Note: The 'F' prefix was not a standard chronological run. It was allocated to a special contract in 1964, two years after Winchester acquired the company. These were "transition" guns—Cooey actions stamped with the standalone name, but built with higher-grade Winchester steel specs for a government contract (Department of Lands and Forests).
Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup: A Complete Identification Guide
Before diving into the serial number lookup, it’s critical to understand the manufacturer’s timeline. The Cooey Machine & Arms Company was founded in 1919 by John Cooey in Cobourg, Ontario. The Model 840 was introduced in the late 1930s as an improvement over the earlier single-shot models (like the Model 39 and 84).
The Cooey Model 840 is a beloved shotgun with a rich history, and understanding its serial number system can enhance your appreciation and ownership experience. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can successfully perform a Cooey Model 840 serial number lookup and gain valuable insights into your firearm's production date, provenance, and collectibility. Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup
Your shotgun was manufactured between 1968 and 1979 . Post-1968 serial numbers often feature a letter prefix (such as "CE" or a single letter followed by a string of digits), which was standard for Winchester’s Canadian production lines.
Because specific serial-to-year records are missing, collectors rely on markings and physical features to date these firearms:
The Model 84/840 was the first shotgun designed by Cooey. It was an incredibly popular workhorse, with nearly Cooey Model 84/840 shotguns produced in total, plus more than 600,000 units produced as the related Winchester Model 370 and Model 37A. Note: The 'F' prefix was not a standard chronological run
Occasionally, assembly numbers were chalked or stamped here, though these are often indecipherable now. 3. Decoding the Stamping Myths
Have a Cooey Model 840 with a serial number you can't decode? Leave a description of the markings in the comments below, and the community will help you identify its era.
The Cooey Model 840 is a true Canadian icon. While its serial numbers present a fascinating mystery, the lack of a simple lookup database is part of its charm. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the firearm's history, the company that made it, and the people who used it. By understanding its history, markings, and features, you can uncover the story of your Cooey 840, even without a simple number search. Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup: A Complete
| Gauge | Barrel Length | Chamber | Serial Number | Reported Production Era | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 12 | 30" | 3" | 37776 | 1967-1979 (Model 840) | | 12 | 36" | 3" | 913503 | Model 840 (Winchester) | | 410 | 26" | 3" | 254263 | 1967-1979 (Model 840) | | 12 | 30" | 2¾" | 07283 | Model 840 from 1966 | | 12 | 30" | 3" | 93429 | Model 840 | | 20 | - | 3" | CF16996 | Model 840 (Winchester) | | 12 | 30" | 3" | 745049 | Model 840 (Winchester) | | 12 | 30" | 3" | 082564 | Model 840 (Winchester) |
Your shotgun was manufactured between the introduction of the model (mid-1960s) and 1968 . Step 2: Examine the Barrel Stamps and Roll Marks
Commonly associated with Cobourg, Canada production runs designated for specific retail distributors or export batches. Proof Marks and Other Identification Stamps
He flipped to the section on the H.W. Cooey Machine & Tool Company. There was a chart, hand-drawn by a historian in the 90s. It listed the prefix codes.