When was my Navy Arms Mississipi rifle built?

[Dennis Harvey]

I recently purchased a Navy Arms Mississippi rifle from a long-time N-SSA member, and I'd like to get a rough idea of when it was made. Just a curiosity thing and the serial number is in the high 48XX range. Not having much luck researching this on the inter webs...

https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/341877534_208398765235384_2109125395498220206_n.jp g?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=ZfjDNDx1KxEAX-wDfAs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDScX2NhVS_d4Sh5K-LMekmQLUZul5RAlDkZiw2vMv8wg&oe=6446F438

Thanks!

[geezmo]

Dennis,

The serial number doesn?t mean much. On the left side of the breech there should be a date/year code. It will be either Roman Numerals or, later in time, two capital letters. What are they?

[geezmo]

Dennis,

I should have mentioned, just google ?Italian proof and date codes? and you will come up with a bunch of sites that list and discuss them.

[Dennis Harvey]

Thanks! The numerals I see are "XXX", so 1974. Much appreciated!

[geezmo]

1974 it is. I have an old zouave with the same date.

Barry S.