How To Use The Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup To Date Your Shotgun

The Remington Model 11-48 holds a special place in the history of American firearms, marking the transition from pre-war designs to the modern era of semi-automatic shotguns. For collectors and enthusiasts, performing a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup is often the first step in uncovering the story behind a specific piece. Whether you have recently inherited one of these classic firearms or found a hidden gem at a local shop, knowing exactly when it left the factory is essential for both valuation and maintenance.

Understanding the age of your shotgun involves more than just looking at a string of digits. Because Remington utilized a specific coding system involving letters on the barrel, a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup requires a bit of detective work. In this guide, we will explore the nuances of the 11-48 production run, how to decode the factory markings, and why this particular model remains a favorite among bird hunters and vintage clay shooters today.

Where to Find the Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number and Barrel Date Codes

The first step in any remington model 11-48 serial number lookup is locating the physical marks on the firearm. Unlike modern firearms where the serial number is often prominently displayed in multiple locations, vintage Remingtons require you to look at two distinct areas: the receiver and the barrel.

The serial number itself is typically stamped on the side of the receiver. This number is unique to the frame of the gun and was used by the factory for inventory and shipping records. However, for most Remington enthusiasts, the receiver serial number is actually less helpful for dating the gun than the barrel date code.

To find the date code, you must inspect the left side of the barrel, near the receiver (the breech end). You are looking for a small sequence of letters. These letters are the key to a successful remington model 11-48 serial number lookup. These stamps indicate the month and year the barrel was manufactured and fitted. It is important to note that if the barrel has been replaced over the last 70 years, the date code on the barrel may not match the original manufacture date of the receiver.

Decoding the Remington Date Code System: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Remington Arms Company used a simple but effective cipher for their manufacturing dates. To perform your own remington model 11-48 serial number lookup, you need to understand the "BLACKPOWDERX" code. This 12-letter sequence corresponds to the twelve months of the year.

The Month Codes:

B - JanuaryL - FebruaryA - MarchC - AprilK - MayP - JuneO - JulyW - AugustD - SeptemberE - OctoberR - NovemberX - December

Following the month letter, there will be one or two letters representing the year of manufacture. Since the Model 11-48 was produced between 1948 and 1968, you will be looking for year codes that fall within that specific window. For example, a code like "DTT" would indicate a manufacture date of September 1948.

Identifying the Year Letters for the 11-48 Production Run

During your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup, you should match your year letter to this specific timeline:

1948: TT1949: UU1950: WW1951: XX1952: YY1953: ZZ1954: A1955: B1956: C1957: D1958: E1959: F1960: G1961: H1962: J1963: K1964: L1965: M1966: N1967: P1968: R

By combining the month letter and the year letter(s), your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup becomes a precise historical tool. If you see "AX" on your barrel, you are looking at a shotgun produced in March of 1951.

The Historical Significance of the Remington Model 11-48

To truly appreciate the results of your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup, you must understand what this gun represented for Remington. Following World War II, the company needed to modernize. The previous semi-automatic, the Model 11, was based on John Browning’s design and featured a "humpback" receiver profile.

The 11-48 was the first of the "New Generation" shotguns. It featured a streamlined, rounded receiver made of machined steel, which set the aesthetic standard for the later Model 1100 and Model 870. While it looked modern, it still used the long-recoil operating system, where the barrel and bolt recoil together for a significant distance before separating.

This mechanical bridge between the old-world recoil systems and new-world streamlined manufacturing makes the 11-48 a fascinating study for collectors. A remington model 11-48 serial number lookup often reveals that these guns were produced during a time of incredible industrial optimism and craftsmanship.

Variations in Gauges and Their Impact on Collectibility

When performing a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup, the gauge of the firearm can significantly impact its desirability. The 11-48 was unique because it was offered in an impressive array of gauges on frame sizes that were appropriately scaled.

The 12, 16, and 20 Gauge Models:These were the workhorses of the line. The 16 gauge, in particular, is highly prized today by enthusiasts who believe it is the perfect "carrying" gun for upland birds. If your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup reveals a mid-1950s production date for a 16 gauge, you likely have a very balanced and well-made field gun.

The 28 Gauge and .410 Bore:These are the "holy grails" for many 11-48 collectors. Remington managed to make the 11-48 function reliably even with the tiny .410 shell—a feat of engineering for a long-recoil system. Finding a .410 via a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup often leads to a much higher market value, especially for those produced in the early 1960s.

Why Your Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup Might Be Tricky

Sometimes, a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup doesn't provide a clear answer immediately. There are a few common reasons for this confusion that every owner should be aware of.

Barrel Swapping:Because the 11-48 was a popular field gun for decades, many owners purchased extra barrels for different hunting seasons (e.g., a "slug" barrel for deer or a "ventilated rib" barrel for trap). If a barrel from 1962 was placed on a receiver from 1949, the barrel code will mislead you. Always check the fit and finish; if the barrel’s wear doesn’t match the receiver, your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup should prioritize the receiver's serial range if factory records are available.

Factory Repairs:If a gun was sent back to Remington for service, the factory often added new stamps to the barrel. These can sometimes appear as "3" or "2" or additional letters, which can clutter the original date code. When performing a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup, look for the cleanest, most uniform stampings first.

Common Questions About the Remington 11-48 Manufacture Dates

Can I look up the serial number online for free?While there is no "official" automated database where you can simply type in a number, several collector forums and historical societies maintain lists of serial ranges. However, the remington model 11-48 serial number lookup via barrel codes remains the most accurate method for the average user.

What if my barrel has no letters?In some rare cases, barrels were left unstamped or were refinished/polished, which might have removed the faint letter codes. If this happens, a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup must rely on comparing the receiver serial number to known production blocks mentioned in reference books like "The Remington 700" or specific Remington historical texts.

Does the serial number tell me the grade of the gun?Generally, no. The remington model 11-48 serial number lookup focuses on the "when," not the "what." The grade (such as Standard, Tournament, or Premier) is usually identified by the engraving patterns on the receiver and the quality of the walnut stock.

Maintenance and Care for Your Vintage 11-48

Once you have completed your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup and identified the age of your shotgun, it is vital to maintain it properly. Because the 11-48 is a long-recoil firearm, it relies on a specific friction ring setup on the magazine tube.

Lubrication is Key:Unlike modern gas-operated shotguns that like to run "dry," the recoil system of the 11-48 requires a light coat of high-quality gun oil on the magazine tube. This allows the friction piece to slide consistently. If your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup shows your gun is an early model from the late 40s, check the recoil spring for fatigue, as these parts can lose tension over seventy years of use.

Avoiding Steel Shot:If your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup confirms the gun was made prior to the late 1960s, you should exercise caution with modern steel shot. The barrels of that era were designed for lead. Using heavy steel loads can cause "bridging" or "ring-bulge" near the muzzle, especially in barrels with tight chokes.

The Legacy of the 11-48 in the Sporting World

The information gained from a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup connects you to a specific era of American outdoor culture. In the 1950s, this shotgun was the height of technology, seen in the hands of serious hunters across the Midwest and the South.

It was the precursor to the legendary Model 1100, which eventually replaced it. However, many shooters still prefer the 11-48 because it is lighter and slimmer than the 1100. Because it doesn't have a gas system, there are no O-rings to fail and no gas ports to clog. It is a mechanical, rhythmic firearm that rewards the shooter with a unique "double-shuffle" recoil sensation.

How to Stay Informed on Remington History

For those who find the results of their remington model 11-48 serial number lookup intriguing, there is a wealth of community knowledge available. Joining historical firearms associations or participating in vintage skeet shooting events can provide deeper insights into how these guns were used and preserved.

Keeping a record of your remington model 11-48 serial number lookup results, along with photos of the markings, is also a great way to document your collection for insurance or future inheritance purposes. Historical accuracy adds a layer of value that goes beyond the physical condition of the steel and wood.

Conclusion

Conducting a remington model 11-48 serial number lookup is a rewarding endeavor for any firearm owner. It transforms a functional tool into a historical artifact, linking the present day to the mid-20th-century heyday of American manufacturing. By locating the barrel codes, understanding the "BLACKPOWDERX" cipher, and considering the gauge and variation of your specific model, you gain a complete picture of your shotgun’s heritage.

Whether your 11-48 is a pristine collector’s piece or a well-worn family heirloom, knowing its birthdate allows you to care for it properly and appreciate the engineering that has kept it functional for decades. The Remington Model 11-48 remains a testament to a time when shotguns were built to last a lifetime, and with the right information, yours can continue to tell its story for generations to come.