How Do I Find Out What Gun I Bought?

Accurate firearm identification is essential for selecting the correct holster, sourcing compatible parts, and ensuring safe operation. Whether you are a first-time gun owner or have acquired a used firearm, knowing the exact make and model of your handgun, rifle, or shotgun is the foundation for informed ownership.

This guide outlines precise, technical methods to identify your firearm based on manufacturer markings, serial numbers, visual characteristics, and trusted reference materials.

Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Your Firearm Model

A. Locate Manufacturer Markings

Firearm manufacturers imprint critical identification details directly onto the weapon's frame, slide, barrel, or receiver. These markings include the make (manufacturer), model, caliber or gauge, and in some cases, safety warnings or patent information. The location and format of these markings vary by firearm type:

  • Semi-Automatic Pistols: Model and caliber information is typically engraved on the slide's left or right side, adjacent to the ejection port or forward of the chamber. Additional markings may appear on the barrel, frame (dust cover), or trigger guard. For example, Glock pistols display model and caliber on the slide, while the serial number is on the frame under the dust cover.

  • Revolvers: Identification markings, including make, model, and caliber, are usually found on the left side of the barrel, near the frame junction, or on the frame itself, visible when the cylinder is swung open. Serial numbers are typically stamped on the frame beneath the crane (the rotating arm holding the cylinder).

  • Rifles and Shotguns: Long guns typically display model and caliber information on the barrel near the chamber, often accompanied by proof marks, importer details (for foreign-made firearms), and chamber length (for shotguns). The receiver may also feature the manufacturer's logo, model designation, and serial number.

Always verify markings under proper lighting and magnification if necessary, as shallow engraving or wear may obscure critical information.

B. Understand Serial Numbers and Their Limitations

A firearm's serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer, required by federal law for tracing and recordkeeping. However, serial numbers alone do not always reveal precise model details. Some manufacturers, such as Smith & Wesson and Ruger, use sequential serial ranges linked to production years, while others may use proprietary coding systems.

Serial number lookups through resources like the Blue Book of Gun Values or NRA serialization guides can provide general information, such as production year and series, but multiple models may share overlapping serial number blocks. For instance, a serial number may correspond to several models produced within a year, requiring visual confirmation of frame geometry, barrel profile, and safety features

C. Use Trusted Reference Materials and Databases

When manufacturer markings are incomplete or serial numbers yield ambiguous results, consult trusted reference sources:

  • Blue Book of Gun Values: Comprehensive database covering production years, model variants, and general specifications.

  • NRA Serialization Resources: Summarized serial ranges for major manufacturers.

  • Cornell Publications: Reprints of factory catalogs, schematics, and model-specific documentation.

  • Manufacturer Support: Many brands, including Glock, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson, provide direct assistance through customer service or online FAQs for serial-based identification.

Cross-reference data from multiple sources for verification.

D. Confirm Visual Identification with Online Research

Once preliminary details are gathered, verify model identity by comparing your firearm to reference images and diagrams. Use manufacturer websites, collector forums, and Google Images for cross-validation. Pay attention to:

  • Frame shape and material (polymer, alloy, steel)

  • Slide profile and serrations

  • Barrel length and contour

  • Trigger guard shape

  • Control placement (safeties, takedown levers, mag releases)

  • Grip texture and backstrap configuration

For example, distinguishing between a Glock 30 and Glock 30S requires confirming slide width and frame dimensions.

E. When to Consult a Gunsmith or Professional

If markings are illegible, serial numbers are incomplete, or the firearm is heavily modified, consult a licensed gunsmith or FFL. Gunsmiths possess specialized knowledge, access to proprietary references, and diagnostic tools to identify models accurately. For rare, collector, or historical firearms, professional appraisal may also establish provenance and variant details.

Common Markings to Recognize on Firearms

  • Make/Manufacturer (e.g., Glock, Ruger, Smith & Wesson)

  • Model Designation (e.g., Glock 30, Ruger Mark IV Target)

  • Caliber or Gauge (e.g., .45 ACP, 9mm Luger, 12 Gauge)

  • Serial Number (unique to each firearm)

  • Proof Marks (for imported or historical models)

  • Safety Warnings (e.g., drop safety, magazine disconnect)

  • Importer Stamps (if applicable)

Connecting Firearm Model to Holster Selection

Holster fitment depends entirely on accurate firearm identification. Variations such as frame width, slide contour, accessory rails, and sight height directly impact holster retention and compatibility.

For instance:

  • The Glock 30S features a thinner slide than the Glock 30, requiring a holster molded for the 30S to ensure proper retention.

  • Firearms equipped with a Streamlight TLR-7A or similar weapon light demand light-compatible holsters that accommodate the added dimensions while maintaining secure lockup.

  • Holsters for optics-equipped pistols must allow clearance for red dot sights, ensuring a smooth draw path without interference.

Choosing a generic or universal holster introduces risk of improper fit, compromised retention, and unsafe reholstering. Precision-molded holsters—designed for the exact model and configuration—ensure safe, reliable carry.

Know Your Firearm, Choose the Right Holster

Accurate firearm identification is the foundation for selecting the correct holster, sourcing compatible parts, and ensuring operational safety. Confirming make, model, and configuration through markings, serial numbers, and visual features prevents errors in holster selection and enhances safe carry practices.

Always cross-verify information, consult trusted references, and when in doubt, seek professional assistance. Once your firearm is identified, choose a holster that matches its exact specifications for secure, reliable, and confident carry.

How do I find the model number on a firearm for holster fitment?

To locate the model number on a firearm, examine the slide or frame of a semi-automatic pistol, typically on the side near the ejection port, or the barrel shank of a revolver or long gun. Most manufacturers engrave the model name or number alongside the caliber and serial number, providing the necessary details for selecting a precise holster. Always verify both the model and generation for holster compatibility.

Can the serial number alone identify my firearm’s model?

The serial number on a firearm is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer, but it often lacks direct model information. Serial numbers can indicate production year or batch, but precise model identification usually requires cross-referencing with manufacturer records, the Blue Book of Gun Values, or visual features such as frame shape, barrel length, and safety configuration. Always combine serial lookup results with visual inspection for accuracy.

Why is knowing my firearm model important before buying a holster?

Knowing the exact make and model of your firearm is essential for selecting a holster that ensures proper retention, trigger guard coverage, and safe draw access. Model-specific differences, such as barrel length, frame width, slide profile, and accessory rails, directly affect holster compatibility. A holster designed for a specific firearm model prevents unsafe retention issues, trigger interference, or poor concealment performance.

How do I identify a firearm if the markings are worn or missing?

If manufacturer markings are faded, damaged, or absent, firearm identification requires a multi-step process. Examine unique physical features such as frame shape, control placement, magazine type, barrel profile, and sight configuration. Consult resources like the Blue Book of Gun Values, manufacturer schematics, and trusted collector communities. When in doubt, a licensed gunsmith can assess and verify model identity based on dimensional analysis and experience.

What resources can help me identify an unknown firearm model?

To identify an unknown firearm model, use a combination of methods:

  1. Inspect manufacturer markings on the firearm itself (make, model, caliber).

  2. Cross-reference the serial number with resources like the Blue Book of Gun Values or NRA serialization guides.

  3. Compare visual features to reference images, schematics, and manufacturer catalogs.

  4. Consult a gunsmith or firearm expert for professional assessment if needed.

  5. Engage with firearm-specific forums or collector groups for niche models.

What specific firearm features should I check when identifying my gun?

When identifying a firearm, assess critical design features including:

  • Frame shape and material (polymer vs. steel)

  • Barrel length and profile (standard, bull, threaded)

  • Slide design (serrations, width, optics cut)

  • Control layout (safety levers, mag releases, slide stops)

  • Grip configuration (backstrap size, texture, modularity)

  • Sights (iron sights, dovetails, optics readiness)
    These features, combined with manufacturer and model markings, confirm the firearm’s identity.

How do I match my firearm to the correct holster?

To match a firearm to the correct holster, start by confirming the exact model, barrel length, and generation. Consider additional factors such as accessory rails, threaded barrels, lights (e.g., Streamlight TLR-7A), or optics. Select a holster explicitly molded for that configuration, as precision fitment ensures proper retention, draw angle, and safety during use. Avoid universal holsters when model-specific designs are available.

Are there model differences that affect holster fit even within the same firearm family?

Yes, even within the same firearm family, subtle differences affect holster fit. For example, the Glock 19 and Glock 19x share core features but differ in slide width, backstrap design, and overall dimensions. Holsters must account for these variations to provide secure retention and proper trigger guard coverage. Always select a holster designed specifically for your firearm’s exact model and variant.

What is the role of a gunsmith in firearm identification?

A gunsmith uses specialized knowledge, measurement tools, and access to manufacturer references to identify firearms when markings or serial numbers are unclear. Gunsmiths assess frame dimensions, barrel contours, chambering, and mechanical features to determine exact model designations, especially for rare, modified, or collector firearms. Professional identification ensures accuracy for legal documentation, holster fitment, and parts selection.

How do proof marks and importer stamps help with firearm identification?

Proof marks and importer stamps provide additional data points for firearm identification, especially on imported or historical models. Proof marks indicate factory testing standards and country of origin, while importer stamps (e.g., CAI, Century Arms) reveal import pathways. These markings help verify authenticity, establish production history, and confirm model compatibility for accessories like holsters and parts.

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