I have a Browning BAR in 30.06. Beautiful gun, beautiful shooter, but I can't narrow down its year of manufacture. The serial number (assuming what I'm looking at is the serial number), located on the right side of the receiver, reads five digits long, followed by M9. This format does not seem to follow Browning's own explanation of its numbering system.

I'm pretty sure the gun is pre-1976, as my dad never hunted after I was born. It's in excellent condition and is incredibly accurate. There are no engravings. It has the open, hooded sights in addition to the scope. The only markings are the serial number (?), Made In Belgium, and a crown of some sort.

Anybody have a clue when this gun might have been manufactured? I can't even tell what model the gun is, be it Type 1, Mark II, etc.

Thank you in advance,
Nick

I've got a 1986 BAR Belgium/Portugal 270 and the ser# is on the LEFT side of the receiver,that is,LEFT, if you are shouldering the rifle. You might call customer service @ Browning.

Welcome to the forum nicklessig. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

Sounds like you have a nice rifle. Browning is still in business. Like uncle jerky said give them a call, I'd bet they would be glad to help you out.

I've never owned one of the BAR's, but oftened looked at them at the local gun shops. Almost bought on last year in 300 Win mag. It sat at one of our local pawn shops for about a year. By the time I decided to go pick it up someone else got it.

I am not sure, but you may have one made in 1959. That M and the 9 would point me in that direction, but heck, I don't even know if they made BARs in 1959. In their most recent and currently used system, that would point to m=0 9. Meaning nothing, other than possibly 2009 (and if you'll buy that...I got a George Straight song for you).