Remington 870 Year By Serial Number

Ever picked up a Remington 870, felt the familiar weight in your hands, and wondered about its history? Maybe you inherited one, found a steal at a gun show, or simply want to know more about your trusty shotgun. Figuring out the year your Remington 870 was manufactured can unlock a wealth of information, from understanding its potential value to confirming its compatibility with certain accessories. While Remington's records aren't always the easiest to decipher, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge to uncover the secrets hidden within its serial number.

Why Bother Checking the Serial Number?

Knowing the year your Remington 870 was made isn't just about satisfying curiosity. It can be surprisingly practical. Here's why you might want to crack the code:

Determining Value: The age and condition of your shotgun are key factors in determining its market value. Older, well-maintained models, especially those with desirable features or limited production runs, can be worth significantly more.
Identifying Replacement Parts: Over the years, Remington made subtle changes to the 870's design. Knowing the manufacture year ensures you're ordering the correct replacement parts, avoiding headaches and potential malfunctions down the road.
Confirming Compatibility: Certain aftermarket accessories, such as stocks, forends, and magazine extensions, may only be compatible with specific production years. A quick check of the serial number can prevent you from buying something that won't fit.
Understanding Features: The year of manufacture is a good clue to what features your 870 has. For example, the Express model was introduced in a specific year and offers different features than the Wingmaster.
Historical Context: For some, it's simply about connecting with the history of a classic firearm. Knowing the year it was made allows you to place it within a specific period of Remington's production and the broader history of firearms.

Where to Find the Serial Number

The serial number on a Remington 870 is typically located on the left side of the receiver, just below the barrel. It's usually a combination of letters and numbers. It's important to note that some older models might have the serial number in a slightly different location, but the left side of the receiver is the most common.

Decoding the Date Code: The First Step

Remington used a date code system to mark their firearms. This system used letters to represent months and years. It's usually located on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver. This is crucial because it gives you an exact month and year. However, it requires decoding.

Here's the breakdown of the month codes:

B - January
L - February
A - March
C - April
K - May
E - June
X - July
Z - August
I - September
O - October
N - November
D - December

And here is a list of the year codes:

M - 1921
N - 1922
P - 1923
R - 1924
S - 1925
T - 1926
U - 1927
W - 1928
X - 1929
Y - 1930
Z - 1931
A - 1932
B - 1933
C - 1934
D - 1935
E - 1936
F - 1937
G - 1938
H - 1939
J - 1940
K - 1941
L - 1942
MM - 1943
NN - 1944
PP - 1945
RR - 1946
SS - 1947
TT - 1948
UU - 1949
WW - 1950
XX - 1951
YY - 1952
ZZ - 1953
AA - 1954
BB - 1955
CC - 1956
DD - 1957
EE - 1958
FF - 1959
GG - 1960
HH - 1961
JJ - 1962
KK - 1963
LL - 1964
MM - 1965
NN - 1966
PP - 1967
RR - 1968
SS - 1969
TT - 1970
UU - 1971
WW - 1972
XX - 1973
YY - 1974
ZZ - 1975
AAA - 1976
BBB - 1977
CCC - 1978
DDD - 1979
EEE - 1980
FFF - 1981
GGG - 1982
HHH - 1983
III - 1984
JJJ - 1985
KKK - 1986
LLL - 1987
MMM - 1988
NNN - 1989
PPP - 1990
RRR - 1991
SSS - 1992
TTT - 1993
UUU - 1994
WWW - 1995
XXX - 1996
YYY - 1997
ZZZ - 1998
AAAA - 1999
BBBB - 2000
CCCC - 2001
DDDD - 2002
EEEE - 2003
FFFF - 2004
GGGG - 2005
HHHH - 2006
IIII - 2007
JJJJ - 2008
KKKK - 2009
LLLL - 2010
MMMM - 2011
NNNN - 2012
PPPP - 2013
RRRR - 2014
SSSS - 2015
TTTT - 2016
UUUU - 2017
WWWW - 2018
XXXX - 2019

For example, a code of "AL" would mean March 1942. This system can be a bit tricky since the same letters are reused over decades, but context usually allows you to determine the correct period.

Serial Number Prefixes and What They Mean

After 1968, Remington began adding letter prefixes to the serial numbers of their 870 shotguns. These prefixes can provide additional information about the specific model and gauge. Here's a general guide:

"S" - 12 Gauge
"V" - 20 Gauge
"W" - 16 Gauge
"X" - 28 Gauge
"M" - .410 Bore

So, an 870 with a serial number starting with "S" is almost certainly a 12-gauge model. Important Note: The serial number system can be confusing, and Remington's records aren't always complete or easily accessible. If you're having trouble determining the year of manufacture, consulting with a knowledgeable gunsmith or Remington historian is a good idea.

Cracking the Code: Putting It All Together

Okay, let's put this all together with an example. Suppose you have a Remington 870, and you find the following markings:

Serial Number: S123456X
Barrel Code: KQ

Here's how we break it down:

Serial Number Prefix: The "S" tells us it's a 12-gauge model.
Barrel Code: "K" corresponds to May, and "Q" corresponds to 1947.

Therefore, this Remington 870 is a 12-gauge model manufactured in May of 1947.

Important Considerations:

Barrel Swaps: Keep in mind that barrels can be swapped on Remington 870s. The date code on the barrel might not match the original receiver. This is especially true for older shotguns that have been around for a while.
Rebarreling: If your shotgun has been rebarreled, the date code on the new barrel will reflect the year the new barrel was made, not the original receiver.

Common Variations and Exceptions

While the above information provides a solid foundation, there are a few variations and exceptions to be aware of:

Early Models (Pre-1950): The serial number system was less standardized in the early years of Remington 870 production. The date code on the barrel is the most reliable indicator of the year of manufacture for these older models.
Special Editions: Some special edition or commemorative Remington 870s may have unique serial number prefixes or markings. Researching the specific edition can help you determine its year of manufacture.
Guns Manufactured for Military or Law Enforcement: These firearms may have unique serial number sequences or markings that differ from civilian models.

Online Resources and Databases

While Remington doesn't offer a readily available online serial number lookup tool, several online resources and forums can be helpful:

Remington Society of America: This organization is a great resource for information on Remington firearms, including the 870. Their website and forums may contain information about serial number ranges and date codes.
Gun Forums: Many online gun forums have dedicated sections for Remington firearms. You can often find discussions about serial number identification and get help from experienced collectors and enthusiasts.
Blue Book of Gun Values: This publication provides information on the values of various firearms, including the Remington 870. It can also include information about serial number ranges and production dates.

Remember to always exercise caution when using online resources. Verify information from multiple sources before drawing any conclusions.

Cleaning and Preserving the Serial Number

The serial number is a critical piece of information, so it's essential to protect it. When cleaning your Remington 870, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage or remove the serial number. A soft cloth and mild cleaning solution are usually sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the serial number on my Remington 870? The serial number is typically located on the left side of the receiver, just below the barrel.
How do I decode the date code on the barrel? Remington used a letter-based date code system. Refer to the month and year code charts provided in this article to decipher the code.
What does the letter prefix in the serial number mean? The letter prefix usually indicates the gauge of the shotgun. "S" is typically 12 gauge, "V" is 20 gauge, and so on.
Can the barrel date code be different from the receiver's year of manufacture? Yes, barrels can be swapped, so the date code on the barrel might not always match the original receiver.
What if I can't find the serial number or date code? If you can't locate the serial number or date code, consult with a knowledgeable gunsmith or Remington historian for assistance.

Conclusion

Determining the year of manufacture of your Remington 870 using its serial number and barrel date code can be a rewarding experience, unlocking valuable information about your firearm's history and potential value. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently decipher the markings and gain a deeper appreciation for your trusty shotgun.