The Ultimate Remington 11-48 Serial Number Lookup Guide: How To Date Your Vintage Shotgun

The Remington Model 11-48 represents a pivotal moment in American firearms history. Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the legendary Remington Model 11 (which was based on John Browning’s famous Auto-5 design), the 11-48 was the first of Remington’s "New Generation" semi-automatic shotguns. It streamlined production by utilizing stamped steel components and featured a revolutionary, elegant receiver design that influenced subsequent icons like the Model 870 and the Model 1100.

For collectors, hunters, and firearms enthusiasts, performing a Remington 11-48 serial number lookup is the most reliable way to determine the age, historical context, and potential market value of these vintage shotguns. Because these firearms were produced in several gauges—including 12, 16, 20, 28 gauges, and .410 bore—knowing exactly when your specific unit left the factory in Ilion, New York, adds immense historical and practical value.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the precise steps to locate, read, and cross-reference your Remington 11-48's serial numbers and barrel date codes, ensuring you can accurately date your shotgun.

Understanding the Remington Model 11-48 History and Design

To appreciate what you find during your serial number lookup, it helps to understand the mechanical design of the Remington 11-48. Designed by legendary Remington engineer John Shearer, the 11-48 is a long-recoil operated semi-automatic shotgun. Unlike modern gas-operated shotguns, the barrel and the bolt of a recoil-operated shotgun move backward together upon firing, compressing the recoil springs before unlocking and ejecting the spent shell.

This mechanical configuration required incredibly precise machining, yet Remington successfully modernized the manufacturing process. They replaced the heavy, hand-fitted forged receivers of the Model 11 with streamlined, lightweight steel stampings. This change made the shotgun significantly lighter, easier to point, and more affordable to produce during the post-World War II economic boom.

The Model 11-48 enjoyed a highly successful production run from 1949 until it was phased out in 1968, yielding nearly 450,000 units. It was offered in various configurations, including the standard field grade, the upscale Premier and Tournament grades, and dedicated sporting models like the "Sportsman '48." Identifying these configurations in tandem with your serial number lookup provides a complete picture of your firearm’s heritage.

How to Find the Serial Number and Date Code on a Remington 11-48

When dating a Remington firearm, there is a crucial distinction between the receiver serial number and the barrel date code. Beginners often confuse the two, which can lead to highly inaccurate dating results.

Locating the Receiver Serial Number

The physical serial number of the Remington 11-48 is stamped directly into the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge where it meets the trigger guard assembly. This number is unique to the frame of the firearm and is the official serial number used for legal registration and transfer records.

Depending on the year of manufacture and the gauge of the shotgun, this serial number will typically be accompanied by a letter prefix or suffix. For instance, smaller gauges like the 28 gauge or the highly coveted .410 bore often feature distinct letter markings that set them apart from standard 12-gauge hunting models.

Locating the Barrel Date Code

While the receiver serial number is the official identifier, Remington historically used a proprietary coding system stamped onto the barrel to indicate the exact month and year of manufacture.

To find this code, look at the left side of the barrel chamber, just forward of where the barrel slips into the receiver. You will see a small cluster of stamped letters and symbols. Typically, this consist of two or three letters. The first letter represents the month of manufacture, and the subsequent one or two letters represent the year.

Crucial Expert Tip: Because shotgun barrels are easily interchangeable, it is highly common to find a Remington 11-48 with a barrel that was manufactured in a different year than the receiver. If your barrel date code yields an era that does not match the receiver serial number range, your barrel may have been replaced by a gunsmith or previous owner.

Deciphering the Remington Barrel Date Code System

To successfully decode the letters stamped on your barrel, you must apply Remington’s famous "BLACKPOWDERX" system. This cipher matches each letter of the word "BLACKPOWDERX" to a specific month of the calendar year.

The Month Codes (BLACKPOWDERX)

• B = January
• L = February
• A = March
• C = April
• K = May
• P = June
• O = July
• W = August
• D = September
• E = October
• R = November
• X = December

The Year Codes for the Remington 11-48 Era (1949–1968)

Using the table below, cross-reference the year-letter stamp on your barrel to identify the precise calendar year your Remington 11-48 barrel was completed.

Example: If your barrel is stamped with the letters "KD", K designates the month of May, and D designates the year 1957. Therefore, your barrel was manufactured in May 1957.

Remington 11-48 Serial Number Suffix and Gauge Analysis

Because the 11-48 was manufactured across five different gauges, Remington utilized specific serial number suffixes to denote the frame size and gauge configuration of the receiver. This helps collectors verify that their shotgun has original factory matching parts.

• No Suffix or "V" Suffix: Usually denotes standard 12-gauge configurations.
• "W" Suffix: Typically designates 16-gauge models.
• "X" Suffix: Typically designates 20-gauge models.
• "Y" Suffix: Used on 28-gauge models.
• "J" or "K" Suffix: Commonly associated with the highly collectable .410 bore variations.

If you possess a receiver with a "Y" suffix (28 gauge) but the barrel currently on the gun is marked for a 12 gauge, you have a mismatched or modified firearm. Verifying the suffix ensures that your gun remains in its original factory configuration, which is critical for retaining its collector value.

Comparison: Remington 11-48 vs. Remington Model 1100

If you are deciding whether to collect, restore, or shoot a Remington 11-48, it is helpful to compare it to its famous successor, the Remington Model 1100 (introduced in 1963). While both are beautiful classic shotguns, their internal operations and collectability differ dramatically.

While the gas-operated Model 1100 is widely considered a softer-shooting gun, the mechanical simplicity and historical charm of the recoil-operated Model 11-48 make it a highly rewarding shotgun to own, shoot, and preserve.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform a Remington 11-48 Serial Number Lookup

If you want to perform a complete lookup on your shotgun, follow this systematic approach to gather all necessary details:

1. Safety First: Always visually and physically inspect the chamber, magazine tube, and lifter to ensure the shotgun is completely unloaded before handling.
2. Examine and Record the Receiver Serial Number: Check the left side of the receiver. Write down the complete numerical sequence along with any letter prefixes or suffixes.
3. Locate the Barrel Codes: Look closely at the left side of the barrel near the receiver. Use a magnifying glass if the stamps are worn, faint, or partially obscured by bluing.
4. Identify the Cipher Letters: Use the "BLACKPOWDERX" monthly chart and the year letter table above to find your barrel's assembly date.
5. Check for Inspector Stamps: Look for small geometric shapes, numbers, or proofmarks on the right side of the barrel. These are factory inspection marks and do not designate assembly dates, but they confirm factory quality control.
6. Verify with Remington Archives: If you find mismatched codes or have a receiver with no barrel stamps, you can contact Remington's historical customer support line or consult official collector societies (such as the Remington Society of America) with your receiver serial number to access archival factory ledger records.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Remington 11-48

Can I shoot modern steel shot through my vintage Remington 11-48?

It is generally not recommended to shoot modern steel shot through a vintage Remington 11-48. The barrels of this era were made of softer steel designed for lead shot. Steel shot does not compress like lead and can cause swelling, bulging, or splitting near the muzzle, particularly in barrels with tighter chokes like Modified or Full. Stick to lead, bismuth, or other low-pressure, soft-metal non-toxic alternatives.

Why does my Remington 11-48 have two letters for the year code?

Sometimes, a barrel may have been returned to the factory for repair, re-barreling, or refinishing. When this occurred, Remington would often stamp an additional date code to indicate the year the work was performed. Additionally, during transition years, some overlapping stampings occurred.

What is the difference between the Remington 11-48 and the Sportsman '48?

The "Sportsman '48" is mechanically identical to the Remington Model 11-48. However, the Sportsman '48 was specifically configured to comply with various state hunting laws that restricted magazine capacities for migratory bird hunting. It featured a crimped magazine tube that limited the capacity to two shells in the magazine (plus one in the chamber), whereas the standard Model 11-48 could hold four in the magazine.

What is a Remington 11-48 worth today?

Value is highly dependent on the gauge and condition. Standard 12-gauge and 16-gauge models in average field condition generally sell for $250 to $450. However, rare configurations—specifically the .410 bore and 28-gauge versions—are highly sought after by collectors and can command prices ranging from $800 to over $1,500 depending on original finish and wood quality.

Preserving Your Vintage Remington Shotgun

Once you have successfully completed your Remington 11-48 serial number lookup and established its place in firearms history, preserving its condition is essential. Long-recoil firearms rely on a precise friction ring setup on the magazine tube. Ensure your friction rings are configured correctly for either light or heavy loads according to the original manual, and keep the magazine tube lightly lubricated with a high-quality gun oil.

Whether your 11-48 is a cherished family heirloom or a recent vintage acquisition, understanding its production date and technical specs ensures it remains a functional piece of American history for generations to come. If you are uncertain about its mechanical safety, always take your vintage shotgun to a professional gunsmith for a thorough safety inspection before taking it out to the range or the field.