Serial Numbers

Question
Hello Charles,
I have acquired some old rifles in a swap with a customer. About the only thing still readable on them is the serial number. Is there a way to the the information about the gun just from the serial number? Thanks.

Answer
Hello Steven. If there is a way, I haven't heard of it. Sometimes items including firearms can be found by the Patent Date or number. The only other way would be by photographs and a great deal of research.Take these to a gunsmith(which you should do anyway)and get as much information as you can from him/her. He can mic the bore to find the caliber and the chamber to find the case measurements, such as the total length,shoulder length and diameter of the case. Also if it is a rimmed or non-rimmed base.I advise not to try to fire any ammunition in these until the most research can be done.I will be glad to begin working on this research if you can send pictures and gunsmith information.  Charles Gage