The Remington Model 1100 is a classic autoloader shotgun, renowned for its reliability, smooth action, and widespread use in hunting and target shooting. Determining the year of manufacture for your Model 1100 is crucial for understanding its value, identifying potential replacement parts, and simply appreciating its history. While Remington serial numbers don't directly correspond to a specific year, a combination of the serial number and a two-letter date code stamped on the barrel allows you to pinpoint its age.
Unlocking the Secret: Finding the Date Code
The key to dating your Remington Model 1100 lies in locating the two-letter date code stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver. This code, often tiny and requiring good lighting and perhaps a magnifying glass, represents the month and year of manufacture. It's crucial to note that this date code applies to the barrel, not necessarily the receiver. In some cases, barrels can be swapped, so this date indicates when that specific barrel was manufactured.
Before diving into the code itself, here are a few places to look:
- Left Side of the Barrel: This is the most common location. Look closely near where the barrel meets the receiver.
- Underneath the Barrel: Sometimes, the code is stamped on the underside of the barrel, hidden when the shotgun is assembled.
- Right Side of the Barrel (Less Common): While less frequent, it's worth checking the right side as well.
Once you've located the two-letter code, you're ready to decode it.
Cracking the Code: Decoding the Two-Letter Stamp
Remington used a system where each letter corresponds to a month and year. It's a bit convoluted, but with a handy chart, it becomes relatively straightforward.
Month Codes:
- B - January
- L - February
- A - March
- C - April
- K - May
- E - June
- H - July
- O - August
- N - September
- D - October
- X - November
- Z - December
Year Codes:
This is where it gets a little trickier. The year codes started in 1921 with the letter "M." They proceeded alphabetically until they reached "Z," then started over at "A" in 1946. This cycle repeated. To accurately pinpoint the year, you need to consider the approximate production period of the Model 1100, which began in 1963.
Here's a breakdown of the year codes relevant to the Model 1100:
- 1963: L
- 1964: M
- 1965: N
- 1966: P
- 1967: R
- 1968: S
- 1969: T
- 1970: U
- 1971: W
- 1972: X
- 1973: Y
- 1974: Z
- 1975: A
- 1976: B
- 1977: C
- 1978: D
- 1979: E
- 1980: F
- 1981: G
- 1982: H
- 1983: I
- 1984: J
- 1985: K
- 1986: L
- 1987: M
- 1988: N
- 1989: O
- 1990: P
- 1991: Q
- 1992: R
- 1993: S
- 1994: T
- 1995: U
- 1996: V
- 1997: W
- 1998: X
- 1999: Y
- 2000: Z
- 2001: A
- 2002: B
- 2003: C
- 2004: D
- 2005: E
- 2006: F
- 2007: G
- 2008: H
- 2009: I
- 2010: J
- 2011: K
- 2012: L
- 2013: M
- 2014: N
- 2015: P
- 2016: R
- 2017: S
- 2018: T
- 2019: U
- 2020: W
- 2021: X
- 2022: Y
- 2023: Z
- 2024: A
Example: If your barrel is stamped "KA," it means it was manufactured in May 1975 or May 2001. Considering the Model 1100's production timeline, May 1975 is the more likely date.
Deciphering Serial Numbers: The Rest of the Story
While the two-letter date code provides the most accurate indication of the barrel's manufacturing year, the serial number can still offer valuable context. Remington serial numbers, unfortunately, are not sequential year-by-year. There's no master list correlating serial numbers directly to production years.
However, understanding the general serial number format can provide clues:
- Early Models (1963-1968): Often featured a serial number without a letter prefix or suffix.
- Later Models: Incorporated letter prefixes and suffixes, which unfortunately, don't consistently indicate the year.
Important Caveats:
- Serial Number Location: The serial number is typically found on the receiver of the shotgun.
- No Official Database: Remington does not provide a publicly accessible database to correlate serial numbers with specific manufacturing dates.
The Nuances of "Special" Models and Variations
The Remington Model 1100 spawned numerous variations and "special" models throughout its production run. These variations can sometimes influence the value and collectibility of your shotgun. Some examples include:
- Skeet Models: Designed for skeet shooting, often featuring specific choke configurations and stock dimensions.
- Trap Models: Optimized for trap shooting, typically with higher combs and tighter chokes.
- Magnum Models: Chambered for 3-inch shells, offering greater power for hunting larger game.
- Lightweight Models: Constructed with lighter materials to reduce recoil and improve handling.
Identifying the specific model of your 1100 can be done by examining markings on the receiver, barrel, and stock, as well as consulting catalogs and reference materials. Online forums dedicated to Remington firearms can also be invaluable resources.
Why Knowing the Year Matters: More Than Just Curiosity
Determining the year of manufacture for your Remington Model 1100 isn't just about satisfying curiosity; it has practical implications:
- Parts Identification: Knowing the year helps ensure you order the correct replacement parts, as some components changed over the production run.
- Assessing Value: The year, condition, and specific model all influence the value of your shotgun. Older, well-maintained models or rare variations can command higher prices.
- Historical Significance: Understanding the age of your firearm adds to its historical significance and provides a connection to Remington's legacy.
- Maintenance: Certain maintenance practices might be more appropriate for older models compared to newer ones.
Resources for Further Research
While this article provides a comprehensive overview, several resources can assist you in further researching your Remington Model 1100:
- Remington Society of America: A valuable resource for Remington enthusiasts, offering historical information, forums, and expert advice.
- Online Forums: Numerous online forums dedicated to firearms, where you can post photos and ask questions about your Model 1100.
- Gun Auction Sites: Browsing gun auction sites can provide insights into the current market value of similar models.
- Gunsmiths: A qualified gunsmith can inspect your shotgun and provide expert opinions on its age, condition, and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the date code on my Remington 1100? Look on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver. It might also be underneath the barrel.
How do I decode the two-letter date code? Use the provided month and year charts to decipher the letters. Remember to consider the Model 1100's production years to narrow down the possibilities.
Does the serial number tell me the exact year of manufacture? No, Remington serial numbers are not sequential year-by-year. They provide some context but are not a definitive dating method.
Can I trust the date code if the barrel has been replaced? The date code only indicates the manufacturing date of the barrel. If the barrel is not original, the code will not reflect the receiver's manufacturing year.
Where can I find more information about my specific Model 1100 variant? Online forums dedicated to Remington firearms and the Remington Society of America are excellent resources.
Conclusion
Decoding the manufacturing year of your Remington Model 1100 is a rewarding process, unlocking a deeper understanding of its history and value. Remember to focus on the two-letter date code on the barrel for the most accurate determination, and consult additional resources for further research.