The Remington 700. It’s a name synonymous with accuracy, reliability, and a long history of service in hunting fields, competitive shooting ranges, and even military applications. But pinpointing the exact year your Remington 700 was manufactured can sometimes feel like cracking a code. While Remington doesn't maintain a publicly accessible, comprehensive serial number lookup table, understanding the nuances of their dating system and the information you can glean from the serial number, along with other markings, can get you surprisingly close. This guide will walk you through the process of deciphering your Remington 700's age, helping you understand its history and potentially its value.
Why Knowing Your Remington 700's Age Matters
Beyond simple curiosity, knowing the manufacturing year of your Remington 700 is valuable for several reasons:
- Determining Value: Collectors and enthusiasts often value firearms based on their age, condition, and specific features. Knowing the year of manufacture helps establish a baseline for its potential worth.
- Identifying Specific Models: Remington has produced numerous variations of the 700 over the years. The manufacturing year can help you pinpoint the specific model and its associated features.
- Researching Recalls and Safety Notices: While rare, firearm manufacturers sometimes issue recalls or safety notices for specific production periods. Knowing your rifle's age allows you to check for any relevant announcements.
- Understanding Historical Context: Knowing the age allows you to understand the historical context of your rifle and when it was manufactured.
The Remington Serial Number System: A History of Changes
Remington's serial number system hasn't been static throughout the 700's production run. It's evolved, introducing complexities that require a nuanced approach to deciphering. Here’s a breakdown of the key periods and their characteristics:
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Early Production (1962 - 1968): Early Remington 700 rifles featured serial numbers that were generally sequential and located on the left side of the receiver. These numbers were typically 6 or 7 digits long. Unfortunately, these numbers do not provide any direct information on the manufacturing date.
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The Letter Prefix Era (1969 - 1999): In 1969, Remington introduced a letter prefix to the serial number. This prefix, combined with the remaining digits, provided a more structured system. This is the golden era of dating Remington firearms.
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Post-1999: A Shift in Strategy: After 1999, Remington's serial number system became less predictable. The letter prefixes and numerical sequences became less reliable for dating purposes. Furthermore, Remington has not publicly released a comprehensive serial number database.
Decoding the Letter Prefix (1969-1999): Your Best Clue
The letter prefix used between 1969 and 1999 is the most valuable tool for determining the manufacturing year of your Remington 700. Remington used a two-letter code system to mark the barrels of their rifles with the month and year of manufacture. This code can be found on the left side of the barrel, close to the receiver.
The Month Code:
The month of manufacture is indicated by the following letters:
- B - January
- L - February
- A - March
- C - April
- K - May
- P - June
- O - July
- W - August
- D - September
- E - October
- X - November
- Y - December
The Year Code:
The year of manufacture is indicated by the following letters:
- W - 1962
- X - 1963
- Y - 1964
- Z - 1965
- I - 1966
- H - 1967
- E - 1968
- M - 1969
- U - 1970
- N - 1971
- S - 1972
- B - 1973
- L - 1974
- A - 1975
- C - 1976
- K - 1977
- P - 1978
- O - 1979
- W - 1980
- D - 1981
- E - 1982
- X - 1983
- Y - 1984
- Z - 1985
- I - 1986
- H - 1987
- O - 1988
- V - 1989
- A - 1990
- B - 1991
- L - 1992
- A - 1993
- C - 1994
- K - 1995
- P - 1996
- I - 1997
- D - 1998
- E - 1999
Example: A code of "KU" would indicate a manufacture date of May 1970.
Important Notes About the Date Code:
- The barrel date code is more reliable than the serial number. The serial number indicates when the receiver was produced, while the barrel date code indicates when the barrel was produced. If the rifle has been re-barreled, the barrel date code will not match the original receiver date.
- The date code is stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver. Look carefully for a small, stamped code. It may be faint or partially obscured.
- Remington sometimes used different codes for different models. There are some inconsistencies in the use of the date codes. If you are unsure, consult with a gunsmith or experienced collector.
What About Rifles Manufactured After 1999?
Dating Remington 700 rifles manufactured after 1999 becomes significantly more challenging. Remington moved away from a predictable, easily decipherable serial number system.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Check the Barrel Code (If Present): Some post-1999 Remington 700s still have a barrel code, although its presence is not guaranteed. Look for the two-letter code as described above.
- Examine the Packaging and Paperwork: If you have the original box, owner's manual, or sales receipt, these documents may contain clues about the rifle's manufacturing date or purchase date.
- Consult a Gunsmith or Collector: Experienced gunsmiths or collectors who specialize in Remington firearms may have access to unofficial databases or possess knowledge that can help you narrow down the manufacturing year.
- Research Model-Specific Features: Changes in features, stock designs, or markings can sometimes provide clues about the production period. Researching the specific model of your Remington 700 may reveal information that helps you estimate its age.
Other Markings and Features: Supporting Evidence
While the serial number and barrel code are the primary sources of information, other markings and features can provide supporting evidence:
- Proof Marks: Remington used various proof marks throughout the 700's production history. Researching these marks can sometimes help narrow down the manufacturing period.
- Stock Markings: Markings on the stock, such as inspector stamps or manufacturer logos, can offer clues about the rifle's origin and potential age.
- Trigger Design: Changes in the trigger design over time can be indicative of different production periods. (Note: Be extremely cautious when examining the trigger mechanism. If you are not familiar with firearm safety and mechanics, consult a qualified gunsmith.)
- Scope Mounting Holes: The presence and type of scope mounting holes can also be indicative of the production period.
Is My Remington 700 Affected by a Recall?
It is crucial to check if your Remington 700 is affected by any recalls. The most notable recall involved the trigger mechanism, particularly the Walker Fire Control. If you are unsure whether your rifle is affected, contact Remington directly with your serial number. Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the trigger mechanism yourself unless you are a qualified gunsmith.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is the serial number located on a Remington 700? The serial number is typically located on the left side of the receiver, near the front. On older models, it might be stamped directly into the metal.
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Can I look up my serial number online? Remington does not provide a public online database for serial number lookups. You can try contacting Remington directly, but they may not be able to provide specific information.
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What does "Remington Arms Co. Inc." mean on my rifle? This indicates that the rifle was manufactured after Remington was incorporated as "Remington Arms Co. Inc." This happened at various points in their history, so it provides a broad timeframe but isn't precise.
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How accurate are serial number dating methods? Dating by serial number is most accurate for rifles made between 1969 and 1999. After 1999, the system became less reliable.
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What should I do if I can't find any markings? If you can't find any markings, consult with a qualified gunsmith or experienced collector. They may be able to identify the model and estimate the age based on its features and design.
Conclusion
While pinpointing the exact manufacturing year of your Remington 700 can be challenging, understanding the serial number system, barrel codes, and other markings can provide valuable insights. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with qualified professionals if you have any doubts or concerns about your firearm. Use the information to understand the history of your rifle and to ensure it is safe to use.