Shotgun Question

[ASK3L]

Any shooters out there who know if a Browning Shotgun model can be identified from the serial number?
The number is 304xx S74 (2 digits blanked with xx)
Thanks in advance,

[shadowman]

Browning UK would surely know?

[jk103]

You could ask on one of the many Browning forums probably get a faster answer than from the manufacturer.

[Saxon007]

Unless there is a rule against it why not post a photo?

If it is a Superposed, Auto 5 or other common model it should be easy to identify by sight although grade may be trickier.

[Tinker]

Any shooters out there who know if a Browning Shotgun model can be identified from the serial number?
The number is 304xx S74 (2 digits blanked with xx)
Thanks in advance,

If it's a B25, the "S74" refers to the year, I think, although Browning, like Rolex, number their parts by year of production, not assembly.

[greasemonkey]

hi,i have an old auto 5 which if i remember correctly i dated it by a browning website which used the serial no..so long ago i dont have a link,sorry..

[Camsfirie]

Any shooters out there who know if a Browning Shotgun model can be identified from the serial number?
The number is 304xx S74 (2 digits blanked with xx)
Thanks in advance,

Try here:

http://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm.html

[ASK3L]

Thanks for the help folks.
Unfortunately the date/ID site works for post 1975 serial numbers and as pointed out the S74 indicates a 1974 vintage!
Also as pointed out it appears to be a B25 but the serial number does not help with the model.
I've contacted a gunsmith and mailed Browning but by all accounts they are not the most willing to offer information, we shall see.
Thanks again,

[aa388]

The majority of B25 upgrades were finish, engraving and checkering so you can usually get an idea of the range from that.

[bitfield]

Also as pointed out it appears to be a B25 but the serial number does not help with the model.

Post a photo? There can't have been that many different Browning shotguns in 1974.