psciandra

9 of 10 times you can cross reference the serial numbers manufacture date with the ansi spec date, for instance a m97 01 xxxxx could be a 1997 or 2001, very close, if you cross the serial with the ansi spec date, ex. ansi 2000 xxxxx, you have just determined it is a 2001 by process of elimination. ansi specs change about every 4 years by my experience.