Russdustus, (love that handle BTW)
I got my numbers from Edward Hull's Burnside Breechloadiing Carbines and Rifles. I hope this does not come across as snarky because that is not my intent. On page 86 the author states,"That the total number of 1519 Third Model carbines delivered approximates the total production is confirmed by a review of the serial numbers of surviving example. The serial numbers run sequential from the end of Second Model production. A low number of 2395 and a high number of 4091 has been observed, a spread of 1696. If the postulated transition number from the Second Model is 2300 and the transition point to the Fourth Model is postulated at about 4100, that would be a spread of 1,800." On page 92 he states, "In a survey of serial numbers, which are sequential from the Third Model, the lowest number is 4482 and the highest is 11321, a spread of 6,938. The transition point from the Third Model is postulated to be 4100; A Fifth
Model carbine with serial number 11534 has been observed making it likely that the transition point to the Fifth Model is about number 11,400;". Since I am as far from expert as one can get and still know what end has the bullets come out I based my numbers on the book. Anyway its a Burnside and I'm pleased as punch to have them. Anybody have better information I would like to read it and gladly take my portion of humble pie. Oh, and Opening Day is next thursday. H