decoding serial numbers - The Firearms Forum

Roundeye · 01-13-2010, 04:08 PM

Im new to the gun world and just bought my first gun. Its an AMT Hardballer. I know some are good and some are bad, not sure on mine haven't got to shoot it yet. Anyway I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about it by the serial number? It doesnt say where it was made othe than the usa. Serial number is B23523

Alpo · 01-13-2010, 06:33 PM

Made in California. Originally AMT was Arcadia Machine and Tool. Seems like they went out of business and were taken over at least three times (possibly more). Each new owner kept the AMT name, so you're not really sure what you have, in terms of quality.

Having said that, I have a couple of AMTs. My Hardballer frame (I just bought the frame, and built a gun on it) is A17xxx, and I bought it in '83. I've had no problems with it. My other one is a CM serial, and was bought in '99. It's not as good.

Roundeye · 01-13-2010, 06:45 PM

I was hoping to find out how old it is?

Alpo · 01-13-2010, 08:31 PM

Well, that's why I posted my two. My "A prefix" number was from '83, while my "C prefix" number was from 99. That gives you a 16-years spread from where your "B prefix" number was probably made. Narrows it down more than what you did know, doesn't it?

Roundeye · 01-13-2010, 09:21 PM

yeah I suppose, when did they stop making the hardballer? I noticed the trigger on mine is different than every picture ive seen. Mine has three holes in the trigger and every picture is an olongated hole.

01-13-2010, 04:08 PM	#1
Roundeye Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	decoding serial numbers Im new to the gun world and just bought my first gun. Its an AMT Hardballer. I know some are good and some are bad, not sure on mine haven't got to shoot it yet. Anyway I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about it by the serial number? It doesnt say where it was made othe than the usa. Serial number is B23523 -->

01-13-2010, 06:33 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,771	Re: decoding serial numbers Made in California. Originally AMT was Arcadia Machine and Tool. Seems like they went out of business and were taken over at least three times (possibly more). Each new owner kept the AMT name, so you're not really sure what you have, in terms of quality. Having said that, I have a couple of AMTs. My Hardballer frame (I just bought the frame, and built a gun on it) is A17xxx, and I bought it in '83. I've had no problems with it. My other one is a CM serial, and was bought in '99. It's not as good. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

01-13-2010, 06:45 PM	#3
Roundeye Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	Re: decoding serial numbers I was hoping to find out how old it is?

01-13-2010, 08:31 PM	#4
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,771	Re: decoding serial numbers Well, that's why I posted my two. My "A prefix" number was from '83, while my "C prefix" number was from 99. That gives you a 16-years spread from where your "B prefix" number was probably made. Narrows it down more than what you did know, doesn't it? __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

01-13-2010, 09:21 PM	#5
Roundeye Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	Re: decoding serial numbers yeah I suppose, when did they stop making the hardballer? I noticed the trigger on mine is different than every picture ive seen. Mine has three holes in the trigger and every picture is an olongated hole. Last edited by Roundeye; 01-14-2010 at 12:57 AM..