SRS Lookup Karma

Machodoc · Dec 19, 2015

I've finally managed to get the first three (of four) volumes of the Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S Martial Arms series. I'll be glad to look up numbers as time permits. Just post the firearm type and serial number here.

EDIT:

While there are some listings for WWII, and later, firearms, these research materials focus more on earlier firearms.
These records were largely gleaned from military and other reports housed in the National Archives. As such, only a small number of the many hundreds of thousand arms made were specifically mentioned in reports. Getting a hit in the SRS Research tables is sort of like striking gold.
Please post one request at a time, and space them out a bit.

Melnic · Dec 21, 2015

So what is this for?

Dave91 · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
So what is this for?

It gives a little bit of service history of some types of US service weapons. Like wether it was issued to the Navy, Marines, etc. Sometimes it's much more specific info. There was a thread like this on the cmp forums. Very few people get hits but when they do it's pretty cool.

Melnic · Dec 21, 2015

So for my 1911a1, M1 Garand and 1903a3?
Or must it be a Springfield only?
My Garand is the only Springfield

Dave91 · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
So for my 1911a1, M1 Garand and 1903a3?
Or must it be a Springfield only?
My Garand is the only Springfield

No, it should work for all makers. I know Rock Island info is in there too.

somd_mustangs · Dec 21, 2015

It goes "way back" too... for instance, my Colt 1860 Army wasn't in there, but issue info for several S/N's right around it were.

Machodoc · Dec 21, 2015

Here are copies of the indexes for the first three volumes -- posted, of course, in compliance with the "fair use doctrine" of U.S. copyright laws for the purpose of illustration and education.

Melnic · Dec 21, 2015

So, shall we post here or PM ya?

Machodoc · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
So, shall we post here or PM ya?

Post here would be preferred -- unless you are concerned about posting a serial number. In that case, post here and PM the serial No.

Melnic · Dec 21, 2015

Ok, I'll go
I have Receipts or paperwork for everything
1903a3 4768538
M1 Garand 2228310
1911a1 1483921
M1 Carbine 766960

Machodoc · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
1903a3 4768538

The vast majority of the listings in the SRS manuals are for the original M1903 rifles. There are very few for the later "A" series firearms.

There were no hits for this specific rifle, and no listings close to this number.

Vol. 1 - shows this within the serial number range for a Smith-Corona M1903A4.
Vol. 2 - same as above.
Vol. 3 - shows this within the serial number range for a Smith-Corona, but now saying they were for the M1903A3.

Melnic · Dec 21, 2015

Interesting on the differences from Vol1/2 to Vol 3.
My 1903a3 is a Smith Corona with a '43 barrel
I'm picturing you looking up the numbers in the book :

Machodoc · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
M1 Garand 2228310

Vol. 1 - 3 puts this into the serial number range of rifles made in 1939.

There is no hit for this particular rifle, and no listings for serial numbers that are close to this one.

Machodoc · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
Interesting on the differences from Vol1/2 to Vol 3.
My 1903a3 is a Smith Corona with a '43 barrel

Does the stock indicate a re-arsensal job?

Machodoc · Dec 21, 2015

Melnic said:
1911a1 1483921
M1 Carbine 766960

1911a1 1483921

As with other firearms, these records tend to mention earlier models, since they were drawn from reports that contained details that WWII, and later, reports tended not to bother with.

Volumes 1 - 3 - Serial number falls into the 1943 range for Remington-Rand. There are no hits for this specific gun, nor are there serial number hits close to it. It's interesting, but not significant, that the serial number for this gun is bracketed (distant hits on either side) by firearms that were issued to the USAF. This doesn't mean that yours was, though.

No listings for M1 carbines. Sorry!

Melnic · Dec 21, 2015

those distant hits show other pistols issued to USAF later in post WWII era?
There was no USAF in 43

GDGeorge · Dec 21, 2015

USAAF in '43. May be abbreviated?

Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

Machodoc · Dec 22, 2015

Melnic said:
those distant hits show other pistols issued to USAF later in post WWII era?
There was no USAF in 43

Of course there wasn't. This info is not just the manufacturer's "ship to" data in all cases. It references any time that a record was made of a particular firearm -- regardless of the date. In this case, the indication is only an undated notation that certain guns were shipped to USAG National Guard units. No date is noted for the entry.

6pack · Dec 22, 2015

OO! Me! Me! Can I go next??

I just picked up my first Garand (separate thread to come). Serial number 2,351,380.

:popcorn:

rpker · Dec 22, 2015

How far back can you go?

Spencer carbine serial #31021

My guess is 1861/1862

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