Remington 11 48 Serial Number Lookup: The Ultimate Guide To Dating Your Vintage Shotgun
The Remington Model 11-48 holds a revered place in the history of American firearms. Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the legendary, Browning-designed Model 11, the 11-48 represented a massive leap forward in shotgun design and manufacturing. It was the first semi-automatic shotgun developed by Remington to feature a streamlined, rounded receiver, moving away from the classic "humpback" profile. For collectors, hunters, and vintage firearms enthusiasts, identifying the exact production year of these classic shotguns is a common pursuit.
Performing a Remington 11-48 serial number lookup can sometimes feel confusing due to the company's historical record-keeping practices. Unlike modern firearms where a simple online database search yields instant results, dating a vintage Remington requires understanding both receiver serial numbers and barrel date codes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you decode the stamps on your shotgun to reveal its true age, gauge, and historical context.
Understanding the Legacy of the Remington Model 11-48
To truly appreciate the value of your Remington 11-48, it is helpful to understand the era from which it emerged. Following the end of World War II, Remington Arms sought to modernize its production lines. The original Model 11, while incredibly reliable, was expensive and labor-intensive to manufacture due to its complex machined parts. The Model 11-48 was engineered by L. Ray Hood and utilized stamped sheet steel components and a simplified long-recoil operating system, which significantly reduced manufacturing costs while offering shooters a lighter, faster-pointing firearm.
The "48" in the model designation stands for its year of design completion, 1948, though commercial production and sales primarily spanned from 1949 until 1968. Over its nearly two-decade production run, Remington manufactured over 450,000 units across various configurations, including standard field models, deluxe grades, skeet guns, and riot configurations. It was highly versatile, being offered in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauges, as well as .410 bore.
Because parts were often interchangeable and barrels were frequently swapped by owners over the decades, dating these firearms requires a careful, dual-method approach. You must analyze the receiver's serial number and cross-reference it with the barrel assembly date codes to ensure your firearm is in its original factory configuration.
How to Locate and Decipher Your Remington 11-48 Serial Number
To begin your lookup, you must first locate the serial number stamped onto the metal of your shotgun. On the Remington Model 11-48, the primary serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge close to the trigger guard. This number is unique to the frame of the firearm and is the official serial number used for registration and legal identification purposes.
The receiver serial number is typically composed of a series of digits followed or preceded by a letter code suffix. While Remington's official archives for exact numerical ranges by year can be difficult to access, the suffix letter provides crucial information regarding the original gauge of the receiver. This is an important security check for collectors to ensure the barrel currently on the gun matches the frame's original designation.
The Receiver Gauge Suffix Code
The letter suffix at the end of your Remington 11-48 serial number denotes the gauge of the receiver frame:
- L – 12 Gauge
- M – 16 Gauge
- W – 20 Gauge
- X – 28 Gauge
- Y – .410 Bore
If you possess a Remington 11-48 with a 20-gauge barrel, but the receiver serial number ends in "L", this indicates that the barrel has been replaced or modified from its original 12-gauge factory configuration. Original, matching-gauge configurations carry significantly higher collector value.
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The Secret to Remington Dating: Barrel Stamp Codes
While the receiver serial number is excellent for identifying the frame's gauge, Remington did not stamp production years directly into the receiver metal. Instead, they utilized a proprietary system of barrel codes stamped onto the left side of the chamber area, just ahead of the receiver. This code consists of two or three small letters that indicate the month and year of manufacture.
The barrel date code system utilizes a simple cypher based on the phrase "BLACK POWDERX". Each letter in this phrase corresponds to a month of the year:
- B – January
- L – February
- A – March
- C – April
- K – May
- P – June
- O – July
- W – August
- D – September
- E – October
- R – November
- X – December
Following the month letter, there will be one or two letters indicating the year of manufacture. Because these year codes cycle over time, matching them specifically to the 1949–1968 production window of the Model 11-48 allows us to isolate the exact year.
Remington Model 11-48 Manufacture Date Reference Table
Use the comprehensive reference table below to cross-reference your Remington 11-48 barrel codes and serial number suffixes to determine the exact month and year your shotgun left the factory.
| Production Year | Year Code Letter | Available Gauges | Notable Historical Context / Variations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | UU | 12, 16, 20 | First official year of commercial production. |
| 1950 | WW | 12, 16, 20 | Introduction of the streamlined "Sportsman '48" variations. |
| 1951 | XX | 12, 16, 20 | Introduction of specialized Skeet and Trap grades. |
| 1952 | YY | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | 28 Gauge and .410 Bore models officially join the catalog. |
| 1953 | ZZ | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | High-grade custom options (D, F grades) gain popularity. |
| 1954 | A | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Barrel markings transition to updated stamping fonts. |
| 1955 | B | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Peak production period for standard field configurations. |
| 1956 | C | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Introduction of improved stock finishes and checkering. |
| 1957 | D | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Transition year for internal action parts adjustments. |
| 1958 | E | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Highly sought-after year for sub-gauge collectors. |
| 1959 | F | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Mid-cycle updates to internal carrier mechanisms. |
| 1960 | G | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Production begins to shift toward newer action designs. |
| 1961 | H | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Minor aesthetic updates to wood-to-metal fitting. |
| 1962 | J | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Production of 16 gauge models begins to scale down. |
| 1963 | K | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Introduction of the gas-operated Model 1100 limits 11-48 sales. |
| 1964 | L | 12, 20, 28, .410 | 16-gauge models officially phased out of primary production. |
| 1965 | M | 12, 20, .410 | Catalog options narrowed; focus shifts to remaining parts inventory. |
| 1966 | N | 12, 20, .410 | Limited runs; mostly field grade models assembled. |
| 1967 | P | 12, 20 | Final full year of standard production lines. |
| 1968 | R | 12, 20 | Final assembly of remaining receiver stocks; production ends. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Dating Your Remington 11-48
To ensure you get an accurate reading from your shotgun, follow this detailed, step-by-step process.
Step 1: Ensure the Firearm is Safe
Before handling any firearm for inspection, point it in a safe direction. Engage the safety, pull the operating handle to the rear to lock the bolt open, and visually and physically inspect the chamber and the magazine tube to ensure that no ammunition is present.
Step 2: Locate and Record the Receiver Serial Number
Look at the left side of the receiver shell near the bottom trigger group pins. Write down the serial number exactly as it appears. Pay close attention to the ending letter suffix (e.g., L, M, W, X, Y) to identify the frame's factory gauge.
Step 3: Find the Left-Side Barrel Code
Examine the left side of the barrel just a few millimeters forward of the receiver block. You should see a cluster of small stamped characters. These may be accompanied by small inspector marks or proof stamps (such as an anchor or a heart symbol). Locate the two-letter code that aligns with the "BLACK POWDERX" calendar.
Step 4: Cross-Reference and Verify Compatibility
Compare your barrel code and receiver suffix with our reference table. For example, if your barrel code is "K WW", "K" indicates May, and "WW" indicates 1950. If your receiver serial number ends in "L", you have a fully matching, original 12-gauge Model 11-48 manufactured in May of 1950.
Analysis: Remington Model 11 vs. Remington Model 11-48
Understanding the technological leap of the Model 11-48 helps context its value. The table below outlines how it improved upon its predecessor, the Browning-designed Model 11.
| Feature / Attribute | Remington Model 11 (Browning Design) | Remington Model 11-48 (Modernized Design) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Action | Long Recoil (Humpback receiver profile) | Long Recoil (Streamlined, rounded profile) |
| Manufacturing Process | Heavy machined steel forgings | Lightweight stamped and machined steel |
| Weight | Relatively heavy; typically over 8 lbs | Significantly lighter; average 6.5 to 7.5 lbs |
| Gauge Availability | 12, 16, 20 Gauges | 12, 16, 20, 28 Gauges & .410 Bore |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Complex disassembly with specialized tools | Simplified takedown design for field maintenance |
| Collector Demand | Extremely high for pre-war vintage specimens | High for sub-gauges (28 GA and .410 Bore) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number located on a Remington 11-48?
The primary serial number is located on the left side of the receiver frame, stamped near the lower edge adjacent to the trigger assembly housing.
Can I date my Remington 11-48 using only the serial number?
Dating solely by the receiver serial number is incredibly difficult because Remington's serial ledger files from the mid-20th century are incomplete. The most reliable method is to use the two-letter barrel date code stamped on the left side of the barrel near the chamber.
What should I do if my barrel code does not match the receiver's vintage?
It is very common for barrels to be swapped over a shotgun’s life span. If your receiver serial suffix indicates a 12-gauge frame ("L") but the barrel date code suggests a different era, your gun simply has a replacement barrel. This does not impact safety as long as the gauge remains identical, but it may slightly lower the firearm's pure collector value.
Are Remington 11-48 shotguns safe to use with modern steel shot?
No, it is highly recommended that you do not shoot modern steel shot through vintage Remington 11-48 barrels. The barrels of this era were made from softer steel formulations designed for lead shot. Running hard steel shot through tight vintage chokes can cause barrel bulging or serious damage to the barrel muzzle. Stick to lead ammunition, or use modern non-toxic alternatives like bismuth or tungsten-matrix designed specifically for classic firearms.
Preserving Your Piece of American History
Dating your Remington 11-48 using serial lookup codes is the first step toward preserving its historical and monetary value. Whether you inherited this shotgun from a family member or found it at a vintage gun show, maintaining its condition is paramount. Ensure you clean the long-recoil spring mechanism regularly, keep the action lightly oiled, and store it in a temperature-controlled environment. If you require further assistance or need an official appraisal for insurance purposes, consider consulting a certified vintage firearms appraiser or reaching out to the Remington Society of America for deeper historical research.
