Aluminum Followers and dating

[rhloew]

Unfortunately (from a gun owners viewpoint), I am a Massachusetts resident for most of the year. Hi cap mags (> 10) are illegal unless they were produced earlier then 9/1994. I recently bought a "T" series BHP on GB and it dates to 1969 (came w/ original receipt). It included 3 mags, all 13 rd capacity. 2 of the mags had aluminum followers. My understanding is that this dates those mags to far earlier then the 9/94 cut off date for Mass Hi cap mags legality. I've been unable to find anything definitive on the dating, however. no markings on the mags that I can see. Can anyone help me on this that should stand up legally should the occasion ever require?
Thanks in advance,
Bob Loewenthal

[ToddSig]

Welcome to HPC rhloew

Among other Hi power related objects, I also collect period HI Power magazines.

I am not sure if there is anything specific from FN/Browning on the transition from aluminum followers to plastic. Perhaps the most definitive authority is Anthony Vanderlinden and his 3rd edition two volume set, FN Browning Pistols. Vanderlinden, in Book I, page 326 he writes regarding magazines, "FN introduced new changes in the 1963-1965 period. Aluminum followers were replaced with black synthetic and rust blue finish was replaced with salt bluing which gives a bright blue appearance". Also, in Volume II in his post war hi power time line, page 762, he lists 1962/1963 "Aluminum magazine followers are replaced by plastic". So you are 30+ years away from the period where they would be disallowed, so I would think you would be safe. You might wish to reach out to the Browning Historian (a lot of personnel changes over the past few years). Just call the Browning customer service number and ask for the Historian. They might be able to provide a letter. (if you go this route, please let us know so we can share with others).

Also, on some of these pre T and T series original Hi Power mags they were production date marked. That would be an absolute fool proof way. Look at the backside of the magazine, just over the floor plate. Some have a small single digit number with lines around it.

Also, in the late 1980s FN contracted with Mec-Gar to manufacture tubes, and then full mags. FN mags had no witness holes, Mec-Gar mags, even the Browning OEM did have witness holes. So post early 1990s, even OEM Browning Hi Power mags. made by Mec-Gar would have witness holes. Earlier FN produced, late 1908s would be FN produced without witness holes.

Here is an image of the production mark on a T series magazine, 2nd quarter 1967. You can occasionally find them on EBay or GunBroker, but you have to make sure they are marked.

[cmdrcody]

I for one is all for dating women with all types of followers.
😎

Just kidding, I don’t think aluminum followers were manufactured after the sixties or seventies even in India.