Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Above, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Photo by Paul Hermans.

Ever wondered if the antique gun you possess is in its original configuration? Ever wondered about its manufacturing year?

These and other questions can be answered on firearms of several manufacturers by the Cody Firearms Records Office in Cody, Wyoming. It is located at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. I plan on visiting there this month.

From the Cody Firearms Records website:

The Cody Firearms Records Office currently provides manufacturing dates and configuration data on Winchester, Marlin, L.C. Smith, Ithaca, Savage, and A.H. Fox firearms using the original factory records held by the Center.

Factory letters are available to all individuals for a fee based on membership status and are typically mailed four to six weeks from payment receipt. Quick serial number searches are a Center Firearms Member benefit and are typically e-mailed within 2 to 5 business days of request. Learn more about membership.

Will your firearm letter? Take a look at this list of Available Serial Numbers for these manufacturers.

For more detail on our records, and a factory letter order form, click on your manufacturer below.

To read more, go here.