Unlike some manufacturers that require a proprietary database for serial lookups, Heckler & Koch uses a transparent alphabetical date code system. This code is typically found on the or frame, often near the proof marks. The HK Date Code Key
: 001M8 to 044M8 and 10001M8 to 10010M8.
: Manufactured in 2007 (often found on the final production runs). Serial Number Ranges by Model hk p7 serial number lookup
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1970 | KA | 1980 | UA | 1990 | | IB | 1971 | KB | 1981 | UB | 1991 | | IC | 1972 | KC | 1982 | UC | 1992 | | ID | 1973 | KD | 1983 | UD | 1993 | | IE | 1974 | KE | 1984 | UE | 1994 | | IF | 1975 | KF | 1985 | UF | 1995 | | IG | 1976 | KG | 1986 | UG | 1996 | | IH | 1977 | KH | 1987 | UH | 1997 | | II | 1978 | KI | 1988 | UI | 1998 | | IJ | 1979 | KJ | 1989 | UJ | 1999 |
The two-letter code is the date code:
HK uses a 10-letter cipher where each letter corresponds to a digit from 0 to 9: = 0 B = 1 C = 2 D = 3 E = 4 F = 5 G = 6 H = 7 I = 8 K = 9 (Note: 'J' is skipped to avoid confusion) Examples: ID : Manufactured in 1983. KF : Manufactured in 1995.
To decode, subtract the letter's position: A=0, B=1, C=2... So "IE" = 4 (1979), "IF" = 5 (1980). After "IZ", they reset with "AA" for 2000. : Manufactured in 2007 (often found on the
This is the most reliable method. On the underside of the trigger guard (or on the frame near the serial number), you will find small stamps: an (German commercial proof) or Eagle/N (post-1992), plus a two-letter code .