The Cooey name (pronounced “KOO-ee”) was synonymous with affordable, rugged firearms for decades. The Model 840 was produced by of Cobourg, Ontario, and later by Winchester after their acquisition of Cooey in 1961. The 840 series includes bolt-action shotguns and rifles—often in .22 calibre or 12/20 gauge.
The Cooey Model 840 serial number range spans from 1948 to 1982, with over 260,000 units produced during this period. The serial numbers are typically found on the receiver, barrel, or stock, and are usually a combination of letters and numbers. The serial number range can be broken down into several sections:
: Original plastic buttplates often featured changing logo styles (from the Cooey shield to the Winchester logo) which provide clues to the manufacture date.
Back at the office, Elias sat in front of his dual-monitor setup. The Cooey Model 840 was a staple of Canadian hunting camps for decades—simple, reliable, and affordable. But information on specific production runs was notoriously scarce. Unlike Winchester or Remington, which had meticulous ledgers, Cooey records were spotty. Cooey Model 840 Serial Number Lookup
You might find a number on the barrel lug or the inside of the forearm. These are generally assembly numbers used to keep parts together during manufacturing, not unique serial numbers that can be looked up.
While a definitive digital database for a Cooey Model 840 serial number lookup doesn't exist, the gun itself tells its own story. By evaluating the presence of a serial number, analyzing the manufacturer's roll marks, and checking the wood styling, you can confidently narrow your shotgun's birthdate down to a highly accurate window. The Cooey Model 840 remains an enduring symbol of rugged North American craftsmanship—a simple, honest firearm built to last a lifetime. Share public link
can sometimes provide more granular data if you provide photos of your specific markings. part replacement How to decode the serial number on a Cooey 840? The Cooey name (pronounced “KOO-ee”) was synonymous with
Early versions featured solid hardwood stocks (often birch or walnut) with a smooth finish. Late-production models from the 1970s often featured pressed checkering on the pistol grip and forend to mimic higher-end shotguns, or used cheaper laminates.
H. W. Cooey manufactured firearms in Cobourg, Ontario. During this time, Canadian firearms laws did not mandate serial numbers on rimfire rifles or utility shotguns. Consequently, early Cooey firearms rarely carried a serial number.
If your gun has a brand name like "Ranger" (Eaton's), "Sure Shot" (Simpson's), "Mercury" (Woodward's), or "Hiawatha" (McLeod's), it is a "house brand" of the Model 840. The Cooey Model 840 serial number range spans
"So?" Sarah asked. "Is it worth millions?"
Since a precise lookup isn't possible, you can use a process of elimination to narrow down the production period of your gun. Here is a step-by-step guide:
: This is the most common location for post-1968 models.