Bushmaster Serial Number Lookup

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May 17, 2009 Can you tell the age of a gun by the serial number? I just bought two Bushmaster AR-15s this month, both from Sportsman's warehouse. My first one was a floor model and after I got it home I realized that the storage case was all busted up and the charging handle on the rifle had some significant wear, probably from people pulling the charging. Jumbled serial numbers, call to get the history of suspect receivers. Olympic - Olympic Arms 620 Old Pacific Hwy. Olympia, WA 98513 (206)-459-7940 “Tom” Post-ban production is year-pre fixed, but they too, had receivers in the “float”. Non-prefixed serial numbers are not a guarantee of actual Pre-ban status. Bushmaster - Quality Parts Co. Bushmaster Manufacture Date Serial Numbers Were. Since serial numbers were not required until 1968, your firearm may not have a serial. If your firearm does have a serial number, if you will call or email us the serial number. Contact us by email or call us at 1-800-243-9700 Mon-Fri 9-5 EST. Please call us at 1-800-243-9700 M-F 9am-5pm EST to. Jan 30, 2004 Any Bushmaster with a serial number of L062xxx or higher, or BFIxxxxxxx is a post-ban. Serial numbers of L051xxx and below are pre-bans. Be careful with serial numbers in the L052xxx-L061xxx range - some are pre, others.


Remington Model 740A Autoloading Rifle


Introduced in 1955, over 2.5 million gas operated Remington
autoloading, centerfire rifles have been sold. The original
1955 Model 740 and the current Model 7400 are favorites of
deer hunters and carry on a proud tradition of fine autoloading,
centerfire rifles from Remington that began in 1906. The original
John Browning designed autoloader was first called The
Remington Autoloading Rifle and was later renamed in
Remington’s 1911 catalog to the now familiar Model 8. Its
reliability is legendary and many early models are still in use
today. Over 69,490 Model 8s, in calibers .25 Remington, .30
Remington, .32 Remington and .35 Remington were made from
1906 to 1936.

A Du Pont executive, Charles Krum Davis, took over
as Remington Arms Company President in 1933. He realized that
the venerable Model 8 autoloading rifle was outdated and
expensive to manufacture. A cosmetic rework, started in 1934,
resulted in the June 1936 introduction of the Model 81. It was
now called the Woodmaster and at least 55,581, in calibers .25
Remington, .30 Remington, .300 Savage, .32 Remington and .35
Remington were made from 1936 to the end of production in
1950.

Serious work on a completely new autoloading
centerfire rifle was started in 1940 and given the engineering
studies designation – Model 740. The new Model 740 and its
sibling – the Model 760 pump-action rifle – followed parallel
development paths until the December 7, 1941 Japanese
bombing of Pearl Harbor when all of Remington’s domestic
projects were put on hold. Development work resumed in late
1943 and by July 12, 1944 a formal proposal for development,
testing and production was requested. A prototype, in caliber
.30-06, was later demonstrated in 1944. It utilized an

aluminum
alloy receiver large enough to accommodate the .300 H&H
Magnum.

By 1947 there were two gun design teams working on
both the autoloading and pump action rifles – Remington’s
Technical Division, Ilion, New York working on the Models 740
and 760 and the Du Pont Engineering Department in
Wilmington, Delaware working on the Models 742 and 762. An
inevitable turf war developed and President Davis resolved the
conflict November 11, 1947 by making Du Pont’s L. Ray
Crittendon, who originally managed the design of the Springfield
1903A3 during World War II and later the Model 11-48
autoloading shotgun, a part of the Remington design team. His
Models 742 autoloading rifle and 762 pump action rifle, based
on the dimensions of the 28 gauge Model 11-48 shotgun
receiver, eventually were selected and subjected to extended
function and endurance tests. He also, in 1951, developed the
autoloading rifle magazine bolt release that had generated some
discussion in the early years. Remington’s safety principle,
used since 1906, was to see the rifle empty and open after the
last shot is fired. It is still in use today.

In the late 1940s, three gas operating systems, tappet
as used in the M1 Carbine, gas expansion as used in the M1
Garand and impulse reaction, were tested using a caliber .30-06
Model 721 bolt action rifle. The gas systems did not operate the
bolt but instead were connected to instruments measuring the
force generated over time. The impulse reaction system of gas
flowing in a tube that impinges on a blind hole in the action bar
was selected.

The Model 742 engineering studies designation was
changed to the Model 740 Woodmaster on May 22, 1950.

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The new Model 740’s introduction, originally scheduled for the
same January 1952 date as the new Model 760 pump-action rifle, was
delayed three years until February 1, 1955. Problems with the exhaust
gas corroding the forearm liner, hard opening of the bolt and magazine
feeding problems contributed to the delay.


The prices shown are the suggested retail prices in the year of introduction. The new Model 740 was introduced to the public in Remington’s 1955 consumer catalog. The receiver was drilled and tapped for scope mounts and a receiver sight. The new rifle had an overall length of 42 ¼ inches, a barrel of 22 inches, and weighed 7 ½ pounds. It was offered only in caliber .30-06 and in two grades: A – standard at $124.95 and ADL – “A Deluxe” at $139.95. The ADL grade featured a high comb, checkered straight grain walnut stock with grip cap and sling swivels. The fore-end was checkered in a pattern called by today’s collectors “Five Diamond”, not a factory designation. The BDL – “B Deluxe Special” grade,
introduced later that year for an additional $20.00, was the same as the
ADL except the wood was figured. A few rifles have been observed with
the BDL grade engraved after the model number but this is the exception.
Sales in 1955 surpassed all marketing expectations and totaled
97,620 rifles of which 74% were A grade.

The first production Model 740, serial number 1001, “F” grade
engraved and inlaid with gold game scenes by Remington master
engraver Carl Ennis, was presented to President Davis. It is now on
permanent display in the Remington Museum, Ilion, New York.

May 1956 saw the introduction of the caliber .308 Winchester.
Total sales that year were 50,143 of which 11,313 were in caliber .308
Winchester. It is interesting to note that in the first two years the Model
740 production totaled 147,763 rifles or 22,692 more than the total
combined production of the Models 8 and 81 from 1906 to the end of
production in 1950.

The .244 Remington was added to the list of calibers in 1957.
The 1958 changes included the addition of the .280 Remington caliber
and the discontinuance of the BDL grade. The Model 740 was discontinued
December 31, 1959 with a total production of 252,275 including


35 D & F grade engraved rifles. Around 1,000 caliber
.244 Remington Model 740s remained in the warehouse
and sales, in this caliber, continued through
1961 to clear the inventory.

The Model 742 began as a Model 740
improvement program in the spring of 1958. It
addressed the cartridge ejection problem by repositioning
the extractor and ejector along with widening
the receiver ejection port. A latch was fitted to the
bolt preventing bolt rotation when unlocked. The
scope of the redesign program was expanded in April
1959 to improve the accuracy of the rifle. A double
pitch screw provides the proper fore-end clearance.
Changes were also made to the operating handle, gas
nozzle and magazine latch. The magazine feed lips
were changed to improve cartridge feeding. This
improved magazine has the caliber designation boxed.

Page 174th Quarter 2009

The new Model 742, in two grades and three calibers .30-06, .308
Winchester and .280 Remington, was introduced January 6, 1960. The
standard A grade,at $138.50, had a plain uncheckered buttstock and vertical
grooves on the forearm. The $154.45 ADL “Deluxe” grade featured checkering
on the all purpose buttstock and forearm, grip cap and roll engraved game
scenes on both side panels. A screw attached rear sight, step adjustable for
elevation and screw adjustable for windage and set on a base was standard
for both grades.

The Model 742 carbine, with a 18 ½ inch barrel and 7 ¼ pound
weight, was introduced a year later in 1961. 742 CARBINE was stamped in
large letters after the caliber designation on the barrel. The CDL carbine
grade was equivalent to the ADL grade rifle. The prices were the same as the
rifles.

The single Standard grade stock with pressed checkering replaced
the A, ADL, C, and CDL grades in 1964 and cost $149.95. The Model 742 BDL
Deluxe, later called the Custom Deluxe, was introduced in 1966 for $169.95. It
featured a stepped receiver, Monte Carlo buttstock, flat forearm and pressed
basketweave checkering. It was available in a left handed version; however,
cartridge ejection was still right handed.

The Model 742 serial number sequence was changed on November
26, 1968 as a result of the 1968 Gun Control Act that required no two guns
from the same manufacturer have the same serial number. The initial Model
742 serial number sequence began at 1001 and ended at 396562. The new
serial number sequence, now shared with the Model 760 pump-action rifle,
began at 6900000.

Page 184th Quarter 2009




The Remington Model 742 was
discontinued December 31, 1980 with the
introduction of the Model Four and Model
7400. However, sales continued well into
1981 to clean out warehouse stock. Only
75 Model 742s were engraved in D and F
grades.

The total production of the
Model 742 was 1,497,169 of which 113,970
were carbines. A percentage of sales by
caliber and years offered include:

  • .30-06 – 75%, 1960-1980
  • .308 Winchester – 12%, 1960-1980
  • .280 Remington – 5%, 1960-1980
  • .243 Winchester – 6%, 1968-1980
  • 6mm Remington – 2%, 1963-1980

In 1974 Remington began a major product improvement program to replace
both the autoloader Model 742 and the pump action Model 760. By 1976 development
of the “New Generation Rifles,” as the models were called, was well under
way. The new autoloader rifles, now with model numbers, were introduced in late
1980 as the deluxe Model Four and the popular-priced Model 7400. Advertising both
in the catalog and the sporting press concentrated on the Model Four, and it wasn’t
until 1983 that the Model 7400 received equal billing.

The major improvements over the Model 742 were a simpler bolt, which now
had four lugs in place of nineteen, and a single unit replacing the breech ring and
barrel extension. A self centering conical gas seal between the barrel lug nozzle and
the action bar improved gas sealing and provided more consistent bolt speed.
Smoother operation came from a hardened steel receiver insert mated to a matching
lug on the bolt and heavier action bars. The magazine was redesigned and the
magazine release increased in size. The scope mount screw size and screw hole
spacing were increased for greater strength, thus Model 742 scope mounts will not
fit. Both the Models Four and 7400 retained the original Model 742 specifications of
an overall length of 42 inches, a barrel of 22 inches, and weight of 7 ½ pounds. The
Model 7400 cost $399.95 and the Model Four $449.95.

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Remington Model Four Autoloading Rifle

The Remington Model Four was introduced January
1981 as a replacement for the Model 742 BDL Custom Deluxe. It
featured positive cut checkering on a slimmer pistol grip, full
cheekpiece Monte Carlo buttstock, and a flared forearm. A
cartridge head medallion denoting the caliber was inlaid in the
barrel extension. Serial numbers, shared with the Model Six
pump-action rifle, started at A4000000. It was not offered in the
1988 catalog as production ended December 31, 1987. A total of
68,085 rifles, including two engraved rifles, were produced.
Percentage sales by caliber were: .30-06 – 52%, .270 Winchester
– 24%, .243 Winchester- 9%, .308 Winchester – 8%, 7 mm
Express Remington – 5%, and 6 mm Remington – 2%.

The following list is of Remington Model Four
shipments, by year:

1981 – 23,4801982 – 12,9591983 – 9,077
1984 – 6,9641985 – 7,0371986 – unknown
1987 – 3,8211988 – 1691989 – 1

Two unique promotional tie-ins were introduced in the
1982 catalog. The Bullet Knife R1123 returned to the Remington
list of accessories and a dealer could sell one for each Model
Four or Model Six sold. This has become one of the most
desired of the re-issue of Remington Bullet knives. The 1982
suggested retail price was $45. A Sid Bell designed pewter grip
cap insert for $9.95 was offered in four big game designs and
one blank for engraving.

Remington Sportsman 74 Autoloading Rifle

The Sportsman 74 rifle, a lower cost version of the Model 7400, was introduced in mid-
1984 with its own brochure. The Sportsman series was directed towards the mass merchandisers and
included the 74 autoloading rifle, 76 pump action rifle , 78 bolt action rifle , 581-S bolt action rimfire rifle, 12
gauge autoloader shotgun and a 12 gauge pump action shotgun. The Sportsman 74 was similar in style to
the 1950s A grade Model 740 and featured a plain, uncheckered straight comb, lacquer walnut finish
hardwood stock with the same specifications as the Model 7400. All metal was matte finish and the bolt
action Model 788 style rear sight was used. The Sportsman 74 was discontinued December 31, 1987, with a
total of 47,881 made in caliber .30-06 and 1,574 in caliber .280 Remington for the European market.

Bushmaster Ar Serial Number Lookup

Bushmaster firearms serial number lookup

The popular priced Model 7400, introduced in 1981
along with the Model Four, remains in production. The main
difference from the Model Four was cosmetic, as the Model
7400 retained the Model 742’s straight comb buttstock and
added fine-line press checkering in a fleur-de-lis pattern. It was
offered in calibers .30-06, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 7mm
Express Remington/.280 Remington and 243 Winchester. A
carbine model in caliber .30-06 with an overall length of 38 ½
inches, an 18 ½ inch barrel and weighing 7 ¼ pounds was
added in 1988. At the same time the stock finish was changed to
satin with no change in the order number. The .35 Whelen
caliber was added to the rifle line in 1993 and lasted until 1996.
The .280 Remington was dropped in 2001.

The first major change in the Model 7400 came in 1991
with an upgrade in the stocks and checkering. The restyled
stocks featured a Monte Carlo style buttstock and a new

pattern of cut checkering. The wood finish remained satin;
however, rifles, in calibers .30-06 and .270 Winchester, were
available with a gloss wood finish. The overall length of both
the rifle and the carbine increased by 5/8 of an inch to 42 5/8
inches and 39 ½ inches respectively.

The Model 7400 SP or Special Purpose was introduced
in 1993. The SP rifle featured matte finish metal, low luster wood
finish and a camouflage Cordura sling. It was offered in calibers
.30-06 and .270 Winchester. The SP model was not listed in the
1995 catalog.

Receiver panels of the Model 7400 were embellished
with pressure applied fine-line engraving in 1996. A game scene
with a pair of rams is on the right receiver panel and the left
panel scene had two elk. It was first noted as “new enhanced
receiver engraving” and is still in the line today.

Serial
Page 214th Quarter 2009


A synthetic-stocked Model 7400 was introduced in 1998 and, as of 2009, remains part of the firearms line. The fiberglass-reinforced buttstock and forearm as well as the metal work have a matte black non-reflective finish. It is offered both as a rifle and as a carbine in the same calibers as the wood-stocked models.

Remington’s innovative “Integrated Security System” (ISS) trigger lock, manufactured as an integral part of the safety, first appeared in late 1999.

The Model 7400 “Weathermaster” was introduced in 2002. It featured a black synthetic stock with a matte nickel plated receiver, barrel, and magazine for protection against inclement conditions. This item remains in current 2009 inventory.


The 1990s began the era of niche marketing as
distributors special ordered non-cataloged variations.. Black
laminated or brown laminated stocks were offered in some
years. Remington also produced a European market Model 7400
with a special two-shot magazine.

Several roll-engraved commemorative Model 742s and
Model 7400s have been offered. 11,412 Model 742s with a goldfilled
150th Anniversary logo on the left side were sold in 1966.
1,968 Canadian Centennial Model 742, in caliber .308 Winchester,
were sold in 1967. A number were offered as cased sets with
a similarly appointed Ruger 10/22.

Remington celebrated the Bicentennial by offering
10,108 Model 742s with a gold-filled 1776 – 1976 logo on the left
receiver panel. Fifteen hundred Limited Edition Model Fours,
commemorating over 75 years of autoloader rifle production,
were offered in 1982. Both side panels of the receiver were
etched with scrollwork and the left panel featured a gold plated
hunting scene based on a N. C. Wyeth painting from the
Remington Arms Company Collection. The right panel featured
gold plated Model 8 and the Model Four rifles. Approximately
5,000 of the 175th Anniversary rifles with an American Eagle and
a scroll design roll marked on the left receiver panel were sold in
1991.

Page 224th Quarter 2009

Fewer than thirty five gun sets, consisting of a Model 700

bolt action Model 870 pump shotgun, Model 1100 autoloaded shotgun,
Model 7400 autolader rifle and the Model 7600 rifle, were sold in 1996 to
commemorate the 180th Anniversary or Remington. The Model 7400 left receiver panel had a pair of rams, a bust of Eliphalet Remington and a 180th Anniversary banner, all gold embellished. The right receiver panel had two gold embellished elk. The 1997 catalog offered the Buckmasters Limited Edition M7400 with special pressure applied fine-line engraving on both receiver panels and fewer than 800 were sold.

Remington President C.K. Davis (1933 to 1953) , L. Ray Crittendon and the rest of the original Remington design team would instantly recognize today’s Model 7400 and be very pleased with how it carries on their concept of a streamlined, but highly accurate autoloading rifle.

Page 234th Quarter 2009
On-line Search/Sort Journal Index On-line Journal Articles

New Journals have links to
  • From the editor
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  • The Last word –
By Geremy Chubbuck ([email protected])
Excel Version

Disclaimer: This list is correct to the best of my knowledge, however, I accept absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy of this information or for the consequences and/or damages occurring from any inaccuracies. I have compiled this list for the purposes of sharing information only. This is not intended to be used in any way except for personal entertainment. It is a compilation of both personal information and information submitted from others from the Internet. ALL SERIAL NUMBERS SHOULD BE VERIFIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO ANY PURCHASE OR ASSEMBLY. It should be noted that it is a felony to possess a Post-Ban (newly assembled after Sept 13, 1994) assault weapon.

If any information presented here is found to be incorrect or you have additional information to contribute, please contact me via E-Mail ([email protected]) and I will update and re-issue the list.

Note: All items marked with a single asterisk (*) are taken from http://home1.gte.net/bblakley/ban/index.htm. The year/serial numbers under Colt SP series was forwarded to me by an individual whose return address I no longer have. Double asterisk (**) under Bushmaster, a person on the internet e-mailed me that he had a lower that was shipped stripped (thus not a complete rifle) in 1991 from Bushmaster with serial #0327XX - ALWAYS CALL TO VERIFY.

Advanced Armaments
No information - Apparently machined from bar stock aluminum, lowers are marked as M-15.

American Spirit Arms(Formerly 'Sun Valley Traders')
ALL lowers are Post-Ban. Began introduction of lowers and rifles in mid/late 1998. Noted as having good fit & finish. Also, reported to be manufactured by Lewis Machine & Tool.

Armalite/Eagle 800-336-0184
Slightly over S/N 30,000 was the Pre-Ban cut-off, call to verify.* (Some Eagle lowers below the 30,000 range were determined to be POST ban by BATF - call to verify) Armalite sells Eagle lowers, but sells factory complete rifles with Armalite lowers.

Bohica
Made stainless steel lowers, rumored to have also made AR-15 pistols. Lower marked M16-SA. This is NOT verifiable info as it came from the Internet. Out of Business.

Bushmaster 800-998-SWAT
Below L051000 - Assembled Pre-Ban Rifles and some pre-94 lowers.**
L051001-L063000 - Mixed Pre-Ban Assembled Rifles and Pre-Sept 94 Lowers (Call to verify)
L063001 and Up - Post-Ban

Bushmaster

Century Arms
Lower marked CIA. All are Post-Ban. Made with Olympic Arms Receivers under contract.

Bushmaster Serial Number Lookup

Colt 800-962-COLT
CC001616 and Below - Pre-Ban
CH019500 and Below - Pre-Ban
GC018500 and Below - Pre-Ban
LH011326 and Below - Pre-Ban
MH086020 and Below - Pre-Ban
NL004800 and Below - Pre-Ban
SL027246 and Below - Pre-Ban
SP360200 and Below - Pre-Ban
1963 SP00001-SP00023**
1964 SP00101
1965 SP02501
1966 SP05600
1967 SP08250
1968 SP10750
1969 SP14000-SP14653
1970 SP15001-SP15473
1971 SP16001
1972 SP19401
1973 SP24201
1974 SP32601
1975 SP43801
1976 SP55301
1977 SP67651
1978 SP83400
ST038100 and Below - Pre-Ban
TA10100 and Below - Pre-Ban
BD000134 and Below - Pre-Ban (AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine - very rare model)
MT00001 and Above - Post-Ban
BK000001and Above - Post Ban (CAR-A3)
CST000001 and Above - Post-Ban (Began Late 1997 Production)
CMH000001 and Above - Post Ban
CCH010000 and Above - Post Ban MT6700, MT6700C and MT6700CH series, 1998 production

Dalphon (360) 427-6867
All are POST ban. Cast 356-T6 Aluminum, hardcoat anodized per mil-spec A-8625

DPMS 800-578-3767
Below 10300 - Pre-Ban.
Some or all lowers are cast. Black in color. Some lowers are Stainless Steel.

Eagle Arms 309-944-6939
Now called ArmaLite. They will not give out a list, but will look up on an individual basis. Lower receiver serial numbers DO NOT begin with EA.

Essential Arms
All are Pre-Ban as they went out of business in 1993. (DPMS bought them prior to the Ban) Call DPMS Lower receiver serial numbers begin with EA. Some or all lowers are cast. Light gray coloring. It is rumored that Ruger investment casted the lowers for Essential Arms.

Frankford Arsenal
All are pre-ban. As rumor has it, Olympic Arms produced the lowers for Frankford Arsenal Call Olympic Arms and then Frankford assembled the weapon. A2 configuration lower. Frankford Arsenal went out of business in 1987. (Info from [email protected])

Hesse Arms
All AR-15's are post ban. Manufacturing began late 1997/early 1998.

J.L.M & Sons* (603) 425-1860
SC001 thru SC250 are Pre-Ban. All others are post ban.

Knights Armament Co.
All AR-15's are post ban, very few AR-10's are pre-ban. No further info at this time.

Military Manufacturing (M2) (FAX 702-263-7875)
All were military/law enforcement only. Full auto lowers were standard, semi were optional. Lowers were machined form raw bar stock with improvements incorporated - 18deg magazine angle and square mag release. (See: http://www.m2corp.com/HOME.htm)

Nesard
See 'Sendra' below.

Olympic Arms 360-459-7940

  • 4-numbers only - very very old. Probably machined from bar stock.
  • 1-letter and 4# - older receiver, but forgings. (Some are newer, POST ban castings - call to verify.)
  • 2-letters & 4# - most receivers follow this pattern.
  • 2#, 2 letters, 4# - the first two #'s are year of manufacture of the lower.
  • Cached
  • 2 letters, 6# (separated 2 & 4 - e.g. SA 96 0000) - first 2 #'s are year of manufacture.
  • 'ICR' marked lowers are an European customer's overrun, has an unused additional hole - all ICR lowers are post ban.

    Olympic Arms Manufacturer's Notes:
    1. There were some odd variations and some custom serial numbers mixed in thru the years also. And, some receivers manufactured after the ban have the year stamp after the model name, not in the serial #. And if you don't see a year stamp on the receiver, it is not necessarily pre-ban.

    2. Serial numbers that end in 'D' were duplicates and one was changed using this letter.

    3. Recently some serial numbers have left with one or two letters followed by FIVE numbers. The last numbers are either 5's or 0's. 99.9% of these are post-ban.

    4. 'Older' does not always mean pre-ban as per Corey Sattler.

    5. 'BL' serial number series lowers are transitional with some pre and some post ban. If you have a 'BL' you'll have to call to verify for certain.

    Professional Ordinance
    All are post ban (including all of the pistols).

    PWA (360) 438-3983
    35222 and Below - Pre-Ban (Note:Some lowers are cast not forged. Out of business) Post-ban have a year prefix in the serial number. Rumored to have only sold lowers.

    Bushmaster Serial Number

    Rocky Mountain Arms
    Producer of AR-15 type pistols.

    Sendra
    Post-ban receivers have a circle milled into the side of the magwell. They were originally bead-blasted to a non-glare finish. All others are pre-ban. (This is unverified info...) Also, they used to be NESARD. Rumored to have been owned by Dick Drasen (currently M&A Parts) and produced lowers only out of Barrington, Illinois. No complete guns were sold (again, unverified info).