The production of the Auto-5 began in 1902. Produced by F.N., John M. Browning ordered 10,000 of these shotguns in his first order. In 1999 Browning issued the 'Final Tribute' version featuring engraved scenes of John M. Browning, the F.N. Factory and the Browning Brothers first store. Only 1,000 of these were produced in a high-grade wood. Production of the famous 'A-5' ceased after this final tribute.
Uncertainty surrounds which year Beretta began producing their first.25 calibre pocket pistols. Dates suggested by various sources range between 1919 and 1922. Dates suggested by various sources range between 1919 and 1922. The first Beretta firearm using this dating system was the Model 1934 pistol (introduced in 1935), thus the year was indicated as XIII (usually marked on the slide) and refering to the 13th year of Mussolini's regime. Warranty & Serial Number Information Warranty Information for Firearms Distributed by Beretta USA Corp. Beretta firearms carry a One-Year Limited Warranty to the original purchaser for defects in materials or workmanship. Cheetah 84FS Serial Number I called Beretta, I asked if that was the first year they were all made, he said no, its for that gun. How could a new gun be in storage for 12 years, should i be concerned.
To find your serial number, you will need to refer to your owner's manual. We have most owner's manuals online.
Beretta Serial Number Years
| Date | Historic Information | Serial Number Info | |||||
| 1903-1939 | First 10,000 shipped to U.S. Marked with 'BROWNING AUTOMATIC ARMS CO. OGDEN UTAH-U.S.A.' Very few serial number records remain. | Beginning with Serial Number 1 to approximately 228,000. Exact production figures are not available. Year of manufacture on Pre-World War II production is strictly a guess. | |||||
| 1940-1946 | From 1940 to 1946 production of the Auto-5 was turned over to Remington. Serial number is on the side of receiver. 'ABC' for American made Version. (A=16 gauge, B-12 gauge, C=20 gauge) | 1946+229,000-237,000 | |||||
| 1947 | 237001-249000 | ||||||
| 1948 | 249001-270000 | ||||||
| 1949 | 270001-285000 | ||||||
| 1950 | 285001-315000 | ||||||
| 1951 | 315001-346000 | ||||||
| 1952 | F.N. took over production of the Auto-5. | 346001-387000 | |||||
| 1953 | 387000-438000 | ||||||
| 1954-55 | Serial Numbering System changed. H=Standard Weight. L=Light Weight. | H1-H83000 L1-L83000 | |||||
| 1956 | Serial Number designation for the Light Weight changed to G. | H83001-H99000 G1-G23000 | |||||
| 1957 | Serial Numbering System changed again. M=Standard Weight. G=Light Weight. | M22000-M85000 G23001-85000 | |||||
| 1958-67 | From 1958 serial numbers were preceded by the date of manufacture. 8M=standard weight for 1958. 8G=light weight for 1958. Example: 8M1000 = A 1958 Auto-5 standard weight shotgun with serial number 1000 | G85001-G99000 8G1-8G2000 M=standard weight G=light weight | |||||
| 1968-76 | In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture which was followed by a four digit code that identified the type of Auto-5: M=standard weight G=light weight This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 1000. Example: 69G1000 = A 1969 Auto-5 Lightweight 12 ga.. shotgun with a serial number of 1000. | M-standard weight G=light weight | |||||
| 1976-1997 | In 1976 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998.
| Serial Number Example: 01001RT151 This would be an Auto-5 Magnum 12 ga.,manufactured in 1976 with the serial number 01001. | |||||
| 1999 | The Auto-5 will be discontinued for 2000. To commemorate this historic event for the Auto-5, Browning released the 'Final Tribute' version in 1999.
| Serial Number Example: 2000FT1001 This would be a Auto-5 'Final Tribute' 12 ga., manufactured in 1999 with the serial number 1001. |