Understanding the Remington 572 Fieldmaster
The classic pop of the pump, the familiar weight in your hands, the thrill of a successful shot. For generations, the Remington 572 Fieldmaster has been a trusted companion for plinking, small game hunting, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Its pump-action reliability, chambered for the ubiquitous .22 caliber, has made it a favorite among shooters of all ages and experience levels. But beyond its functionality and enduring appeal, the Remington 572 Fieldmaster holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, with each rifle telling its own story through its unique features and history. Unlocking this history often begins with a close examination of its serial number. This guide delves into the world of the Remington 572 Fieldmaster serial numbers, providing a clear path to understanding their significance and uncovering the secrets held within your own rifle.
The Remington 572 Fieldmaster is more than just a rifle; it’s a piece of American sporting history. Introduced to the market, this pump-action .22 caliber rimfire rifle quickly established itself as a reliable and accessible firearm. Its defining characteristic is its smooth, fast pump-action, allowing for rapid follow-up shots, a key advantage for hunting fast-moving targets or simply enjoying a day at the range. It typically holds a generous number of rounds in its tube magazine, adding to its practicality and ease of use. The 572 Fieldmaster is renowned for its accurate barrel and comfortable handling, making it a great option for both novice and experienced shooters.
The Fieldmaster’s construction generally features a durable hardwood stock and fore-end, paired with a blued steel barrel and receiver. The design is straightforward and functional, emphasizing reliability over complex aesthetics. This simplicity, coupled with its effectiveness, contributed to its lasting popularity. Remington produced various iterations of the rifle, including the Fieldmaster, the Gallery Special, and others with minor variations in features and finishes. The Gallery Special, for example, often featured a shorter barrel for use in shooting galleries, but the core mechanics and performance remained consistent throughout the line. These subtle variations contribute to the diversity of the 572 Fieldmaster family and add to its collector value.
The enduring popularity of the Remington 572 Fieldmaster extends far beyond its functional attributes. Collectors are drawn to its history, its place in American sporting culture, and the craftsmanship that went into its production. The quality of materials, the reliability of the mechanism, and the overall aesthetic have made it a sought-after item, with certain models and conditions commanding significant prices in the collector’s market. The serial number, in particular, plays a crucial role in determining its value, helping collectors identify production dates, potential rarity, and the overall authenticity of the rifle. The presence of original parts and the condition of the rifle are also important, so a well-preserved Fieldmaster with an easily traceable serial number is highly prized.
Locating the Serial Number
Finding the serial number on your Remington 572 Fieldmaster is the first crucial step in understanding its age and history. While the location of the serial number may vary slightly depending on the production year, there are some common places you can find it.
The most frequent location is on the receiver, which is the main body of the rifle where the bolt action is housed. The serial number is commonly found stamped or etched onto the side or bottom of the receiver. To locate it, carefully inspect the area around the ejection port, the sides, and the bottom of the receiver. Look for small, often hard-to-read numbers or a combination of letters and numbers. The stamping might be faint or obscured by bluing or wear, so it’s important to use good lighting and potentially a magnifying glass to aid your search.
Another place to check is the barrel. The serial number might also be found on the barrel, either near the receiver or towards the end of the barrel. Again, carefully inspect the surface, looking for any markings. If the barrel has been replaced or re-barreled at some point in its history, the original serial number might be absent.
Serial numbers are usually stamped in a way that is very difficult to remove without significantly damaging the firearm. This helps to prevent the illegal alteration of a firearm.
Examining your rifle thoroughly is important. Over time, the markings can become faded or worn, making them challenging to read. Wear and tear from decades of use, combined with the application of oils or cleaning solvents, can also contribute to the fading or even complete disappearance of the serial number, making accurate identification challenging. If the serial number is partially visible, carefully cleaning the area with a soft cloth and a small amount of solvent might help reveal the complete number.
Decoding the Serial Number System
Remington’s serial number systems have evolved over time, making it important to understand the specific coding methods used. The Remington 572 Fieldmaster’s dating follows a system that changed throughout the years of production. While some early firearms had no serial numbers at all, or used very simple systems, the majority of 572 Fieldmasters followed a specific pattern.
The most common system utilizes a combination of letters and numbers that, when interpreted correctly, can reveal the production year. Because Remington changed their methods during the manufacturing lifetime of the 572 Fieldmaster, it’s worth looking at the common systems for the era when your rifle was manufactured.
The first thing to consider is the presence of a date code. Date codes were generally used to quickly identify the year and month of manufacture. They would generally appear somewhere on the barrel or receiver.
Understanding the Remington date code system and decoding your serial number can seem daunting at first, but with practice and the resources available, it becomes more manageable. Consulting detailed guides and online resources can help determine the precise year your rifle was manufactured.
Using the Serial Number for Dating and Identification
Once you’ve located and decoded the serial number, you can use it to estimate the manufacturing year of your Remington 572 Fieldmaster. This information can be invaluable for a variety of reasons, including determining its historical significance, assessing its value, and ensuring its authenticity.
The key to dating the rifle accurately lies in knowing the specific serial number system used during the time it was manufactured. Using a chart or guide specific to Remington rifles is usually the best approach. If you are unsure, you may wish to consult with an expert. Remember that dating can be an approximation, particularly due to overlapping production dates and potential inaccuracies in company records. If you wish to be more precise, consult with an appraiser who specializes in antique firearms.
The serial number also assists in identifying the specific model and any variations of your rifle. By comparing the serial number with manufacturer records or detailed online databases, you can confirm the model type, any special features, and the original factory specifications. This information can be especially valuable if you’re considering selling your rifle or if you’re a collector seeking to confirm its authenticity.
Using the serial number to determine authenticity is critical. Collectors and potential buyers rely on serial numbers and corresponding information to determine whether a rifle is original or if it has been modified. Alterations to the serial number, or the presence of mismatched parts, can significantly affect the value and collectibility of a rifle. A close inspection of the serial number and a comparison to factory records are critical steps in this process.
Value Assessment and Collectibility
The serial number plays a significant role in determining the value of your Remington 572 Fieldmaster. Collectors place a high premium on rifles that are in excellent condition, with original parts and a well-documented history. The serial number is often the key to unlocking that history.
The manufacturing year can greatly influence the value of the rifle. Generally, earlier models, or those produced during specific historical periods, might be more highly sought-after by collectors. The original finish, the presence of all original parts, and the overall condition of the rifle are also critical factors. The serial number will help you determine whether your rifle is in its original configuration.
In the collector’s market, a serial number that is clean, legible, and matches factory records is seen as a sign of authenticity and can increase the rifle’s value. A well-preserved rifle, especially one with a documented serial number, can fetch a higher price than a similar rifle in poorer condition.
To research the value of your Remington 572 Fieldmaster, consult online resources, auction sites, and price guides. Websites specializing in antique firearms often provide estimates of value based on the serial number, model, condition, and other factors. Consulting with a qualified appraiser who specializes in firearms can provide a professional assessment of your rifle’s worth. They can examine it in person, verify the serial number, assess its condition, and provide an expert opinion based on their knowledge of the market.
Maintenance and Care
To preserve the value and functionality of your Remington 572 Fieldmaster, proper maintenance and care are essential. Regular cleaning helps maintain its performance and prevent corrosion. After each shooting session, disassemble the rifle as instructed in the owner’s manual and thoroughly clean the barrel, receiver, and action. Use appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants designed for firearms to remove residue and protect the metal surfaces.
Storing your Remington 572 Fieldmaster properly is equally important. Keep it in a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent rust and other damage. Avoid extreme temperatures or humidity fluctuations, which can affect the wood stock and metal components. Protect the rifle from direct sunlight and other potential sources of damage.
For collectors, the preservation of the rifle’s original condition is paramount. Avoid unnecessary modifications or alterations that might detract from its authenticity. When cleaning, take care to protect the original finish and markings. For further information on preservation, seek out the advice of experienced collectors or gunsmiths who specialize in antique firearms.
Conclusion
Understanding and decoding your Remington 572 Fieldmaster serial number is an exciting journey into the history of your firearm. The serial number provides clues to its manufacturing date, model, and overall significance. By taking the time to locate, understand, and research your rifle’s serial number, you can unlock its full potential and better appreciate its value, both as a functional firearm and as a valuable collector’s item. The effort of identifying the serial number is well worth the reward as you unlock the history of your rifle.
Armed with the information and the tools in this guide, now is the time to check your own Remington 572 Fieldmaster and begin uncovering its secrets.
Resources
For further research and information, consider the following resources:
- Online forums dedicated to Remington firearms.
- Books on antique firearms and Remington rifles.
- Websites specializing in firearm serial number identification.
- Auction sites with records of past sales for similar rifles.
