I enjoy this web site and appreciate all of the information that is shared here.

I just came across a Colt Sporter Light Weight rifle that has a serial number that I can not match up with any of the serial number lists. The serial number seems low and I think it may be a pre-ban rifle. The S/N is: CSL00XXXX
My confusion is the "C" at the beginning of the number. The lists that I have been able to find only show "SL" numbers, (minus the "C").
Can anyone tell whether this S/N fits in the "SL" series? I'm hoping that the "C" just means Colt and that this is a pre-ban.

Emails are welcome. Thank You for any assistance!

Craig

Colt 800-962-COLT
CC001616 and Below - Pre-Ban
CH019500 and Below - Pre-Ban
GC018500 and Below - Pre-Ban
LH011326 and Below - Pre-Ban
MH086020 and Below - Pre-Ban
NL004800 and Below - Pre-Ban
SL027246 and Below - Pre-Ban
SP360200 and Below - Pre-Ban
1963 SP00001-SP00023**
1964 SP00101
1965 SP02501
1966 SP05600
1967 SP08250
1968 SP10750
1969 SP14000-SP14653
1970 SP15001-SP15473
1971 SP16001
1972 SP19401
1973 SP24201
1974 SP32601
1975 SP43801
1976 SP55301
1977 SP67651
1978 SP83400
ST038100 and Below - Pre-Ban
TA10100 and Below - Pre-Ban
BD000134 and Below - Pre-Ban (AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine - very rare model)
MT00001 and Above - Post-Ban
BK000001and Above - Post Ban (CAR-A3)
CST000001 and Above - Post-Ban (Began Late 1997 Production)
CMH000001 and Above - Post Ban
CCH010000 and Above - Post Ban MT6700, MT6700C and MT6700CH series, 1998 production

Yes, but where does the "CSL" fit?

For a serial number it doesn't match anything on the list. Might want to check with colt on the C otherwise it looks to be possibly pre-ban

Craig,

Good source for serial numbers and markings is [url]http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/[/url]

A three letter prefix is a post-ban.  You sure it is a Sporter?  Sounds like a Match Target to me.  The pre-ban Sporter Light Weight has the prefix SL.

If you call Colt .. they will tell you 3 letters CSL or even CCH mean POST ban and will even tell you approximate (if not actual) date the weapon was produced ...
I had found a CCH001299 and as you can see according to the list the CCH010000 are POST ban and 1998 production .. well the CCH001299 was (according to a phone call with Colt)early 1995 production... alas POST ban...
Ted...