how do you find out what kind of pistol you have by the serial numbers?

Question

a friend of mine found a revolver type pistol and it only shows the serial number a 22 caliber bullet will fit it but he hasn't shot it he wants to find out what kind it is

Answer 1

If it were a Ruger or a Colt it would SAY Ruger or Colt on it.
Manufacturers of quality guns even long ago were proud of their products and put their names on them. Trying to identify it by features like action type or barrel length will be near impossible in most cases. Grip panel logos sometimes give a clue. Pictures would help but hands-on inspection is always best.
If it has no markings other than a number there's a very good chance that it's an extremely cheap and shoddy P.O.S. - perhaps even dangerous to shoot. Please don't try to fire it until it's been examined by a knowledgeable person.
Search on line for gun collector or shooter clubs in your area - contact the persons listed on their web site and ask them for advice. I'll guess they'd be glad to help you, or at least direct you to a local expert.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Where did your friend find this revolver? In the attic of his house? Or in a ditch on the roadside? The reason I am asking is that it may be stolen property or evidence in a crime, in which case it should be surrendered to the proper authorities immediately.

That said and assuming he found it in his grandfather's footlocker, then this is all that is known: 1. It is a revolver; 2. Evidently it is a .22. Next thing to look at: Is it a single-action, double-action, break-top, swing-out-cylinder? Is it a five shot, six shot, nine shot? Let's say the action opens by the top swinging down exposing the cylinder to load the bullets, it could be an old Hopkins .22 revolver which are interesting but not very collectible. Say it has a gate that opens to let you load the bullets one at a time, then it might be a Ruger. Look for a phoenix or eagle type bird with the wings spread up and an 'R' to verify it is a Ruger. This would make it a more valuable find. If it has the Colt logo, even better.

To answer your question, you can't really ID a gun by serial number and caliber alone. There have to be other identifiers. An emblem, logo, or letters. In the case of some of the older guns, action type helps. Sometimes you have to remove the grips, or open the action to find other identifiers such as logos. It would help if you could post a picture of it.

Good luck.

H

Answer 3

You can't. The only thing the serial # will tell you is, when checked by the police, is whether it is stolen or not, and possibly who the last owner was.
Some firearms makers, such as Colt and Smith & Wesson, will run a search in their archives, & can tell you the date of manufacture & shipment, but thet charge for it.
Most quality firearms will have a model name and/or no.# stamped somewhere on the weapon.
If you can't find this, a reputable firearms dealer should be able to find out for you.

Answer 4

take it to a local gun dealer, they can tell you what it is, and also if it its truely found and not stolen call the police dept. and read them the numbers and they can tell you if it is stolen.