Haenel 49a / 310 Sport Modell

[Josie & John]

Do you have one in your collection?

If so, would you mind telling me the date of manufacture, which is stamped on the butt - month followed by year? E.g. 10.52 for October 1952.

I'm trying to narrow down the date when the 49a became the 310.

Some sources state 1968/69, whilst 1964 has also been suggested.

Many thanks as always and a Happy New Year to all

John

[wonky donky]

Just had a look at my 310 & can't find any date markings or serial number anywhere John?

[Josie & John]

Just had a look at my 310 & can't find any date markings or serial number anywhere John?

Thanks for checking wonky donky. I don't believe these rifles were ever serial numbered and whilst I know 49a's had the date stamp on the butt, I'm not entirely sure the 310 did. Some of the date stamps on 49a's can become somewhat faded after a lot of use.

John

[Leonardj]

Hi John,
Happy 2015 to you, and all the other fine folks that frequent this forum.

Had a look at my two Haenels, and have the following info to offer:

1) Model 49A - s/n ML 005717 (located on RHS of stock, centered just forward of the butt), date code "1.60" (located on heel of butt).

2) Model 310 - s/n 904168 (also located on RHS of stock, centered just forward of the butt), no date code could be found.

[Josie & John]

Hi John,
Happy 2015 to you, and all the other fine folks that frequent this forum.

Had a look at my two Haenels, and have the following info to offer:

1) Model 49A - s/n ML 005717 (located on RHS of stock, centered just forward of the butt), date code "1.60" (located on heel of butt).

2) Model 310 - s/n 904168 (also located on RHS of stock, centered just forward of the butt), no date code could be found.

Thank you Len and a Happy 2015 to you too.

Interesting that both of your examples have serial numbers.

Any more out there?

John

[frakor]

Hi,wishing all members a good 2015.

John, this is what I have got:

Model 49 transitional date 8-53 no serial number
Model 49a date 10-52 #025695 on RHS and #N10016 on LHS
Model 49a date 6-53 no serial number
Model 49a date 8-57 #MD09239
Model 310 no date #213603
Model 310 no date #332518
Model 310 Sport no date #890554

In his book : Luftgewehre und Luftpistolen nach 1945 aus Suhl und Zella-Mehlis: written by Ernst G. Dieter,
he states the model 49a was made from 1949/50 untill 1967/68.

--------------------------
Frank

[Josie & John]

Hi,wishing all members a good 2015.

John, this is what I have got:

Model 49 transitional date 8-53 no serial number
Model 49a date 10-52 #025695 on RHS and #N10016 on LHS
Model 49a date 6-53 no serial number
Model 49a date 8-57 #MD09239
Model 310 no date #213603
Model 310 no date #332518
Model 310 Sport no date #890554

In his book : Luftgewehre und Luftpistolen nach 1945 aus Suhl und Zella-Mehlis: written by Ernst G. Dieter,
he states the model 49a was made from 1949/50 untill 1967/68.

--------------------------
Frank

Thank you Frank,

Happy New Year to you and all others on this forum from me too.

That is really useful information. I can see a pattern emerging of the date code being discontinued around the time the 310 replaced the 49a.

I have seen 1964 quoted on a Dutch website (albeit I had to translate the narrative) as the date when certain changes were made to the 310 range of models. I have also seen a 64 code on a spare parts list, which could possibly be a date? One of the reasons I started this thread was to see what dates emerged on surviving rifles.

Most sources I have seen do quote 1968/69 as the changeover date and I suspect Dieter's book is the primary source for this. I understand he was an ex employee in the East German factory, which made the Sports Model air rifles under the Haenel name, so his data is likely to be accurate.

Thanks again for taking the trouble to check your rifles for me.

Kind regards,

John