Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup [work] May 2026

Breaking the Code: What Your Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Really Means

For generations of Canadian shooters, the Cooey Model 840 has been more than just a firearm—it’s a rite of passage. Millions learned to shoot with this humble, utilitarian single-shot .22 rifle. But if you own one, you’ve likely flipped it over, squinted at the tiny serial number stamped into the receiver, and asked: “What does this actually tell me?”

  • Verify the serial number's accuracy by re-checking the rifle and any documentation.
  • Consider consulting with a firearms appraiser or collector to gain a more informed understanding of your Cooey Model 840's value and history.
  • Be cautious when purchasing a Cooey Model 840 from a private seller, as some rifles may have altered or obliterated serial numbers.
  • For Insurance: Photograph the gun with a ruler. Detail the stampings (Cooey Model 840, Cobourg). Your insurer will accept "circa 1950" as a vintage date. Insure it for replacement value ($150 - $350 CAD depending on condition).
  • For Selling: Describe it honestly: "Cooey Model 840, no serial number, pre-1961 production, Cobourg, Ont." This is legal to own and sell in Canada (non-restricted) and most US states (antique/curio status).
  • For Family History: Use the physical features (extractor, stock, guide ring) to pinpoint a 5-year manufacturing window. Write that date into your gun log.

While many Model 840 shotguns have numbers stamped on the receiver or barrel lug, these are often assembly numbers used to keep matched parts together during manufacturing rather than true chronological serial numbers. Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup

  • Production date and sequence: Determine the exact date of production, as well as the sequence number, which can indicate the rifle's position in the production line.
  • Model variations and evolution: Identify any model variations, such as changes to the stock, barrel, or sights, and understand how the rifle evolved over time.
  • Authenticity and legitimacy: Verify the rifle's authenticity and ensure it's not a counterfeit or altered firearm.
  • Collector value and rarity: Determine the rifle's collector value, rarity, and desirability, which can impact its market price.

The Sights

  • No rear sight (bead only): Earliest models.
  • Simple notch rear sight dovetailed into the barrel: Later models.