The Remington 870—a legendary pump-action shotgun—has a rich history spanning decades. Owning one is often more than just possessing a firearm; it's inheriting a piece of American history. But knowing your Remington 870's history can be more than just satisfying curiosity; it can be crucial for verifying authenticity, tracing ownership, and even assisting in insurance claims or legal matters. This guide delves into the process of researching your Remington 870's serial number and what information you might uncover.
Understanding Remington 870 Serial Numbers
Remington's serial number system isn't publicly accessible in a central database like some other manufacturers. This means there's no single website where you can simply input your serial number and receive all the details. However, several avenues can help you uncover information about your shotgun.
What the Serial Number Doesn't Tell You
Before we explore what you can find, let's clarify what you cannot typically determine from a Remington 870 serial number alone:
- Exact Manufacturing Date: While the serial number provides a general timeframe, pinpointing the exact manufacturing date often requires additional research and cross-referencing with Remington's historical production records (which are not publicly available).
- Original Owner: Remington doesn't publicly share ownership history associated with serial numbers. This information is generally considered private.
How to Research Your Remington 870 Serial Number
Several methods can aid your search. Remember, patience is key, as the process might require some detective work.
1. Utilizing Online Forums and Communities
Engaging with online communities dedicated to firearms, particularly Remington 870 enthusiasts, can be incredibly helpful. Forums often have experienced collectors and researchers who may have encountered similar serial numbers or possess resources that could assist you. Be sure to be respectful and follow community guidelines when posting your serial number. Remember to never share personally identifying information beyond the serial number itself.
2. Consulting Remington Directly (Limited Information)
While Remington doesn't provide a public serial number lookup, contacting their customer service might yield some limited information regarding manufacturing timeframe or potential model variations based on your serial number's prefix or suffix.
3. Examining the Shotgun Itself
Carefully inspect your Remington 870 for markings beyond the serial number. These markings, often found on the barrel, receiver, or other parts, might reveal details about the manufacturer, model variations, and possibly even the year of production. This can help you narrow your search when cross-referencing with online resources.
4. Exploring Historical Remington Resources
While access to complete Remington production records is restricted, researching historical documents, catalogs, and advertisements from the relevant time period can sometimes yield clues about manufacturing dates and model variations based on similar serial number ranges.
Ethical Considerations and Legal Aspects
Always remember that handling firearms safely and responsibly is paramount. When researching your shotgun's history, ensure you are following all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and information sharing. Never share your serial number with untrusted sources.
Conclusion: Patience and Persistence Pays Off
Tracing the history of your Remington 870 using its serial number might require time and effort. However, the journey of uncovering your shotgun's story can be a rewarding experience, providing a deeper appreciation for its history and heritage. Remember to approach your search responsibly and ethically, respecting both firearm safety and legal guidelines.
