Mossberg serial number

[EddieG54]

I have an old bolt action 20 ga. shotgun made by O.F. Mossberg & Sons that I have owned since the late 60's. It is a model 185K-A. Trying to determine the age but unable to locate the serial number. Does not appear to be stamped on the barrel. Any suggestions?

 

[T Bran]

I am aware that in the past there was no requirement to have serial numbers on firearms.
As to when this ended I do not have a year but am sure someone can and will be forthcoming with the exact dates.
Good luck in your search.

 

[heeler]

The Blue Book mentions the 185's were made from 1947 to1959.
I think the K-A models were a later one in the production history,so probably late 1950's.

 

[rcmodel]

All handguns were required to have serial numbers by Federal law after the 1936 National Firearms Act.

Shotguns and small bore rifles were not required to have serial numbers until the 1968 Gun Control Act.

Prior to the 1936 NFA, higher priced & higher quality guns were alway numbered, such as those from Colt, S&W, Winchester, Marlin, and others.
Less expensive models from Winchester & and others were not.

Mossberg didn't quite see it that way, or sell for as much.
So most of them weren't numbered until after the 1968 GCA became law and required all firearms to include a serial number, manufactures info, and importers name if it applied..

rc

 

[EddieG54]

Thanks all for the information. I bought the shotgun in 1968 from a neighbor who had bought it new years earlier. This was my first gun and I think I paid about $25.00 for it. I think I'll keep it.