Number Lookup Springfield Armory: Serial
The act is deceptively simple—entering a string of digits—but the outcome is profound. It separates a "gun" from a "historical artifact." It distinguishes a clever forgery from an honest piece of Americana. It empowers the owner with knowledge about safety, value, and provenance. Whether the name on the barrel says "Springfield Armory" with an 1859 date or "Springfield Armory, Inc. – Geneseo, IL," the serial number is the immutable fingerprint of that firearm. Learning to read that fingerprint is not just a skill for the collector; it is the fundamental duty of any responsible owner who wishes to truly understand the object in their hands. In the world of firearms, the serial number is the first word in a long, fascinating story—and a lookup is how you learn to read it.
Springfield Armory, Inc. has produced a vast array of 1911s, from the basic Mil-Spec to the high-end TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) and the custom shop Professional. Their serial numbers often include prefixes that denote the model (e.g., "NM" for National Match). A lookup via their customer service can confirm the model, factory options, and original shipment date. serial number lookup springfield armory
Serial numbers for the M1A are sequential. A lookup can tell you the approximate year of production (e.g., a 5,000 serial number would be very early 1970s production, while a 150,000 serial number might be from the 2000s). It can also identify specific models, such as the Standard, Loaded, National Match, Super Match, or SOCOM 16. This is vital for valuation, as a genuine National Match M1A commands a significant premium. The act is deceptively simple—entering a string of
