to the Germans in WWII. Instead it was more a source of aggravation for the Germans, as they could not get production up to desired significant numbers prior to 1943.
FN Browning Pistols
- The Browning 1900 was the first Browning produced pistol?!
Because no research was done for decades, the first Browning pistol is often credited to the FN Browning 1900. We know now that the 1900 was a modified 1899 model. The 1899 was the first of the Browning pistols to go into production at FN in January 1899. The 1900 followed in mid 1900 after the Belgian military requested changes to the original Browning design. There is a clear distinction between the 1899 and 1900 models, their production run and production periods.
- The Belgian army adopted the FN 1903 and 1922 in the pre-WWII era?!
One of the most unfounded assumptions is that the Belgian army adopted both the 1903 as well as the 1922 in the prewar era. The Belgian military only adopted four pistols in the pre-1940 era:
- The 7.65mm FN Browning 1900 in the year 1900
- The 7.65mm Colt 1903 during WWI as FN was occupied
- The 7.65mm 1910 model in the year 1919
- The High Power in 1935. The Belgian government made no equipment updates in the 1920s. The first signs of replacing or adding to the pistol inventory dates from 1930. This was further spurred on (among a general modernization) in 1933 when Hitler gained power. The first broad army evaluations for the 9mm x 19 High Efficiency (not High Power) date from 1933. The confusion with the 1922 comes from the fact that the Belgian military did end up buying the pistol in 1945. This was done because the model was readily available from FN right after the war. The Belgian government bought A-prefix pistols as well as newly produced pistols in those years. It also used wartime-produced pistols that were left by the Germans. Almost immediately there were issues / complaints about the magazine safety being present on some pistols and not on others making it difficult to train military personnel on a new pistol procedure as not all pistols were alike.
- The FN Browning 1910 was made during WWII and supplied to German officers?!
Only two pistol models were produced; the 1922 model as well as the High Power.
- The first High Power pistols date from before 1935?!
A frustration that advanced collectors share is the fact that the High Power and High Efficiency are rarely credited correctly. The forerunner of the High Power was the High-Efficiency, so named by FN in 1929. The High –Efficiency model was catalogued and made available in the 1929-1930 period. I suspect that the High Efficiency was made in very limited numbers just like FN did with the 1903 model before securing a large military contract. Just like distinguishing the 1899 and 1900 models, it is important to call a pistol by its correct designation.
FN Military Mausers
- All prewar military Mausers were 24/30 models!?
The confusion with FN Mauser models originated with the 1930s FN Catalogs, which often showed the 24/30 nomenclature. This was done as customers could select either model, as both models were available in the early 1930s.
This nomenclature should never be used today in order to identify rifles as customers did either select a 24 or a 30 model. There is no such model as a 24/30 as there is no hybrid between the two. There are distinct differences between the 1922, 1924, 1930, and 1950 models.
- FN produced Mauser rifles for the German military during WWII!?
Unlike stated in many places, FN never produced any Mauser rifles during the occupation. Only a select few parts were made, most notable barrels and bolts. Those were exported to other plants and FN’s role was only to supplement parts production.
Fn Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers
- FN had a FN 1935 Mauser!?
Another great misconception is that many claim that FN had a 1935 Mauser model.
FN never adopted this as a factory designation; it was solely the model designation of their customer. As such, the Peruvian rifle is not a FN Model 1935 but rather a Peruvian 1935, the same is valid for the Belgian military 1935 (both rifles are totally different from one another). Both designations are military designations and are not FN designations. FN did indeed print literature and manuals in Spanish for their Peruvian customer. The Peruvian Mauser is referred to as ‘Modelo 1935’, just as it is on the rifle. These designations are references to the Peruvian designation. FN often printed up literature for their customers and included the customer’s requests as happened in this case.
FUSIL AUTOMATIQUE: The F.N. Modèle 1900
BY: CAMERON WOODALL
In Belgium it was known as “La Carabine Automatique Browning”, in Germany it was the “Selbstladebüchse Browning Kaliber 9mm”, but in the United States we know it simply as the F.N. 1900. If the Remington Model 8 is the grandfather of American semi-automatic sporting rifles, the F.N. 1900 is its European twin. Produced by the legendary Fabrique Nationale d’ Armes de Guerre (FN) in Belgium, this rifle officially labeled as the “Browning Patent Modèle 1900” was a near identical copy of the American made Autoloading Rifle. In Europe during the early 20th century, the autoloading platform was seen more as a novelty than something of actual usefulness. This worked to the Modèle 1900’s advantage and disadvantage respectively. On one hand the FN encountered very little genuine competition but on the other hand its high price and yet-proven mechanics paved the way for poor sales right from the beginning. Even still, compared to other European firearms of the day, this rifle was fast shooting and elegantly built. So distinct and intriguing were these rifles that around 100 saw front-line service in aircraft with the French Aéronautique Militaire in the early days of WWI.
The story begins with John Browning who filed several long-recoil patents not just those in the United States. German Patentschrift 9996 dated Nov. 25th 1902 is the equivalent of U.S. patent No. 659,786 filed June 6th, 1900 for a “Recoil Operated Firearm”. The year of this patent is where the Modèle 1900 got its name even though FN didn’t manufacture the rifle until a decade later. Browning established a friendly relationship with FN in 1902 selling the exclusive rights to his long-recoil rifle (and shotgun) to FN on March 24 of the same year. FN quickly began producing Auto-5 shotguns, but by 1904 such restrictive importation tariffs had been imposed that FN negotiated with Browning to allow manufacture of his shotgun within the United States. The Remington Arms Co. was eager to work with John Browning and acquire the rights to manufacture both his autoloading shotgun and his autoloading rifle. FN was first to introduce the long-recoil shotgun, but it was Remington that first produced John Browning’s long-recoil rifle in 1906 dubbed the “Autoloading Rifle” or more known today as the Model 8.
The arrangement between FN and Remington was that the Model 8 was for sales by and large inside theUnited Statesand the Modèle 1900 would essentially pursue sales to the rest of the world. Despite the large market, the FN 1900 found its home predominately with hunters in and around Western Europe and Canada. A page from an undated FN catalog lists the country restrictions imposed on the FN 1900,
“The Browning automatic sporting rifle nr243, cal. 35, cannot, neither directly nor indirectly, be sold in France, Morocco, United States of North America, Poland, Danzig included, Ceylon Isle, Princedom of Bombay, Queensland” (p.8).
Unfortunately however, the FN 1900 didn’t experience the level of sales as the Remington Model 8. If convincing American hunters to spend their hard earned dollars on a revolutionary (and expensive!) autoloading rifle was difficult enough, doing the same for the European hunter was almost ludicrous. The autoloading rifle was just too different. A translation of the original manual reveals that the key selling points used by FN were the distinct advantages of the autoloading platform over contemporary big game rifles. One excerpt from the manual,
“In addition the gas pressure is partially employed to operate the automatic mechanism, there is a substantial reduction in recoil and therefore much less fatigue to the hunter who is able to keep his gun at ready for immediate follow- up shots.” (p. 5).
Continuing on FN hyped the Modèle 1900’s superiority to bolt-action rifles in its rate of fire and perceived recoil, and superiority to double rifles in its consistent shot placement with repeated firing and moderate cost. Regardless of any advantages the FN 1900 may have had over other rifles, its sales did not reflect this and limited production makes this rifle quite uncommon today.
FN Production
Only 4,913 Modèle 1900’s were ever manufactured. Compared to the Model 8’s production run of nearly 70,000, that’s more than 14 Model 8’s for every 1 FN 1900. According to FN catalogs, the Modèle 1900 was introduced in 1910 and officially dropped from the product line in 1929. Other sources reveal 32 rifles were sold between 1930-1936, probably clean up rifles from leftover parts. /quickbooks-2015-with-serial-key-torrent.html.
In 1911 the U.S. equivalent price of the FN 1900 was $57, nearly double the cost of a standard “A” grade Model 8. To put it more into perspective, for $3 more than the cost of an FN 1900, the American hunter could have had an engraved Model 8D “Peerless”. Examination of existing rifles verifies that production began with serial number 1 up to 4913. Case in point is FN serial number 5, with a gorgeous, high grade European walnut stock! This rifle may be from the first day of manufacture and is indicative that production began with #1 and continued on.
FN #5 – Courtesy of the Creamer Collection
Below is a breakdown of FN production published by Fire! Magazine (1996).
It’s often wondered how did so many surviving FN’s wind up in theUnited States. The F.N.’s here today did not come from any one place. It is known that some were vet bring-backs from two World Wars and at least a few were imported by Val Browning into theU.S. Since the FN was exported toCanadamany have made their way south of the border.
Describing the F.N. 1900
Produced with the same old-world craftsmanship as the Remington, these rifles are a testament to Fabrique Nationale’s wordwide reputation for manufacturing high quality firearms. It doesn’t take a scrupulous eye to notice there were probably more hours of labor involved in producing the FN over the Remington. A close inspection and disassembly of both the FN and Remington rifles will reveal a significantly superior fit and finish with the version made in Belgium, even over 1st year production Model 8’s.
The FN came in two versions, neither of which were a higher “grade” than the other. One version had a standard barrel jacket like the Model 8, the other a solid barrel rib running the length of the jacket.
Below is a list of features unique to the FN Browning Patent 1900,
– Stocks and forearms were made of European walnut hand cut checkered to 20 lines per inch
–Buttstocks were round knob semi-pistol grip style.
Fn Pistol Serial Number Lookup
–Buttplates were made of horn, identical to the A5 shotgun. 2 versions were used throughout production.
–Forearms are similar to the Model 8 with a less pronounced schnabel tip.
–Observed firing pins are of the early Model 8 style with no firing pin spring or firing pin buffer spring.
–Offered in only 1 chambering, “calibre 9mm” equivalent to the 35 Remington.
– Front and rear sling swivels came standard.
Barrel Rib Version
The very earliest and the very latest FN’s have ribbed barrel jackets. This version is undoubtedly the most unique, although it’s also the most common. The solid rib is 8.75mm in width and runs from the jacket head all the way to the end of the barrel jacket. It was soldered on which means disassembly of the jacket head from the jacket is not possible, but this also means there’s no potential for loosening of the jacket from the head, a problem common with Model 8’s & 81’s.
The purpose of this rib, as with shotguns, is quick acquisition of moving targets. It was common in the early 1900’s for European hunters to flush game from cover and make shots on the running animal. Hence the reason these versions have a two position flip rear sight dovetailed into the barrel rib. One position, 1.5mm in width, is for precise shots like on typical sights, the other is a wider notch at 4.25mm intended for swinging on moving targets. According to the FN manual, the position for standard shooting is set for 100 meters. This whole concept wasn’t something that appealed much to the American hunter of the day, but seeing as these rifles were sold primarily inEuropeit was a great marketing tool.
Plain Barrel Jacket Version
This version though less unique in appearance is considerably scarce, thus according to the 2011 Blue Book a 15% increase in value should be added over the barrel rib version. Still auction prices for the two versions are about the same and many collectors prefer the ribbed version over this one because it’s more distinctive from a Model 8. The earliest recorded plain jacket FN during this study was #11XX, and no plain jacket FN’s were observed beyond the 2900 serial number range suggesting that it was only available for a limited time during the first 10 years of production. It’s estimated from studying serial numbers that this version accounts for 15% or less of all FN’s produced.
The tangent rear sight on this version is marked with adjustable gradients from 100-500 meters. Front sights are different than the version with the barrel rib.
Subtle Differences
Spending some time comparing the Remington Model 8 and the FN 1900 will reveal just as many differences and similarities. While many parts are interchangeable between the two rifles, many are not and a select few of the ones unique to the FN are pictured below.
OPERATING HANDLE – The operating handle is unique to the FN and one of the more noticeable differences. Operating handles of both the Remington and FN consist of 4 parts, the operating handle body, the operating handle bushing, the operating handle plunger, and the plunger spring. The FN differs in that its operating handle body has fine knurling for better grip and its bushing does not require a special tool for disassembly like the Model 8. Both operating handles are removed from the bolt carrier assembly in the same fashion.
Difference between FN (left) and Model 8 (right) operating handle arms.
It was once thought that the FN was manufactured with more than one operating handle since some variations have been noticed. The peculiar consistency is that all are modifications done as a result of a missing operating handle bushing. As previously stated, this part did not require a special tool to disassemble like the Model 8. Furthermore the FN’s bushing is not recessed into the bushing body like the Model 8, thus it is exposed and more likely to back out of its threads under normal use. Being such a small part, logic would assume it was easily lost and thus modifications to the handle would have to be made to keep the plunger in place. During this study both the lowest serial number rifle and the highest had the same operating handle. All period advertisement and manuals depict this operating handle and bushing.
SAFETY LEVER – While the Model 8 was manufactured with 3 different safety levers throughout production, the FN had only one and it is unique to this rifle. The two are not directly interchangeable without modification. The FN lever is .10” longer across the top.
MAGAZINES – The magazine box of the FN is of the early pattern Model 8 magazine with no side springs. As pointed out by Ed Furler Jr. in the 2nd Qtr 1994 RSA Journal, the magazine guide ribs (vertical slots) are ¼” of an inch shorter in the FN compared to Model 8’s.
FN magazine (top) has shorter guide ribs than the Model 8 (bottom)
RECEIVERS – The front face of the FN receiver is less recessed where the barrel takedown screw engages. This is not obvious until a Model 8 and an FN are placed side by side.
Since the operating handle arm of an FN is narrower, the groove in the receiver wherein the operating handle moves back and forth is narrower in an FN.
There is no provision for tang sights.FN’s did not come from the factory with a pre-drilled tang sight screw hole like the Model 8. Occasionally FN’s may be found with tang sights installed but these were done sometime after production. Four during this study were observed.
TANG SCREW SET SCREW – The FN saw the use of a set screw to help secure the tang screw in place. This same design can be found on FN produced Browning A5 shotguns.
EXTRACTORS – Unmarked extractors were used which differ just slightly from the Remington version.
FOREARM TAKEDOWN SCREWS – a simple flathead takedown screw was used as opposed to Remington’s swivel type.
BARRELS –
Fn 49 Rifle Serial Numbers
ABSENT CALIBER MARKINGS – The Model 8 always had its caliber marked in one of two places (either hand engraved on top of the jacket head or roll stamped on the barrel extension), but the FN 1900 came without an external caliber designation. If the barrel jacket is disassembled, a “35” is sometimes stamped on the barrel to specify bore diameter.
MILLED BARREL EXTENSION – The FN barrel extension has a milled locking lug recess slightly different than the Remington made Model 8. Pictured here with a 1908 Model 8 barrel for comparison, the milled recess is obvious was probably cut to increase clearance of the extractor or increase reliability of brass ejection.
Barrel extension milling: Model 8 (top) and FN 1900 (bottom).
BUTTPLATES – The FN was manufactured with 2 buttplates, both of which were at some point used on the FN produced Browning A5 shotgun. The early FN buttplate was used at least up until the 2900 serial number range, while the “Browning Automatic” buttplate was used on all later rifles. According to sources on FN firearms, these early buttplates were made of either horn or hard rubber.
Variations in Forearm Checkering
After observing FN’s across a broad range of serial numbers, it appears they came with 3 variations of forearm patterns. The majority of period catalogs and advertisements portray the first pattern pictured below. This pattern is found on the earliest rifles and as late as the 3800 serial number range. Checking can be single or double bordered.
1ST STYLE PATTERN
2ND STYLE PATTERN
This slight variation is transitional and found on some rifles between the 2900 and 3300 serial number range.
3RD STYLE PATTERN
Somewhere between the 3300-3800 serial range, Fabrique Nationale changed forearm checkering to the pattern below. This pattern continued to the end of production and was found on the very latest rifles in this study, #488X and #489X.
A Glance at F.N. Markings
As customary for European firearms, the FN rifles came with a series of markings from theLiegeproof house. Some of these markings are visible, some are hidden, but a close look will turn up markings all over the rifle. The test rifle for this inspection was a late production FN with barrel rib, #4319. Disassembly of the barrel and receiver was conducted. As is consistent with many other FN produced firearms, the serial number on this rifle was found stamped in numerous places to name a few: the receiver, trigger plate (lower tang), forearm, stock, bolt, bolt carrier (3 locations), operating handle, barrel jacket, barrel and even the tang screw.
The following is a description of some of these markings and their meaning found on our test rifle.
Special Grade F.N. 1900’s
Since FN did not have its own engraving department setup until 1926, engraved Modele 1900’s are exceedingly rare. One indication that the factory consigned the job is that the exterior proofs were relocated to accommodate the artisan’s work, something only FN could have done. Three engraved FN 1900’s were observed during this study, all in a private collection in the United States.
The first rifle has almost 100% scroll coverage on the receiver, safety lever, trigger plate, magazine, buttplate, and barrel jacket. This rifle is also featured in John Henwood’s book, “The Great Model 8 & 81”. Notice the proof and inspector stamps were left off the receiver profiles as to not deter from the gorgeous engraving! The author knows of no other FN, Model 8, or Model 81 as highly embellished as this rifle.
Highly engraved FN – Courtesy of the Creamer Collection
Another example features extensive engraving and game scenes on both sides of the receiver (pictured below). Note the proof and inspector stamps are moved from the front shoulder of the receiver to beside the factory roll marks.
A beautifully engraved FN #37XX – Courtesy of the Creamer Collection
This FN features gold line engraving and is thought to be made by FN for a World’s Fair exhibition. It’s stock was made with “cheeks” not unlike Pre-WWI Model 8’s.
The elusive Straight Grip F.N. 1900
Perhaps the most uncommon version of the FN 1900 is the straight grip stock. FN manuals depict a straight grip version in both the parts breakdown and the rifle function illustration. It’s not known how many straight grip rifles were manufactured, but only one is known in a private collection in the United States. This featured rifle (# 48XX) was originally from Val. A. Browning’s personal collection and interestingly enough was special ordered with set screws for the barrel lock screw, bolt carrier latch screw, and the trigger plate screw on the left side of the receiver! The trigger plate on this rifle is not a Model 8 part, it is Belgian made with a set screw retaining the tang screw. Its receiver markings are in a different font than standard production FN’s.
Straight Grip 1900 as depicted in the FN manual
Val A. Browning’s straight grip FN – Courtesy of the Creamer Collection
F.N. Accessories: Disassembly Tool and Cartridge Clips
One of the more ingenious features of the FN 1900 was its barrel jacket disassembly tool. In FN manuals this tool is pictured demonstrating proper barrel assembly takedown. Instead of a thin, fragile spanner wrench as used with the Model 8, this tool uses a set screw to engage the barrel nut and also notches to engage the jacket bushing simultaneously. Both parts can be removed with clockwise rotation of the T handles without fear of the components flying across the room under spring tension! The manual instructs the user to employ the tool first by loosening the barrel jacket bushing then use the set screw to engage and remove the barrel nut and jacket bushing together. Only one example of this special tool is known in a private collection in Germany. It is pictured below along with an image from the FN manual.
FN cartridge clips are extremely rare. Demonstration of the clip is pictured in the FN manual and is of similar construction to the early brass Remington Model 8 clips with a single pair of stop ears. The author was able to locate only one FN cartridge clip in a private collection in the USA.
Chargement du magasin (loading the magazine)
Case Study Points
– A total of 95 FN rifles were studied ranging from a single digit serial number to 4,89X.
– 21 rifles were without barrel ribs (approx 24%).
– 16 countries were represented from the serial numbers studied.
– Over 50% of the rifles observed were in private collections in the USA.
– 3 rifles had factory endorsed engraving with a possible 1 in addition
References and Further Reading
– The Other Model 8 Autoloader: E.F. Furler, Jr. RSA Journal 2nd Quarter 1994
– La Carabine Automatique de Chasse Browning: Michel Druart. Fire! #27, July-August 1996
– Selbstladegewehr Browning 1900: Dr. Dirk Zeising. Deutsches Waffen Journal, December 2009.
Fn Rifle Serial Numbers
– The Great Remington 8 and Model 81 Autoloading Rifles: John Henwood
– FN Browning Armorer to the World: Gene Gangarosa, Jr.
Fn Rifle Serial Number Lookup
– Browning: Sporting Arms of Distinction 1903-1992: Matt Eastman
– Remington’s Model 8 & 81 Rifles: Pete Dickey. American Rifleman July 1990.
Many thanks to Corey Creamer, Tom Ramsey, Jack Ahlberg, and Dr. Dirk Zeising for their many contributions.
Fn Mauser Serial Number Lookup
If you have any questions or comments please email Cam Woodall @