The Remington 1100, a cornerstone of American shotgunning, has been reliably cycling shells in fields and on ranges for over half a century. Understanding when your 1100 was manufactured isn't just a matter of curiosity; it can be crucial for ordering correct replacement parts, assessing its potential value, and simply appreciating its history. This guide will help you decipher the secrets hidden within your Remington 1100's serial number, allowing you to pinpoint its year of manufacture and unlock a deeper connection with your firearm.
Why Knowing Your Remington 1100's Age Matters
There are several reasons why identifying the year of manufacture of your Remington 1100 is beneficial:
- Parts Compatibility: Remington made subtle changes to the 1100 over its production run. Knowing the year helps ensure you order the correct parts for repairs or modifications. Different generations might have slightly different internal components.
- Collectible Value: Certain years or specific models within the 1100 line are more sought after by collectors. Knowing the year can give you a better understanding of your shotgun's potential value.
- Historical Significance: Understanding the year of manufacture places your 1100 within a specific period of American history and firearms development. It adds another layer of appreciation to owning a piece of shooting heritage.
- Safety and Maintenance: Some older models may require specific maintenance procedures or have certain safety considerations. Knowing the age helps you research and apply the appropriate practices.
Finding Your Remington 1100's Serial Number: The Detective Work
The serial number on a Remington 1100 is usually located on the left side of the receiver, just above the trigger guard. It's typically a combination of letters and numbers. Examine the area carefully, as the markings can sometimes be faint due to wear or finish. You might need a magnifying glass in some cases.
Decoding the Remington Date Code: Cracking the Code
Remington used a date code system on their firearms, including the 1100, that helps determine the year of manufacture. This system involves one or two letters stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver. These letters correspond to a specific month and year.
Here's how to decipher the code:
Month Codes:
- B - January
- L - February
- A - March
- C - April
- K - May
- E - June
- H - July
- N - August
- P - September
- R - October
- X - November
- D - December
Year Codes:
This is where things get a little trickier. Remington recycled the year codes, so you'll need some context to determine the correct decade. Here's a table of the year codes and the years they correspond to within the Remington 1100's main production timeframe:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 1953 | V | 1969 | UU | 1985 | LL | 2001 |
| G | 1954 | W | 1970 | WW | 1986 | MM | 2002 |
| H | 1955 | X | 1971 | XX | 1987 | OO | 2003 |
| J | 1956 | Y | 1972 | YY | 1988 | PP | 2004 |
| K | 1957 | Z | 1973 | ZZ | 1989 | RR | 2005 |
| L | 1958 | I | 1974 | AA | 1990 | SS | 2006 |
| M | 1959 | O | 1975 | BB | 1991 | TT | 2007 |
| N | 1960 | Q | 1976 | CC | 1992 | UU | 2008 |
| P | 1961 | R | 1977 | DD | 1993 | WW | 2009 |
| R | 1962 | S | 1978 | EE | 1994 | XX | 2010 |
| S | 1963 | T | 1979 | FF | 1995 | YY | 2011 |
| U | 1964 | U | 1980 | GG | 1996 | ZZ | 2012 |
| V | 1965 | V | 1981 | HH | 1997 | A | 2013 |
| A | 1966 | AA | 1982 | II | 1998 | B | 2014 |
| B | 1967 | BB | 1983 | JJ | 1999 | C | 2015 |
| C | 1968 | KK | 1984 | KK | 2000 | D | 2016 |
Example: If your barrel is stamped with "BA," it means your Remington 1100 was manufactured in January 1966. If it's stamped "VV," it means June 1965 or June 1981, context will be needed to determine which.
Important Considerations:
- Barrel Swaps: Keep in mind that barrels can be swapped on Remington 1100s. If the barrel doesn't match the receiver's apparent age based on features and markings, it's possible the barrel isn't original to the gun.
- No Guarantees: While the date code system is generally reliable, it's not foolproof. There can be exceptions or errors in stamping.
- Special Models: Certain special edition or limited-run 1100s may have variations in their serial number or date code markings.
What If There's No Date Code or the Numbers Are Illegible?
Sometimes, the date code is missing or too worn to read. In these cases, you'll need to rely on other clues to estimate the age of your Remington 1100:
- Receiver Markings: Early 1100s had different markings on the receiver compared to later models. Researching these variations can help narrow down the timeframe.
- Stock and Forend Style: The style of the stock and forend changed over the years. Comparing your gun's furniture to known examples can provide clues.
- Choke System: The type of choke system (fixed, Rem Choke) can also indicate a general timeframe. Rem Chokes were introduced later in the 1100's production.
- Features: If your model has special features like engraving, checkering patterns or specific recoil pads, researching these features can help you estimate the year of manufacture.
Common Remington 1100 Variants and What Makes Them Special
The Remington 1100 has been produced in numerous variations, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few of the most common:
- Remington 1100 Standard: The original and most common variant, chambered in 12, 16, and 20 gauge.
- Remington 1100 Magnum: Designed to handle 3-inch magnum shells.
- Remington 1100 Skeet: Optimized for skeet shooting, often featuring upgraded wood and specialized chokes.
- Remington 1100 Trap: Similar to the Skeet model but designed for trap shooting. Usually has a higher comb on the stock.
- Remington 1100 LT-20: A lightweight 20-gauge version.
- Remington 1100 Special Field: A more compact version with a shorter barrel and straight English-style stock.
- Remington 1100 Competition Synthetic: A modern variant with a synthetic stock and adjustable features.
Researching the specific features of your variant can help you confirm its age and potential value.
Restoring and Maintaining Your Classic Remington 1100
Once you've determined the age of your Remington 1100, you can focus on preserving its condition. Here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your 1100 after each use to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion.
- Proper Lubrication: Use a high-quality gun oil to lubricate moving parts.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the stock or pitting in the barrel.
- Professional Gunsmith: If you're not comfortable performing repairs yourself, take your 1100 to a qualified gunsmith.
- Correct Parts: Always use the correct replacement parts for your specific model and year of manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the serial number located on a Remington 1100? The serial number is usually located on the left side of the receiver, above the trigger guard.
- Where is the date code located on a Remington 1100? The date code is stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver.
- My barrel has been replaced. How do I find the age of my receiver? Look for markings on the receiver, stock style, and known feature changes to estimate the receiver's age.
- Are there any Remington 1100 models that are particularly valuable? Early models in excellent condition, special editions, and rare gauges (like 16 gauge) can be more valuable.
- Can I shoot steel shot in my older Remington 1100? It's generally not recommended to shoot steel shot in older 1100s with fixed chokes. Consult a gunsmith about your specific model.
In Conclusion
Determining the year of manufacture of your Remington 1100 is a rewarding process that connects you to the history of this iconic shotgun. By carefully examining the serial number, decoding the barrel markings, and considering the gun's features, you can unlock its past and ensure its continued performance for years to come. Take the time to decipher the code on your 1100; you might be surprised what you discover.