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US imported models should be like 2u1001 I think maybe you have one that did not get imported and was in the European serial numbers. (maybe) It could be from 1958 as the 'U' in the serial number means challenger and the 8 might mean 1958. Weird serial number browning uses. I think in Europe they started making them in 1958 and them browning started making them available in the USA in 1962.

More Browning Challenger Pistol Serial Number images.

I think in the past it was fairly easy for a serviceman to ship firearms from europe ti the USA using the military. Before pres Kennedy was shot the serial numbers were mainly a in house tracking device use by the maker for repairs and such.

To find out for sure call browning. Browning is weird on the serial numbers, Almost as weird as remington stamping the date made on the barrrel of the shotgun/rifle not on the reciever. Move a barrel and your date changes, The challanger was made in 1958 as it was stated on the web sight, I don;t think it was in the USA till 1962.

That is the only reason I can think of for the unique serial number. 801-876-2711 is the service contact number remember it is in Utah so don't call early. I also think you can request a letter on browning guns for a price.

Prepair for a hold time. Then to get to someone who knows something. It can take a while.

The price for a letter is now 39. Language Policy Hidden Agendas And New Approaches Pdf. 95 so a phone call is going to be cheaper. After 1975 the number year was a model number (3 numbers) letter code.

(two letters) and then the first one made was 01001. So a 655rt01001 would have been the first challanger II pistol made in 1976 this is for pistols. Now a browning BLR from the same year starts 01001rt127 which is just backwards from the pistols. It would have been the first browning BLR or 1976. The year codes are listed below (after 1975) and I believe they are still accurate, except for special runs for places like Ducks unlimited ect. Z=1 Y=2 X=3 W=4 V=5 T=6 R=7 P=8 N=9 M=0.