Introduction
Have you ever held a classic shotgun, feeling the weight and history in your hands, and wondered about its past? Perhaps you’ve inherited a beautiful Remington 1100, a firearm known for its reliability and graceful lines. You may find yourself asking, just *what year is my Remington 1100 serial number* telling me? This article will serve as your complete guide to unlocking the secrets hidden within the serial number of your Remington 1100, helping you to understand the precise era of its manufacturing.
The Remington 1100 holds a special place in the hearts of shotgun enthusiasts. Since its introduction, it has been a top choice for both hunters and target shooters. Its gas-operated system made it a marvel of engineering at the time, significantly reducing recoil and making it a pleasure to shoot. The 1100 wasn’t just reliable; it was also known for its versatility, available in numerous gauges and configurations, leading to its enduring popularity. Knowing the age of your 1100 is a fascinating way to understand its place in the history of firearms and its value. It’s also important for historical record-keeping and for understanding the potential for its unique features.
Understanding Remington 1100 Serial Numbering System
Finding the manufacturing year of your Remington 1100 requires understanding the methods that Remington used over the decades to identify their products. The key to understanding the manufacturing year is, of course, the serial number. Remington, like many firearms manufacturers, uses a serial number system to track its production. However, the system used by Remington for their 1100 shotguns is important to understand to determine its manufacture date accurately.
The system that Remington used to create serial numbers on the 1100 shotguns did change over time. The most significant shift happened in the late nineteen sixties. Before this shift, the serial number system wasn’t as readily decipherable. After this year, the system changed to be based on a letter system, which is easier to decode. The letter corresponds to the year of manufacture. This distinction between pre- and post-nineteen sixty-eight models is a crucial one for anyone trying to determine the age of their 1100. Ignoring the distinction could lead you to inaccurate results.
How to Find the Serial Number on Your Remington 1100
To begin your journey of discovery, the first thing you must do is locate the serial number itself. Fortunately, finding the serial number on a Remington 1100 is generally quite straightforward. The most common location is on the receiver, which is the main body of the shotgun.
To locate the serial number, carefully inspect the receiver. You will find the serial number, typically, on the bottom or side of the receiver. Depending on the model, the serial number may be stamped or engraved into the metal. It is usually located near the loading port or ejection port.
In some cases, particularly with older models, the serial number may also be found on the barrel. Be sure to check both locations to be absolutely certain you have the correct number.
Once you’ve identified the serial number, take a moment to write it down or photograph it. This precaution makes it easier to compare the number to the chart that will reveal your shotgun’s manufacturing date. With this, you will have the ability to determine what year is my Remington 1100 serial number is from.
Decoding the Serial Number: Determining the Manufacturing Year
Now comes the exciting part: decoding the serial number to determine the manufacturing year. The system used after nineteen sixty-eight is, by far, the easiest to interpret. This system relies on a letter prefix at the beginning of the serial number. This letter directly corresponds to the year of manufacture. Here’s the letter-to-year key:
Letter Prefix Chart
- A: nineteen forty-nine
- B: nineteen fifty-one
- C: nineteen fifty-two
- D: nineteen fifty-three
- E: nineteen fifty-four
- F: nineteen fifty-five
- G: nineteen fifty-six
- H: nineteen fifty-seven
- I: nineteen fifty-eight
- J: nineteen fifty-nine
- K: nineteen sixty
- L: nineteen sixty-one
- M: nineteen sixty-two
- N: nineteen sixty-three
- P: nineteen sixty-four
- R: nineteen sixty-five
- S: nineteen sixty-six
- T: nineteen sixty-seven
- U: nineteen sixty-eight
- V: nineteen sixty-nine
- W: nineteen seventy
- X: nineteen seventy-one
- Y: nineteen seventy-two
- Z: nineteen seventy-three
- A: nineteen seventy-four
- B: nineteen seventy-five
- C: nineteen seventy-six
- D: nineteen seventy-seven
- E: nineteen seventy-eight
- F: nineteen seventy-nine
- G: nineteen eighty
- H: nineteen eighty-one
- I: nineteen eighty-two
- J: nineteen eighty-three
- K: nineteen eighty-four
- L: nineteen eighty-five
- M: nineteen eighty-six
- N: nineteen eighty-seven
- P: nineteen eighty-eight
- R: nineteen eighty-nine
- S: nineteen ninety
- T: nineteen ninety-one
- U: nineteen ninety-two
- W: nineteen ninety-three
- X: nineteen ninety-four
- Y: nineteen ninety-five
- Z: nineteen ninety-six
- A: nineteen ninety-seven
- B: nineteen ninety-eight
- C: nineteen ninety-nine
- D: two thousand
- E: two thousand one
- F: two thousand two
- G: two thousand three
- H: two thousand four
- I: two thousand five
- J: two thousand six
- K: two thousand seven
- L: two thousand eight
- M: two thousand nine
- N: two thousand ten
- P: two thousand eleven
- R: two thousand twelve
- S: two thousand thirteen
- T: two thousand fourteen
- U: two thousand fifteen
- W: two thousand sixteen
- X: two thousand seventeen
- Y: two thousand eighteen
- Z: two thousand nineteen
For example, if your serial number begins with the letter “V”, your Remington 1100 was likely manufactured in nineteen sixty-nine. If your serial number starts with the letter “T”, your shotgun was probably made in two thousand fourteen. This chart provides a straightforward way to determine the manufacturing year of most Remington 1100 shotguns.
Pre-nineteen Sixty Eight Decoding
However, some Remington 1100s may fall outside of this system. Remington had different systems before nineteen sixty-eight. If your serial number doesn’t start with a letter, and it is an earlier model, you may need to consult other resources to determine its age. For pre-nineteen sixty-eight models, the process to determine the manufacturing date can be a bit more complex. Often, pre-nineteen sixty-eight Remington 1100s did not have the lettered system.
In addition to the letter prefix, the serial number itself might also provide clues about the model or gauge of the shotgun. However, this is not always the case. The primary purpose of the serial number is to track manufacturing and to provide a way to date the firearm. If you have additional information on the box your 1100 came in, or paperwork, it may assist you with your research.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you might encounter challenges when trying to decipher your Remington 1100’s manufacturing year. Here are a few common issues and solutions:
Difficult to Read Serial Number
What if the serial number is difficult to read? Over time, the serial number, particularly if it’s been subject to wear and tear or has been exposed to the elements, might become difficult to read. If the serial number is partially obscured or worn, use a magnifying glass to help. Clean the area around the serial number carefully, making sure not to damage the markings further. In extreme cases, consider contacting a gunsmith who may be able to assist in identifying the serial number.
Serial Number Doesn’t Match the Chart
What if your serial number doesn’t match the chart? Occasionally, the serial number might not correspond with the chart. Several reasons can account for this: Barrel replacements can be one factor that could make the serial number not correlate. Sometimes barrels are swapped out. Another reason is a misunderstanding of the serial number system. Another less common issue is that it could be a counterfeit firearm, but this is rare.
Model Variations
Another consideration when figuring out the age of your 1100 involves the variations that exist within the model. Remington 1100 shotguns come in various configurations, including sporting, trap, and skeet models. While these variations do not directly impact the serial number decoding process, you should always be aware that these models exist. Information about your specific model will always be useful when performing research.
Further Resources
If you’re looking for additional resources, there are several places where you can find more information. The Remington website (if it’s still available) is a good place to start. They may offer information about serial numbers or resources to assist. You can also consider gun forums and communities dedicated to Remington firearms. These forums often have dedicated threads and knowledgeable members who can provide assistance. Some online databases and lookup tools exist as well, but always ensure their accuracy and reliability before trusting the results.
It is always essential to remember that the information provided here is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional gunsmithing expertise. If you have specific questions or concerns about your firearm, it is always a good idea to consult a qualified gunsmith. They can provide expert advice and assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining the manufacturing year of your Remington 1100 can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with its history. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can uncover the information encoded within the serial number and gain a deeper appreciation for your firearm. If you’re confident about the manufacturing year of your Remington 1100, share it in the comments. Perhaps, other readers will find your information valuable.
The Remington 1100 has earned its place as a true American classic. Its enduring appeal and reliability make it a treasured firearm for generations. Discovering the precise age of your 1100 is a fascinating look into this storied firearm. By taking the time to learn about its history, you can unlock a new appreciation for the beauty and craftmanship of this iconic shotgun.
