The Remington 11-87, a popular semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability and versatility, has a fascinating history reflected in its serial numbers. Understanding your 11-87's serial number can unlock valuable information about its age, manufacturing location, and even potential variations in its design. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Remington 11-87 serial numbers, helping you decipher the story behind your shotgun.
What Your Remington 11-87 Serial Number Can Tell You
Unlike some firearm manufacturers, Remington's serial number system isn't publicly available in a readily decipherable format. There's no official online database that directly translates serial numbers into specific dates or manufacturing details. However, the serial number itself holds clues, and combined with other information, you can significantly narrow down the production timeframe.
Key Pieces of Information You Can Gather:
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Approximate Manufacturing Year: By comparing your serial number to those found in online forums, collector databases (with caution, as accuracy varies), and through communication with Remington firearms experts or collectors, you can get a general idea of when your shotgun was manufactured. Remember, this is an approximation, and the precision depends on the available data.
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Potential Variations: The 11-87 has seen several variations over its production run, including changes in features, finishes, and even internal components. While the serial number alone won't definitively identify these variations, it can help you narrow down the possibilities when combined with visual inspection of your shotgun.
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Verification of Authenticity: Knowing your serial number is crucial if you ever need to prove ownership or report theft. It serves as a unique identifier for your specific firearm.
How to Locate Your Remington 11-87 Serial Number
The serial number is typically found in several locations on your Remington 11-87:
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Receiver: This is usually the most prominent location. The receiver is the main body of the shotgun, where the barrel is attached. The serial number is often stamped on the side or bottom of the receiver.
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Barrel: In some cases, a partial or full serial number may be stamped on the barrel. This is less common than the receiver marking.
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Documentation: If you have the original paperwork that came with your shotgun, the serial number should be clearly listed.
The Limitations of Serial Number Decoding for Remington 11-87s
It's important to acknowledge the limitations: Unlike some firearm manufacturers who use easily decipherable serial number systems, Remington's system for the 11-87 is less transparent. Exact manufacturing dates are generally difficult to pin down solely based on the serial number.
Alternative Methods for Dating Your Remington 11-87
While the serial number provides limited direct information, consider these additional avenues for determining your shotgun's approximate age:
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Features and Specifications: The specific features and design details of your 11-87 can be compared to known production variations documented in Remington's historical records or online resources dedicated to firearms collecting.
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Online Forums and Communities: Engaging with online communities of Remington 11-87 owners and collectors can prove valuable. They often share information about serial number ranges and associated production years based on collective experience.
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Expert Consultation: Gunsmiths or firearms appraisers specializing in Remington shotguns might be able to offer insights based on their experience.
Conclusion
While definitively dating your Remington 11-87 solely through its serial number is challenging, using a combination of the serial number itself, visual inspection, and research within online communities and historical documentation can provide a reasonably accurate estimate of its age and potential variations. Remember to always handle firearms safely and responsibly. This information is provided for historical and informational purposes only.
