date your Franchi

[cswaffie]

I have finally found out how to determine the age of my 612. Apparently, Italian guns are given a year code stamp when they are prooved. In the case of Franchi/Benelli/Beretta it is two capitol letters inside a square. Here is a link to the page that shows what letters correspond with what years. Cool.

http://www.berettaweb.com/DL1.htm

CS

[craigb703]

CS,

Thanks for this info. Does it apply to any Franchi? I have a 48AL (my first shotgun) bought in 71-72 from Gibsons showing a prooved date of 66.

[craigb703]

CS,

Thanks for this info. Does it apply to any Franchi? I have a 48AL (my first shotgun) bought in 71-72 from Gibsons showing a prooved date of 66.

[cswaffie]

Hmmm....good question. From what I understand this date coding stamp is an Italian government requirement, not just a Beretta thing. So, it could be that it was made well before you bought it. Of course, I am not claiming to be the answer here, just sharing info! Heck, I even checked my Brown Bess (Pedersoli made) and it has the stamp!

HTH. CS.