The Remington 700. It's a name synonymous with accuracy, reliability, and American firearm craftsmanship. For decades, this bolt-action rifle has been a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and even the military. But when was your Remington 700 made? Knowing the year of manufacture can be crucial for various reasons, from understanding its value to determining its compatibility with certain aftermarket parts or even understanding potential recalls. While Remington doesn't offer a straightforward, publicly available database for dating their rifles by serial number, understanding the clues and patterns within those numbers can unlock the secrets of your firearm's history.
Why Knowing Your Remington 700's Birthday Matters
Beyond simple curiosity, knowing the year your Remington 700 was manufactured provides valuable insights. Here's why it's more than just a fun fact:
- Market Value: The age of a firearm, combined with its condition, significantly impacts its value. Older, well-maintained models, especially those from specific production runs, can command higher prices among collectors.
- Parts Compatibility: Over the years, Remington has made minor changes to the 700's design. Knowing the year helps you ensure that any replacement parts or accessories you purchase are compatible with your specific rifle.
- Potential Recalls: Like any manufactured product, firearms can be subject to recalls due to safety concerns. Knowing the year allows you to check if your rifle is affected by any past or present recalls.
- Historical Significance: For some, owning a piece of history is important. Knowing the year of manufacture connects you to the lineage of the Remington 700 and its place in firearm history.
- Troubleshooting: When researching issues, knowing the year of manufacture can help you narrow down potential causes and solutions based on known production changes or common problems associated with specific years.
Decoding the Serial Number: The Key to Unlocking the Past
While Remington doesn't publish a comprehensive serial number lookup table, we can piece together information based on known patterns and anecdotes. The general rule of thumb is that pre-1968 Remington firearms often had serial numbers without letter prefixes or suffixes. Post-1968, particularly after the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA68), Remington started using letter prefixes to denote the manufacturing period.
Important Note: This is not an exact science, and exceptions exist. This guide is based on compiled observations and should be used as a general reference. The most accurate way to determine the year of manufacture would be to contact Remington directly with your serial number, though they may not always be able to provide the information.
Here's a breakdown of the serial number patterns:
- Pre-1968 (Generally No Letter Prefixes): These rifles typically have serial numbers consisting only of numbers. The lower the number, the earlier the production date. However, without detailed records, pinpointing the exact year is challenging. Serial numbers under 100,000 are generally considered quite early.
- 1969-1974 (Letter Prefixes Begin): Here's where things get a bit more structured. The letter prefixes started to appear, although the exact sequence and timing aren't perfectly documented. Expect to see letters like "A," "B," "C," and so on.
- 1975-1999 (More Defined Letter Prefixes): This period sees a more consistent use of letter prefixes. While the exact sequence isn't always linear, the presence of a letter prefix is a strong indicator of the manufacturing era.
- 2000-Present (Multiple Letter Combinations): In recent years, Remington has used combinations of letters to further differentiate production runs. This can make dating a bit more complex, but generally, higher letter combinations indicate more recent production.
Beyond the Serial Number: The Date Code on the Barrel
While the serial number is important, the date code stamped on the barrel is often the most reliable way to pinpoint the year of manufacture. This code, usually located on the left side of the barrel near the receiver, consists of two or three letters. Remington used a system where each letter corresponded to a month and a year.
- Months: B - January, L - February, A - March, C - April, K - May, E - June, X - July, D - August, O - September, W - October, P - November, R - December
- Years: The year code is more complex and has changed over time. It requires a specific decoding chart that can be found online through various gun forums and enthusiast websites. Search for "Remington barrel date code chart" to find a comprehensive list.
Example: A barrel stamped "BC" would indicate a manufacture date of January 1954 or January 1980 (depending on the specific chart and context). The "B" represents January, and the "C" represents a specific year that needs to be cross-referenced with a chart.
Important Considerations When Using the Barrel Date Code:
- Original Barrel: The date code is only accurate if the barrel is original to the rifle. If the barrel has been replaced, the date code will reflect the year the barrel was manufactured, not necessarily the rifle itself.
- Decoding Charts: Ensure you're using a reliable and accurate decoding chart. There are variations online, so cross-reference information from multiple sources.
- Repairs: It's possible that a firearm may have been sent back to the factory for repair or rebarreling. In this case, a new barrel with a different date code may have been installed.
Practical Steps to Determine Your Remington 700's Age
Here's a step-by-step approach to determine the age of your Remington 700:
- Locate the Serial Number: The serial number is typically found on the left side of the receiver, just above the stock.
- Note Any Letter Prefixes or Suffixes: Carefully observe the serial number and note any letters that precede or follow the numerical digits.
- Locate the Barrel Date Code: Examine the left side of the barrel, near the receiver, for the two or three-letter date code.
- Consult a Remington Barrel Date Code Chart: Search online for a reliable Remington barrel date code chart and decode the letters to determine the year of manufacture.
- Compare Serial Number Patterns with General Guidelines: Use the general guidelines provided earlier in this article to cross-reference the serial number pattern with the estimated manufacturing period.
- Consider Contextual Clues: Examine the rifle for any features or markings that might provide additional clues about its age. For example, certain stock designs or sight configurations were only used during specific periods.
- Seek Expert Advice (If Necessary): If you're still unsure about the age of your Remington 700, consider consulting a gunsmith or firearms expert who specializes in vintage firearms.
Common Remington 700 Characteristics by Era
To further assist you in dating your rifle, here's a general overview of some common characteristics associated with different eras of Remington 700 production:
- Pre-1968: Simpler designs, often with blued steel and walnut stocks. Serial numbers usually consist only of numbers.
- 1970s: Introduction of synthetic stocks and different barrel profiles. Letter prefixes in serial numbers become more common.
- 1980s-1990s: Continued refinement of designs and increased use of synthetic materials. More varied serial number prefixes.
- 2000s-Present: Modern features like adjustable triggers, improved recoil pads, and cerakote finishes. Complex serial number combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number located on a Remington 700? The serial number is typically found on the left side of the receiver, just above the stock.
How can I decode the barrel date code? Search online for a "Remington barrel date code chart." These charts correlate the two or three-letter code on the barrel with specific months and years.
Does Remington offer a serial number lookup service? While not always guaranteed, you can contact Remington directly with your serial number, and they may be able to provide the date of manufacture.
What if my Remington 700 doesn't have a serial number? This is highly unusual and could indicate that the firearm is very old (pre-1968 and possibly altered) or that the serial number has been removed, which is illegal.
Is the barrel date code always accurate? The barrel date code is only accurate if the barrel is original to the rifle. If the barrel has been replaced, the date code will reflect the date of the new barrel.
In Conclusion
Determining the year of manufacture of your Remington 700 requires a bit of detective work, combining observations of the serial number with the barrel date code and general knowledge of Remington's production history. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can unlock the secrets of your rifle's past and gain a deeper appreciation for this iconic American firearm.