The Remington 870 shotgun, a legendary firearm celebrated for its reliability and versatility, boasts a rich history reflected in its serial numbers. Understanding your Remington 870's serial number prefix can unlock a wealth of information about its manufacturing date and potentially even its production location. This guide will help you decipher your shotgun's serial number prefix and learn more about its place in Remington's legacy.
Understanding Remington 870 Serial Numbering
Remington 870 serial numbers aren't simply random strings of characters. They're carefully constructed codes that contain valuable information about the gun's production. While Remington doesn't publicly release a comprehensive serial number database, collectors and enthusiasts have compiled extensive resources based on observed patterns and documented examples.
Key Considerations:
- No Single, Universal Key: Unfortunately, there's no single, definitive key to translate every Remington 870 serial number prefix into a precise date. The system evolved over time, and manufacturing practices varied.
- Prefix Variation: The prefix itself (the initial letters and/or numbers) is the most informative part. The rest of the serial number is usually a sequential number assigned during production.
- Model Variations: The serial number prefix may also vary slightly depending on the specific model of Remington 870 (e.g., Wingmaster, Express, Police Magnum).
How to Find Your Serial Number
Before we delve into interpreting prefixes, let's ensure you know where to locate your Remington 870's serial number. It's typically found:
- On the receiver: This is the main body of the shotgun, usually located on the underside or the side.
- Stamped or etched: The serial number will be permanently marked into the metal.
- Check multiple areas: If you're having trouble finding it, carefully examine the receiver from all angles.
Interpreting Remington 870 Serial Number Prefixes (A Guide to Common Patterns)
While a precise, universally accurate chart is unavailable, we can discuss general patterns observed by collectors. Remember, these are broad generalizations, and exceptions may exist.
Examples of Common Prefix Patterns (Illustrative, Not Exhaustive):
It's crucial to understand that these are examples and not a definitive list. The actual prefix and its corresponding date range can vary. Further research may be necessary based on your specific prefix.
- Early Production (Pre-1950s): These often lack alphanumeric prefixes and may consist of purely numerical sequences. Pinpointing the exact year without additional information can be challenging.
- Mid-20th Century: These often feature letter prefixes combined with numerical sequences (e.g., "M...", "P...", "L..."). Specific letter combinations and their correlations with time periods vary significantly and require extensive research within dedicated online communities of Remington 870 enthusiasts.
- Later Production (1970s onwards): These serial numbers often show more complex alphanumeric patterns. Again, without a dedicated database, determining the exact date is difficult.
Where to Find More Information
To refine your search and potentially find more precise information related to your Remington 870's serial number prefix, consider exploring these resources:
- Online Forums and Communities: Many online forums dedicated to firearms, particularly Remington shotguns, have active members who may be able to assist in interpreting your serial number. Engage in discussions and share your prefix to potentially find someone with similar experience.
- Gun Collectors' Websites: Several websites cater to collectors of antique and modern firearms. These sites may have databases or articles discussing serial number decoding.
- Remington's Customer Service (With Caution): While Remington may not provide a full serial number decoder, contacting their customer service with your serial number might yield limited information, such as confirming if it's a genuine Remington 870.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always handle firearms safely and responsibly, and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. This information should not be considered definitive due to the complexities and evolution of Remington's serial number system.
By combining the information found here with further research in dedicated communities, you'll greatly increase your chance of deciphering your Remington 870's serial number prefix and uncovering a piece of its fascinating history.
