Trying to verify non-prefixed Savage 340 serial numbers

[The Machinist]

Hey guys, I need a little help here. It has been pretty common knowledge that the Savage 340 series rifles were not serial numbered prior to the 1968 GCA. However in putting together my web article, http://www.leeroysramblings.com/Gun%..._bolt_act.html I have discovered that there are enough non-prefixed serial numbered guns out there to suggest that they may have indeed been numbered prior to 1960 as verified by the Chicopee falls address. These would have had to pre date the GCA act of 1968.

Can anyone verify this, & if so at what start date/serial number, AND the stop date in 1969?

[J.Baker]

Savage elected to serial number most of their guns prior to the GCA making it mandatory. However, many of the more budget oriented utility models (219/220's, 94's, etc.) frequently weren't and/or had periods where they were and weren't serial numbered. I think the latter likely has to do with the various different owners Savage had during that time frame. As with most anything Savage, getting accurate and reliable historical data is darn near impossible - again primarily due to the multitude of owners and poor record archiving from owner to owner.

[Mad Dog]

Also if the rifle is Chicopee made it should have a date code stamped on it.

[The Machinist]

OK, enlighten me on the Chicopee Falls date code.

Also at that time (1950-1968) the ownership change did not happen, that was way larter.

[Mad Dog]

It's a small oval stamp with a number and a letter stamped inside of it, if it has one I can date it.

[J.Baker]

Also at that time (1950-1968) the ownership change did not happen, that was way larter.

I was talking in general for all Savage/Stevens models made prior to 1968. There were several ownership changes in the first half of the 1900's.