Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup: The Ultimate Collector's Guide
The Remington Model 11-48 holds a revered place in firearms history as a transitional masterpiece. Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the legendary, Browning-designed Remington Model 11, the 11-48 was the first semi-automatic shotgun to feature a streamlined, modern receiver profile. This design revolutionized Remington's manufacturing processes, moving away from expensive machined forgings toward more efficient stamped steel components. For collectors, hunters, and vintage firearm enthusiasts, performing a Remington Model 11-48 serial number lookup is the essential first step in determining the age, authenticity, and historical value of this iconic shotgun.
Unlike modern firearms that rely on simplified digital registries, identifying the exact production date of a vintage Remington shotgun requires a deep dive into historical factory codes. While the serial number stamped on the receiver provides legal identification, Remington's proprietary barrel-dating codes are the true keys to unlocking the manufacturing history of your firearm. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to locate, interpret, and cross-reference these markings to successfully date your Model 11-48.
The History and Evolution of the Remington Model 11-48
Following the end of World War II, Remington Arms sought to modernize its shotgun lineup to compete with evolving designs from Winchester and European manufacturers. Designed by legendary firearms engineer Ray Crittendon, the Model 11-48 utilized a long-recoil operating system similar to its predecessor, the Model 11, but housed it in a much sleeker, rounded receiver. This eliminated the distinctive "humpback" profile of the original John Browning design, offering shooters a more natural line of sight and improved handling characteristics.
The Model 11-48 was manufactured from 1949 until 1968, making it a staple of mid-century American sporting culture. It was produced in a remarkably wide array of gauges, including 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as .410 bore. The smaller-bore variants, particularly the 28 gauge and .410 bore models, are highly prized by collectors today due to their lower production numbers.
As a collector, knowing when your gun was built can drastically alter its market value. Early production models (1949–1952) often feature distinct finish styles and wood grades compared to late-production models from the mid-1960s. To verify if your firearm is completely original, you must analyze both the receiver serial number and the barrel date codes.
Receiver Serial Numbers vs. Barrel Date Codes
When initiating a Remington Model 11-48 serial number lookup, it is crucial to understand the distinction between the serial number on the receiver and the date stamp on the barrel. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver frame. While these numbers are excellent for verifying the identity of the firearm for insurance or transfer purposes, Remington's historical factory records for receiver serial sequences are notoriously fragmented.
Instead, Remington collectors rely on the proprietary barrel code system. Stamped on the left side of the barrel, just forward of the receiver interface, is a two- or three-letter code. This code indicates the month and year the barrel was manufactured and mated to the receiver.
However, a word of caution is necessary: shotgun barrels are easily swapped. Over the course of five or six decades, a hunter may have replaced a damaged barrel or switched from a full-choke barrel to a modified-choke barrel. If the barrel code indicates a production year that does not align with the receiver's physical features or serial sequence, you may have a "mixed" or non-original firearm, which can affect its collector value.
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How to Decode the Remington Barrel Date Stamp
Remington's barrel dating system uses a simple alphabetical cipher to represent the months of the year, followed by specific letter designations for each production year. The month code is based on the 12-letter mnemonic word "BLACKPOWDERX", where each letter corresponds to a month:
- 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, Remington stamped one or two letters to represent the year of manufacture. Because the Model 11-48 was produced strictly between 1949 and 1968, you only need to reference the year codes corresponding to this specific twenty-year window.
Remington Model 11-48 Year Code Reference Table
The table below lists the official Remington year codes for the entire production run of the Model 11-48 shotgun:
| Production Year | Year Code Letter(s) | Historical Significance / Model Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | UU | First year of production; introduction of the 12, 16, and 20 gauge models. |
| 1950 | WW | Production scales up; highly sought after by early-generation collectors. |
| 1951 | XX | Introduction of the highly desirable 28 gauge and .410 bore variants. |
| 1952 | YY | Standard production; transitions in wood finish styles begin. |
| 1953 | ZZ | Peak mid-century production period. |
| 1954 | A | Standard production; minor internal receiver improvements. |
| 1955 | B | Standard production. |
| 1956 | C | Standard production. |
| 1957 | D | Introduction of modified choke configurations for field use. |
| 1958 | E | Standard production. |
| 1959 | F | Ten-year anniversary of the Model 11-48. |
| 1960 | G | Standard production. |
| 1961 | H | Standard production. |
| 1962 | J | Standard production. |
| 1963 | K | Standard production; introduction of the gas-operated Model 1100 begins to phase out long-recoil models. |
| 1964 | L | Production numbers begin to decline as marketing shifts to the Model 1100. |
| 1965 | M | Late-stage production. |
| 1966 | N | Late-stage production; rare variants are produced to clear remaining inventory. |
| 1967 | P | Penultimate year of production; highly collectible due to low volume. |
| 1968 | R | Final year of production; very rare. |
Step-by-Step Guide: Performing Your Lookup
To accurately date your Remington Model 11-48, follow this simple diagnostic checklist:
- Ensure the Firearm is Unloaded: Always visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine tube to guarantee the shotgun is completely safe and clear of ammunition before handling.
- Locate the Serial Number: Examine the left side of the receiver. You will find a serial number, which often ends with a letter suffix representing the gauge (e.g., "V" for 12 gauge, "W" for 16 gauge, "X" for 20 gauge).
- Locate the Barrel Code: Look at the left side of the barrel, near the receiver junction, just ahead of the chamber. You should see a small cluster of stamped letters.
- Isolate the Month and Year Letters: Ignore any tiny inspector or assembly marks (which are often small symbols or numbers). Focus on the two or three clear, stamped letters.
- Cross-Reference with the Mnemonic and Table: Use the "BLACKPOWDERX" cipher to determine the month, and match the year letter with the reference table above. (For example, a stamp of "D XX" indicates a manufacturing date of September 1951).
Comparison: Remington Model 11 vs. Remington Model 11-48
Understanding how the Model 11-48 compares to its predecessor helps clarify its market value and why certain design iterations occurred during its production lifespan.
Remington Model 11 (Browning Design)
- Operating Mechanism: Long-recoil action with a heavy, square-backed "humpback" receiver.
- Weight & Feel: Generally heavier, with a solid steel construction that absorbs recoil but can feel bulky in the field.
- Manufacturing Cost: High; required extensive machining of heavy steel forgings.
- Collectibility: Highly sought after by military and early-century firearms collectors.
Remington Model 11-48 (Crittendon Design)
- Operating Mechanism: Refined long-recoil action with a streamlined, rounded receiver.
- Weight & Feel: Significantly lighter and better balanced, earning praise as an exceptionally smooth-pointing field gun.
- Manufacturing Cost: Moderate; integrated stamped steel parts and standardized components to streamline assembly.
- Collectibility: High demand for sub-gauges (.410 and 28ga); appreciated for its sleek mid-century aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the serial number located on a Remington Model 11-48?
The legal serial number is stamped on the left side of the metal receiver, near the bottom edge. The date codes, however, are stamped on the left side of the barrel, just forward of where the barrel meets the receiver.
What do the suffix letters at the end of the serial number mean?
Remington used specific letter suffixes to denote the gauge of the receiver frame. For the Model 11-48, common suffixes include V (12 gauge), W (16 gauge), X (20 gauge), Y (28 gauge), and J (.410 bore).
Can I fire modern steel shot through a Remington Model 11-48?
It is generally not recommended to shoot modern steel shot through vintage shotgun barrels, including the Model 11-48. The steel used in these barrels is softer than modern steel-rated barrels, and tight chokes (like Full Choke) can experience bulging or splitting. Stick to lead, bismuth, or other soft non-toxic alternatives.
Why does my barrel have a different date code than the receiver's estimated age?
Because shotgun barrels are interchangeable, a previous owner may have swapped the original barrel for one with a different length or choke restriction. Alternatively, if a barrel was sent back to the Remington factory for repair or replacement, it may have been stamped with a newer date code.
How much is a Remington Model 11-48 worth?
Value depends heavily on condition, gauge, and originality. Standard 12-gauge models in average condition typically sell for $300 to $450. However, rare 28-gauge or .410-bore models in pristine, original condition can easily command $1,000 to $1,500+ among dedicated collectors.
Preserve Your Piece of American Firearms History
The Remington Model 11-48 is more than just a vintage shotgun; it is a testament to postwar American industrial ingenuity. Properly researching and documenting your firearm's manufacturing history not only preserves its legacy but also secures its financial valuation for years to come. Whether you are passing it down to the next generation of hunters or showcasing it in a curated collection, take the time to clean the barrel markings, reference the factory codes, and appreciate the craftsmanship of this mid-century classic.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or professionally appraise a vintage Remington Model 11-48, consider reaching out to a certified firearms appraiser or an established local gunsmith to verify its mechanical safety and historical accuracy.
