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Unlocking the Past: How to Determine the Date of Manufacture of Your Remington 1100 Shotgun

The Remington 1100 shotgun is a classic, renowned for its reliability, smooth action, and widespread use in hunting and sport shooting. If you own a Remington 1100, you might be curious about its history, particularly its date of manufacture. Knowing this date can not only add to your appreciation of the firearm but also be crucial for maintenance, parts replacement, and understanding its potential value. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed roadmap to accurately determine the date of manufacture of your Remington 1100 shotgun, offering insights and techniques often overlooked. We’ll explore the various methods used by Remington, decode the markings, and equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify your shotgun’s age.

Decoding the Language of Steel: Understanding Remington Date Codes

Remington Arms used a specific system of date codes stamped directly onto the barrel of their firearms. These codes, typically found on the left side of the barrel near the receiver, consist of a combination of letters and numbers that correspond to the month and year of manufacture. Understanding this system is the most direct way to determine your Remington 1100 shotgun date of manufacture.

The coding system generally follows this format: a letter representing the month, followed by one or two letters representing the year. For example, “AL” would indicate a manufacture date of January 1966, while “BC” would signify February 1929 or 1953 (more on deciphering the specific decade later). The location of the stamp can vary slightly, so carefully examine the entire barrel. A magnifying glass can be helpful, especially on older models where the stamp might be faint or partially obscured.

The Month Code

The month code is a single letter corresponding to the month of the year. Here’s the breakdown:

B – January
L – February
A – March
C – April
K – May
E – June
H – July
P – August
S – September
O – October
N – November
D – December

The Year Code: Cracking the Code

The year code is a bit more complex because Remington reused letters over different periods. This means you’ll need to use other clues, such as the shotgun’s features and serial number range, to narrow down the possibilities. Here’s a table of the year codes used, along with the corresponding years:

MM – 1921
NN – 1922
PP – 1923
RR – 1924
SS – 1925
UU – 1926
WW – 1927
XX – 1928
YY – 1929
ZZ – 1930
A – 1931
B – 1932
C – 1933
D – 1934
E – 1935
F – 1936
G – 1937
H – 1938
I – 1939
J – 1940
K – 1941
L – 1942
M – 1943
N – 1944
O – 1945
P – 1946
Q – 1947
R – 1948
S – 1949
T – 1950
U – 1951
W – 1952
X – 1953
Y – 1954
Z – 1955
AA – 1956
BB – 1957
CC – 1958
DD – 1959
EE – 1960
FF – 1961
GG – 1962
HH – 1963
II – 1964
JJ – 1965
LL – 1966
MM – 1967
NN – 1968
PP – 1969
RR – 1970
SS – 1971
TT – 1972
UU – 1973
WW – 1974
XX – 1975
YY – 1976
ZZ – 1977
A – 1978
B – 1979
C – 1980
D – 1981
E – 1982
F – 1983
G – 1984
H – 1985
I – 1986
J – 1987
K – 1988
L – 1989
M – 1990
N – 1991
O – 1992
P – 1993
Q – 1994
R – 1995
S – 1996
T – 1997
U – 1998
W – 1999
X – 2000
Y – 2001
Z – 2002
AA – 2003
BB – 2004
CC – 2005
DD – 2006
EE – 2007
FF – 2008
GG – 2009
HH – 2010
II – 2011
JJ – 2012
KK – 2013
LL – 2014
MM – 2015
NN – 2016
PP – 2017
RR – 2018
SS – 2019
TT – 2020
UU – 2021
WW – 2022
XX – 2023
YY – 2024

Navigating the Ambiguity: Overlapping Year Codes

As you can see, some letter combinations repeat across different decades. To determine the correct year, consider these factors:

Serial Number: Remington serial numbers generally follow a sequential pattern. Consulting serial number databases or contacting Remington customer service (if available) can help narrow down the date range.
Features: Certain features were introduced or discontinued during specific periods. For example, the presence of a vent rib, type of checkering, or style of receiver engraving can provide clues.
Model Variations: Remington 1100 shotguns were produced in various sub-models (e.g., 1100 Skeet, 1100 Magnum). Knowing the specific model can help you cross-reference production dates.
Proof Marks: Look for other proof marks on the barrel. While these don’t directly indicate the date, they can sometimes provide additional information about the firearm’s origin and era.

Beyond Date Codes: Leveraging Serial Numbers for Identification

While date codes are the most direct method, serial numbers provide another avenue for pinpointing the age of your Remington 1100. Remington maintained records of serial number ranges and their corresponding production years. However, accessing these records directly can be challenging.

Here’s how to approach serial number research:

Location: The serial number is usually located on the receiver of the shotgun, often on the left side.
Online Resources: Several online forums and gun enthusiast websites maintain user-generated databases of Remington serial numbers. While these databases are not official, they can offer approximate date ranges based on collective knowledge.
Gunsmiths and Appraisers: Experienced gunsmiths or appraisers specializing in firearms often have access to more comprehensive serial number information. Consulting a professional can provide a more accurate assessment.
Remington Historical Society (If Available): Check if a Remington historical society or similar organization exists. They may have resources and expertise related to serial number dating.

Important Note: Be cautious when using online serial number databases. Information may be incomplete or inaccurate. Always cross-reference information from multiple sources and consider consulting a professional for confirmation.

Examining Key Features and Variations: Clues to Age

Even without date codes or serial number information, the features and variations of your Remington 1100 can offer valuable clues about its age. Remington introduced various changes and updates to the 1100 over its production run, and these can help narrow down the possible date range.

Stock and Forend

The style of the stock and forend can be indicative of the shotgun’s age.

Early Models: Often featured walnut stocks with a gloss finish and more elaborate checkering patterns.
Later Models: May have synthetic stocks or simpler checkering designs. The finish might be a satin or matte texture.
Recoil Pads: The type of recoil pad used can also provide clues. Early models often had simple rubber pads, while later models may have more advanced recoil-reducing pads.

Receiver Engraving

The presence and style of engraving on the receiver can also be a factor.

Early Models: Some early models featured more elaborate engraving patterns.
Later Models: Often had simpler engraving or none at all.

Vent Rib

The presence of a vent rib (a raised, ventilated rib running along the top of the barrel) became a common feature on later Remington 1100 shotguns. While some early models may have had vent ribs, they were more prevalent in later production years.

Choke System

The type of choke system used can also be a clue.

Fixed Choke: Early models often had fixed chokes, meaning the choke constriction was permanently set.
Rem Choke System: The introduction of the Rem Choke system (interchangeable choke tubes) in later years allows for greater versatility.

Remington 1100: A Legacy of Innovation and Reliability

The Remington 1100 is more than just a shotgun; it’s a piece of American firearms history. Introduced in 1963, it quickly became one of the most popular semi-automatic shotguns ever produced. Its gas-operated action significantly reduced recoil, making it a favorite among hunters and sport shooters alike. The 1100 set a new standard for reliability and performance, and it continues to be highly regarded today.

Over the years, Remington produced numerous variations of the 1100 to cater to different needs and preferences. These included:

1100 Standard: The original model, chambered in 12 gauge.
1100 Magnum: Designed to handle heavier magnum loads.
1100 Skeet: Optimized for skeet shooting.
1100 Trap: Designed for trap shooting.
1100 LT-20: A lightweight 20-gauge version.
1100 .410 Bore: A smaller gauge option.

Each of these variations had its own specific features and characteristics, which can further aid in determining the date of manufacture.

Maintaining Your Remington 1100: Preserving History

Once you’ve determined the date of manufacture of your Remington 1100, it’s essential to properly maintain it to preserve its value and ensure its continued reliable performance. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Regular Cleaning: Clean the shotgun after each use to remove powder residue and fouling.
Proper Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts with a high-quality gun oil.
Inspect for Wear: Regularly inspect the shotgun for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, rust, or loose parts.
Professional Servicing: Have the shotgun professionally serviced by a qualified gunsmith periodically.
Safe Storage: Store the shotgun in a safe and secure location to prevent theft and damage.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your Remington 1100 remains a cherished piece of history for years to come.

Expert Tips for Accurate Dating

Here are some additional tips from seasoned collectors and gunsmiths to help you accurately determine the date of manufacture of your Remington 1100:

Cross-Reference Information: Don’t rely on a single source of information. Cross-reference date codes, serial numbers, and features to get a more accurate estimate.
Consult Multiple Experts: If possible, consult with multiple gunsmiths or collectors to get their opinions.
Take Detailed Photos: Take detailed photos of the shotgun, including the date codes, serial number, features, and any markings. This will be helpful if you need to consult with experts remotely.
Document Your Findings: Keep a record of your findings, including the date codes, serial number, features, and any other relevant information. This will be helpful for future reference.
Be Patient: Dating a vintage firearm can be a challenging process. Be patient and persistent, and you’ll eventually be able to uncover its history.

Understanding Your Remington 1100’s Story

Determining the date of manufacture of your Remington 1100 shotgun is an engaging and rewarding endeavor. By utilizing date codes, serial numbers, and examining key features, you can unlock the past and gain a deeper appreciation for this iconic firearm. The Remington 1100 represents a legacy of innovation and reliability, and understanding its history enhances its value, both personally and potentially monetarily. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new owner, taking the time to research your shotgun’s origins is a worthwhile investment. If you’ve enjoyed this guide, share your Remington 1100 experiences and dating tips in the comments below – let’s build a community of knowledge around this classic firearm.