Determining the date of manufacture for your Remington firearm can be a fascinating journey into its history. While Remington doesn't publicly release a comprehensive, readily accessible serial number database, there are several effective methods to pinpoint the approximate year of production. This guide will walk you through these methods, helping you understand your Remington's past.
Understanding Remington Serial Number Systems
Remington's serial number system isn't uniform across all firearm models and production years. The company used different systems over its long history, often changing its methods as production increased. This makes precise dating challenging, and an exact date is often impossible to pinpoint without meticulous research. However, we can get very close.
Key Factors Affecting Date Determination:
- Model Number: The specific model of your Remington firearm is crucial. Different models employed different serial number systems and production schedules. Knowing the model (e.g., Model 700, Model 870, etc.) is your first step.
- Serial Number Prefix: Often, the initial letters or numbers within the serial number provide clues about the year or even the month of manufacture. These prefixes vary widely depending on the model and production period.
- Model Variations and Production Runs: Remington produced variations within models. Even within a single model, production runs might use different serial number ranges or systems.
- Expert Resources: Consulting with experienced firearm collectors, appraisers, or members of Remington firearm enthusiast forums can provide invaluable insights and potential leads.
Methods for Dating Your Remington Firearm
While a precise date might be elusive, these methods can help narrow down the timeframe:
1. Online Resources and Forums:
Several online forums and communities dedicated to Remington firearms offer a wealth of information and collective knowledge. Engaging with experienced collectors and enthusiasts can lead to breakthroughs. Searching the internet using specific model and serial number information may also reveal pertinent details from previous discussions.
2. Remington's Customer Service (Limited Information):
While Remington doesn't offer a public database, their customer service might be able to provide some assistance if you have complete and accurate firearm information. However, expect that the response might be limited.
3. Books and Publications:
Many books specializing in Remington firearms contain serial number data and production information for specific models. These resources may offer valuable insights into date ranges based on serial number prefixes and ranges.
4. Researching Serial Number Patterns:
By studying serial number patterns across known-date firearms of the same model, you might be able to establish a rough timeline for your own. This requires careful comparison and analysis of multiple serial numbers from different sources.
5. Consulting with Appraisers:
Firearm appraisers often possess extensive knowledge of firearm serial numbers and production history. They can provide expert analysis, potentially narrowing down the date of manufacture.
Important Considerations:
- Accuracy is Key: Ensure you have accurately recorded the serial number. A single digit error can lead to inaccurate results.
- Patience is Required: Dating a Remington firearm through serial number alone can be a time-consuming process. Be prepared to invest time in research.
- Multiple Sources: Don't rely on a single source. Utilize a variety of resources to cross-reference information.
Determining the exact date of manufacture of your Remington firearm might be a challenging endeavor, but with patience and the right approach, you can discover a significant piece of your firearm's story. Remember to always prioritize responsible firearm ownership and storage.
