Understanding the Remington 870’s Legacy
The Remington 870 shotgun is a legendary firearm, a workhorse of American ingenuity, and a steadfast companion for generations of hunters, law enforcement officers, and sports shooters. Known for its robust construction, reliability, and versatility, the Model 870 has cemented its place in history as one of the most popular shotguns ever produced. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a new owner curious about your firearm’s heritage, or simply interested in understanding the history of this iconic shotgun, determining its age is a worthwhile endeavor. Knowing the age of your Remington 870 provides insights into its past, helps assess its value, and allows you to appreciate the evolution of this classic weapon. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to uncover the secrets of your 870’s production date.
The Remington 870, born from the drawing boards of Remington Arms, made its grand debut in the year of nineteen fifty. From its humble beginnings, the 870 quickly gained traction, replacing the Model 31 and becoming an immediate success. Its straightforward design, featuring a pump-action mechanism, made it incredibly reliable. The 870’s ability to cycle various shell lengths and its adaptability to diverse shooting needs contributed to its enduring popularity.
Over the decades, the 870 has seen numerous iterations and enhancements, each reflecting advances in manufacturing and evolving user needs. These modifications, from the material used in the receiver to the finish of the stock, contribute to the distinct character of each gun. Early models often command higher prices due to their use of quality materials and unique features.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand that age is not the only factor determining an 870’s worth. Condition is paramount, as a well-maintained, older 870 in excellent shape can be more valuable than a newer model showing significant wear. The presence of rare or original parts, factory markings, and special features, like custom engravings, can also significantly impact value. Thus, knowing how old a Remington 870 is is a foundational element, but not the sole indicator of its worth.
Unraveling the Secrets Within the Serial Number
The serial number is the primary key to unlocking the production date of your Remington 870. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle. But where do you find this important piece of information? Generally, you can locate the serial number on the receiver of the shotgun. Specifically, you’ll want to look at the bottom of the receiver. It is often found where the receiver meets the area where the barrel connects. In some cases, it may also be on the left side of the receiver. The exact location can vary slightly depending on the production year and the model variant. The critical thing is to take the time to examine the receiver carefully.
The process of interpreting the serial number can be a little more complicated for older firearms. However, the way that the serial number reveals information has evolved over the years.
For Remington 870s manufactured before the year of nineteen sixty-eight, the method of dating relies on broader production ranges. Typically, you’ll need to refer to production records or resources that can provide a general timeframe based on the serial number range. These records will give you a range of years instead of an exact date. Because the record-keeping was not as precise during these early years, dating becomes less exact. Consulting with firearm experts can further clarify the year range.
For Remington 870 shotguns created after the year of nineteen sixty-eight, the dating system provides a more specific level of detail. Remington employed a letter-code system embedded within the serial number to indicate the month of manufacture. This code is crucial for pinpointing the gun’s production month. This code is typically placed as the beginning or ending of the serial number.
Now, let’s delve into deciphering these codes: Remington used a system where a letter of the alphabet would correspond to a month of the year. For instance, ‘A’ signifies January, ‘B’ means February, ‘C’ denotes March, and so on, proceeding through the alphabet until ‘L’ for December. By identifying this coded letter within the serial number, you can precisely pinpoint the month your 870 was produced.
Once you’ve located the serial number on your 870, look for the coded letter. You may find the letter at the beginning of the number or at the end. Once you’ve identified the letter, consult the table below to find the corresponding month:
- A = January
- B = February
- C = March
- D = April
- E = May
- F = June
- G = July
- H = August
- I = September (Note: “I” is often skipped to avoid confusion with the numeral “1”)
- J = October
- K = November
- L = December
Following this method, in addition to the date letter, the remaining numbers in the serial number give a sense of the production run. You can use this information in conjunction with other clues like barrel markings to gain a clear picture of your shotgun’s age.
Be aware that there are exceptions. For example, some military or law enforcement-issued 870s may have different serial number formats or special markings that require specialized research. Additionally, Remington occasionally produced special-edition models or guns destined for specific distributors that might have unique serial number characteristics.
Uncovering Further Details Using Other Clues
Beyond the serial number, other identifying features can provide additional insights into the age of your Remington 870. These clues, when considered in combination, can help paint a more complete picture of your shotgun’s history.
The markings on the barrel are excellent sources of information. The barrel markings hold essential information, and understanding these marks can help you determine the gun’s age and the modifications the gun has gone through. The choke markings can tell you about the barrel’s constrictions, determining the spread of the shot. Additionally, some barrels might have proof marks, indicating that the barrel has passed factory testing. If the barrel does include a date code, it will typically be a letter or combination of letters that can also narrow down the production date.
The stock and forend of the Remington 870 provide valuable insight. Over the years, Remington has utilized a variety of materials and design details. Early models often featured high-quality walnut, while later models may have used different types of wood, synthetic materials, or various finishes. The style of checkering, the pattern of the grip on the stock and forend, can also provide clues. Examining the finish of the wood, whether it’s blued, parkerized, or another type of finish, can help identify the timeframe during which the firearm was manufactured.
The receiver itself offers valuable insights. The material used in the receiver has evolved over time. Early 870s utilized steel receivers, known for their durability. Later, aluminum receivers appeared. This is an excellent way to determine your gun’s approximate age. Engravings, if present, can also offer a glimpse into the gun’s history. These customizations can provide a more specific time frame and potentially add to the gun’s value.
Other components provide even more clues. The trigger group, for instance, can reveal information about the production date. Early trigger groups might have different designs or finishes compared to later versions. The magazine capacity, whether it’s a fixed or removable magazine, can vary depending on the model year. Finally, the sight options, whether it has a bead sight, a rifle sight, or a different system, provide additional clues about the era in which the shotgun was created.
Utilizing Online Assistance and Reaching Out to Experts
While the methods discussed provide significant insight, further research is frequently beneficial. Various online resources can help you in your quest to understand the history of your 870.
Remington may, at times, offer information through their website. This may include information about production dates, model changes, and historical data. Searching the Remington website for manuals and model information can be a good place to start.
Online forums are a wealth of information. Numerous gun forums and online communities focus on firearms, including the Remington 870. These forums can become valuable sources of information, as members share their knowledge, experiences, and details about their own shotguns. You can often find enthusiasts who can help you interpret markings, serial numbers, and various features. Many times, forum members will have extensive knowledge of specific models.
When you’re still left with unanswered questions, it is often helpful to seek advice from the experts. Professional appraisers specializing in firearms and qualified gunsmiths possess a wealth of knowledge. They can examine your 870, providing professional opinions. Appraisers can help establish an estimated value. Gunsmiths can assess the functionality and safety of the firearm.
Bringing It All Together: A Case Study
Let’s consider a few hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate the application of these methods.
Suppose you have a Remington 870 with a serial number beginning with “C”. Examining the date code chart, you find that “C” corresponds to March. The serial number, combined with the presence of a particular barrel marking and the style of the wood stock, could lead you to the conclusion that your 870 was manufactured in March of a particular year.
Here’s another case: you have an 870 with no visible date code in the serial number, but the barrel markings indicate a particular choke and specific proof marks. You then check the stock for any distinctive features. All of this, combined with the other markings, will allow you to get a very accurate estimate of your shotgun’s age and history.
In each case, you would combine these observations to build a detailed picture of your 870’s production year. Remember that accurate results require patience and a keen eye for detail.
Concluding Thoughts
Uncovering the secrets of your Remington 870’s age can be a rewarding journey for anyone interested in firearms. Using the serial number, barrel markings, and other identifying features discussed, you can piece together a more thorough understanding of your shotgun’s production year.
Remember that, while knowing the age can be useful for historical context, for valuation, and simply for the enjoyment of owning such a classic, it is only one part of the puzzle. Combine it with the firearm’s condition and any specific features it has to assess its overall value.
With dedication and the right resources, you can unlock the history of your Remington 870. This knowledge can enrich your appreciation of this iconic firearm and the rich legacy it represents.
And lastly, never use a gun that has not been inspected by a professional gunsmith.
