I tried searching the threads and just couldn't find anything, so here goes. Can a Montana be dated by serial number? I believe some have a number such as ML-10-123, which I think puts the year at 2010.

Mine has a number of ML-274. I knew it was an early model just by when my Dad purchased it used in late 90's. Wondering if it's from first production year?

Well I can give you some information on the first production year.

1998, 64"amo, Laminated Maple Riser, Brass Standing Bear Coin, Black Limb Glass, Black and White Glass Overlay Colors, and a ML- serial number prefix.

1998 to 2010 the Montana remained the same.

2011 to 2014 the riser was changed to Dymondwood.

2015 the riser went back to Laminated Maple.

2006 to 2008 there was the Montana Supreme. Rosewood and Zebrawood Riser, Clear Glass, White Glass and Zebrawood Overlays, and had a MLS-serial number prefix.

Thank you Frank. All those parameters fit.

Based on your second e-mail looks like it is too wide open to determine through SN. Thanks for info Frank.

Does it have wide tips and a large blocky handle? The early ones did before they refined them.Yours sounds like an early one.

Since your Dad purchased it used in late 90's I'd go with 1998 or 1999.

or possibly have the fred bear bust coin?

Fred Bear bust coin 1998 to 2003

Fred Bear bust coin.

1998 catalog.

Yes, has the bust coin and all the "chunky" features, which I used to dislike but have grown to really like, especially the blocky grip :-)

Dan I PMed you.

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