The date code would be "W N" or August of 1966. The serial number also fits with that approximate date, too. I have two that were built in Nov '65 and one that was built in Jul '68 and your serial number falls in between the numbers of the ones I have. So, that's also how I came to determine which letters were the date code on your rifle.fsevin wrote:I have found info at this forum very helpful, but a rifle I just purchased has me baffled as to the date code. I understand the system, but can't figure out the following on the left side of barrel:
U W N 12
If the first letter is the month, U does not exist in BLACKPOWDERX. I understand that a repair coldl result in additional letters, but it would be 2 letters, so I should 4 if there were the case? And the month would be first, right? If so, the U still doesn't make sense. The is an older 700 in 30-06, serial number 233728. I bought it form a young man who inherited it from his step-dad, and he thought it was early 70's.
I would be grateful f someone on this forum could explain how I might be reading this the wrong way, or otherwise help me decipher this date code.
Thanks in advance!
Den
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