We are compiling a date code reference for the Mossberg 500 series of guns. This information has never been in the public domain. We're going to fix that but we need your help. Mossberg serial numbers are typically 7-characters. They have a letter prefix and then 6 numbers, like this: A123456 or Z654321. ALPHA comes before BRAVO, and 100000. Is the Mossberg 400 Palomino lever-action.22 a good rifle? There is one at the local gunshop for $325. It's in excellent condition, but that price seems steep. I have a Mossberg 144, and it's an awesome rifle. I was wondering if the Palomino is considered a good lever-action.

If you need information on any older/discontinued Mossberg® rifles, shotguns or parts, please contact the National Mossberg Collectors’ Association. The NMCA has the historical data to answer all of your questions.

National Mossberg Collectors’ Association
PO Box 487
Festus, MO 63028
Telephone: (636) 937-6401
Website: www.mossbergcollectors.org

The National Mossberg Collectors Association was formed in 1988, with a small number of shooters and collectors interested in Mossberg® firearms and accessories. Today, the club is made up of more than 1,000 members throughout the world.

Victor and Cheryl Havlin, President and Vice President of the NMCA, wrote the first comprehensive history book of Mossberg firearms, “Mossberg, More Gun for the Money.” The book is available in both soft and hard cover and can be purchased through the NMCA or the Mossberg® parts and service department.

Mossberg 22 LR US Property 44 Production Numbers, Dates & Contract Numbers

Thanks to Hagar for the following Info!

Mossberg 500 Serial Number Location

44US CONTRACTS
Date Contract Quantity Unit $ Serial Numbers
1/21/43 W-478-ORD-3125 14,500 $16.65 100,001-114,500

3/1/43 W-478-ORD-3293 7,000 $14.65 114,501-121,500

5/1/43 W-478-ORD-3675 10,380 $14.65 121,501-131,880

1943* 131,881-134,997

1943* 135,001-135,500

Serial Number Location On Mossberg 500a

10/15/43* W-19-059-ORD-305 3,421 $--.-- 135,591-138,921

1/31/44 W-19-059-ORD-622 Parts $37,25.25 Entire Lot

1/31/44 W-19-059-ORD-1627 12,527 $14.65 139,922-152,448

8/31/44 W-19-059-ORD-1734 13,200 $14.65 152,449-165,648

1/3/45* W-19-059-ORD-2378 10,500 $--.-- 165,649-177,948

*Due to contract cutbacks and cancellations, serial numbers 131,881-134,997 and 135,001-135,500 and 135,591-138,921 and 165,649-177,948 produced, but never issued.

Speculation on Drilled and Tapped Receivers

The theory is that some M44US receivers were drilled and tapped for scope mounting even though the Government contracts never called for them. Also some rifles that were drilled and tapped were marked M44US and some were marked M44US(a). Although the rifles marked M44US(a) do not have all of the civilian features, mainly the adjustable trigger. The guess on the serial number range on the drilled and tapped receivers are ~140,000-144,000. This means that roughly 4,000 rifles were produced with the drilled and tapped receivers.

Mossberg 22 LR US Property 44 Production Numbers, Dates & Contract Numbers

Mossberg Serial Number Check