The Cooey name (pronounced “KOO-ee”) was synonymous with affordable, rugged firearms for decades. The Model 840 was produced by Cooey Machine & Arms Co. of Cobourg, Ontario, and later by Winchester after their acquisition of Cooey in 1961. The 840 series includes bolt-action shotguns and rifles—often in .22 calibre or 12/20 gauge.
If your gun has a serial number on the barrel but also says "Made in Canada" with an importer's stamp (e.g., "O.F. Mossberg & Sons"), it was an American-export model from the 1960s. In this case, the serial number is purely for US GCA 1968 compliance and offers no date.
Let’s say your rifle has serial number 812345 on the left receiver flat, with “Cooey Model 840” and a small “Winchester” marking. That suggests 1963–1964 production, likely for the U.S. export market. Without factory letters, you won’t get an exact day or month—but that’s as close as anyone can get.
Locating a definitive serial number lookup for the Cooey Model 840
is a common challenge for collectors, as comprehensive factory records for Cooey firearms are generally unavailable. Because the Model 840 was produced during and after the transition when Winchester
acquired Cooey in 1961, dating these shotguns often relies more on physical markings and minor design changes than on a central database. 1. Where to Find the Serial Number
If your Model 840 has a serial number, it is typically stamped in several specific locations. Note that some late-production Cooey shotguns may not have serial numbers at all, as they were not always required by Canadian law during their peak production years. On the right or left side of the action. Underneath the wooden fore-stock/fore-end. Butt Plate:
Stamped or chalked on the wood underneath the butt plate or shoulder stock. 2. Identifying Your Model 840’s Age
Since a direct lookup tool does not exist, you can narrow down the manufacturing date by examining these key physical traits: Pre-1961 (Model 84) 1961–1967 (Model 84/840 transition) 1968–1979 (Model 840) Stamped "H. W. Cooey Machine & Arms Company" Stamped "Winchester-Western (Canada) Limited" Continued Winchester-Western stamp Model Name Labeled "Model 84" Often labeled "Model 84" but with Winchester stamps Labeled "Model 840" Stock Material Primarily Walnut Transition from Walnut to Birch/Maple Birch or Maple (often with stampings on the stock) Hammer Style Standard spur Transitioning styles Up-curved hammer spur (similar to Winchester 37A) 3. Deciphering the Numbers Four-Digit Numbers:
Many early Model 84/840s feature simple four-digit serial numbers, sometimes accompanied by a small "cartouche" or symbol above the numbers. Letter Suffixes: Some owners have reported serial numbers ending in a
(or a "0" that looks like a C), which may indicate specific production runs or export variants, though no official Winchester records have confirmed this. Estimated Production: Total production for the Model 84 and 840 series exceeded 1.9 million units between 1947 and 1979. 4. Expert Resources for Specific Inquiries
If you need an exact year for insurance or appraisal purposes, the following resources are frequently cited by the Cooey community: Expert Researchers: Collector and author Scott Jamieson
has conducted extensive research on Cooey serialization and is a primary contact for owners seeking historical data. Valuation Services: Sites like Hallowell & Co. Winchester Club of America Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup
can sometimes provide more granular data if you provide photos of your specific markings. part replacement How to decode the serial number on a Cooey 840?
The Ultimate Guide to Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup
Are you a firearms enthusiast or a collector looking to learn more about the Cooey Model 840 rifle? Perhaps you're trying to determine the age, production date, or provenance of your Cooey Model 840. Whatever the reason, understanding the serial number on your firearm can provide valuable insights. In this article, we'll explore the world of Cooey Model 840 serial number lookup and provide a comprehensive guide to help you decode the mysteries of your rifle.
Introduction to the Cooey Model 840
The Cooey Model 840 is a bolt-action rifle produced by the Canadian company, E.M. Cooey Limited, which later became part of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corporation (RCOC). The Model 840 was manufactured from 1948 to 1961 and chambered in various calibers, including .303 British, .308 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield. This rifle was widely used by Canadian military forces, police departments, and civilians for hunting and target shooting.
Understanding the Cooey Model 840 Serial Number
The Cooey Model 840 serial number is a unique identifier assigned to each firearm during production. The serial number is typically located on the receiver, barrel, or stock of the rifle. For the Cooey Model 840, the serial number is usually a six-digit number, ranging from 000001 to 849999.
Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup: A Brief History
In the early days of firearms production, serial numbers were not always systematically recorded or preserved. However, as the industry evolved, manufacturers began to maintain more accurate records of production, including serial numbers. For the Cooey Model 840, production records were kept by the company, but unfortunately, these records are not always publicly accessible.
Methods for Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup
While there is no centralized database for Cooey Model 840 serial numbers, there are several methods you can use to lookup your rifle's serial number:
Decoding Cooey Model 840 Serial Numbers
While there is no standardized system for decoding Cooey Model 840 serial numbers, some collectors and researchers have identified patterns and correlations. Keep in mind that these findings are based on incomplete data and should be used as a guide only:
Additional Tips and Considerations
When conducting a Cooey Model 840 serial number lookup, keep the following tips in mind:
Conclusion
The Cooey Model 840 serial number lookup can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for firearms enthusiasts and collectors. While there is no single, definitive resource for decoding serial numbers, a combination of research, inspection, and consultation with experts can provide valuable insights into the history and provenance of your rifle. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of firearms, understanding the Cooey Model 840 serial number can deepen your appreciation for this iconic Canadian rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is the serial number located on a Cooey Model 840? A: The serial number is typically located on the receiver, barrel, or stock of the rifle.
Q: What is the production date range for the Cooey Model 840? A: The Cooey Model 840 was produced from 1948 to 1961.
Q: Can I contact the manufacturer for serial number lookup? A: Although E.M. Cooey Limited is no longer in operation, you can try contacting the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corporation (RCOC) or the Canadian War Museum to inquire about available production records.
Q: Are there any online resources for Cooey Model 840 serial number lookup? A: Yes, online forums, communities, and reference books can provide guidance on researching your Cooey Model 840 serial number.
Additional Resources
Finding a serial number on a Cooey Model 840 is often a challenge because most were never assigned one. Historically, Canadian law did not require serial numbers on long guns until the late 1960s, and because the Cooey 840 was produced between 1967 and 1979, many early units left the factory without any unique identification marks . The Serial Number Reality The Cooey name (pronounced “KOO-ee”) was synonymous with
For the Cooey Model 840 (the successor to the Model 84), serial numbers typically only appear on units manufactured after October 1968, following the implementation of the U.S. Gun Control Act, which influenced North American manufacturing standards .
If your gun has no serial number: This is common and perfectly legal for firearms manufactured before the 1968 requirement .
If your gun has a serial number: It is usually found on the left side of the receiver or occasionally stamped on the barrel near the chamber . Determining Manufacture Date
Because no centralized, public database exists for Cooey serial numbers, owners must rely on physical markings and historical production windows to estimate the age: Manufacturer Stampings:
Units stamped with "H.W. Cooey Machine & Arms Co." were made earlier in the production run.
Units stamped with "Winchester-Western (Canada) Ltd." were produced after Winchester acquired the company in 1961 .
Model Transition: The Model 840 specifically launched in 1967 and was discontinued in 1979 when the Cobourg, Ontario plant closed .
Proof Marks: Look for small stamps on the barrel or receiver (often a "C" with an arrow or a "P" in a circle). While these don't provide an exact year, they confirm Canadian military or commercial proofing standards of the era. Comparison: Model 84 vs. Model 840 Cooey Model 84 Cooey Model 840 Production Years 1948–1966 1967–1979 Common Markings H.W. Cooey Winchester-Western Serial Numbers Extremely Rare Post-1968 Units Only Estimated Value $50–$150 CAD $50–$150 CAD Tips for "Lookup"
If you have a serial-numbered Model 840 and want more details, your best resource is the NRA Museums serialization guides or specialized collector forums like Canadian Gun Nutz, as Winchester did not maintain detailed individual records for the budget-friendly Cooey line .
Are you looking to appraise this firearm or simply identify its specific year for collection purposes? SERIALIZATION - NRA Museums:
There is no public, searchable database for Cooey 840 serial numbers. Not from the RCMP, not from Winchester, and not from the original Cooey company (which closed decades ago).
Why?
So if you’re hoping to enter a number online and get a production year—you won’t. But you can date your rifle using other clues.
Because digital serial number lookup tools for the Cooey Model 840 are non-existent, you need to turn to the community of Canadian firearms collectors.