Remington 11-48 Serial Number Lookup: How To Date Your Classic Shotgun

The Remington Model 11-48 is a milestone in the evolution of semi-automatic shotguns. Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the venerable, John Browning-designed Model 11, the 11-48 represented Remington’s transition into modern, streamlined manufacturing. It was the first semi-automatic shotgun to feature a stamped steel receiver and shared many internal and external design philosophies with the later, legendary Model 870 pump-action shotgun.

For collectors, hunters, and firearm enthusiasts, conducting a Remington 11-48 serial number lookup is the primary way to determine the history, value, and age of these vintage firearms. Because these shotguns were manufactured during a period of rapid industrial transition at Remington, understanding the specific markings, serial number structures, and barrel codes is essential for accurate identification. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to identify, date, and appreciate your Remington Model 11-48.

Locating the Markings on Your Remington 11-48

To successfully date your shotgun, you must first know where to look for its identifying marks. Remington utilized two distinct marking systems on the Model 11-48: the serial number on the receiver and the date codes stamped on the barrel. Relying solely on the serial number can sometimes be challenging because Remington's factory serial records from the mid-20th century can be difficult to access or interpret without direct factory assistance.

Receiver Serial Number Location

The primary serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge and close to the loading port. This number typically consists of a series of digits followed or preceded by a letter suffix or prefix. This suffix is highly important because it designates the gauge of the shotgun.

Because receivers were manufactured in different frame sizes to accommodate different gauges (12, 16, 20, 28, and .410), these letters help confirm that your shotgun possesses its original matching components. If the receiver suffix does not match the barrel gauge, the firearm may have been modified or reassembled from disparate parts over its lifetime.

The Critical Remington Barrel Date Codes

For an exact manufacturing date, the receiver serial number is often secondary to the barrel date code. Remington employed a proprietary coding system stamped on the left side of the barrel, just forward of the receiver. This stamp consists of two or three small letters.

The first letter represents the month of manufacture, while the subsequent letter or letters represent the year. It is crucial to examine this area under good lighting and magnification, as decades of use, wear, and re-bluing can obscure these faint stamps. Keep in mind that barrels on the 11-48 are easily interchangeable; if a previous owner swapped the barrel, the date code on the barrel will reflect the age of the barrel, not necessarily the receiver.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Date Your Remington 11-48

Determining the exact year your Model 11-48 left the Ilion, New York factory requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to decode your firearm's history accurately.

Step 1: Examine the Left Side of the Barrel

Locate the small letters stamped near the receiver on the left side of the barrel. You are looking for a two- or three-letter sequence. Ignore the standard proof marks, chamber length indicators, and gauge markings. The date code is usually positioned near the chamber area, close to where the barrel meets the receiver.

Step 2: Decode the Month Letter

Remington used the 12-letter word "BLACKPOWDERX" to represent the twelve months of the year. Each letter corresponds to a specific month in chronological order:

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

Step 3: Decode the Year Letter

Once you have identified the month letter, look at the letter immediately to its right. This letter represents the year of manufacture. Because the Model 11-48 was produced only between 1949 and 1968, you only need to reference the codes for this specific timeframe.

Step 4: Verify the Gauge Suffix

Confirm that the serial number suffix on your receiver matches the actual physical gauge of your firearm. This ensures the receiver and barrel configuration are historically congruent.

• V = 12 Gauge
• W = 16 Gauge
• X = 20 Gauge
• Y = 28 Gauge
• Z = .410 Bore

Technical Specifications and Historical Context

The Remington Model 11-48 operates on the long-recoil principle, a mechanism where the barrel and bolt recoil together for the full length of the shell casing before unlocking. This was a direct inheritance from the original Browning design. However, the 11-48 streamlined this mechanism by introducing cheaper, highly durable stamped steel internal components and a simplified friction ring assembly.

This model was highly versatile and offered in several configurations, including the Standard, Sportsman, Tournament, and Premier grades. It was also highly popular among upland bird hunters and clay shooters because it was exceptionally lightweight compared to the heavy, square-backed Model 11. Production ceased in 1968 when Remington shifted its full semi-automatic production focus to the gas-operated Model 1100, which offered significantly reduced felt recoil.

Pros and Cons of the Remington Model 11-48

If you are considering purchasing, restoring, or shooting a Remington 11-48, it is helpful to weigh its historical and mechanical characteristics.

Pros

• Classic Craftsmanship: Made during an era of high-quality steel machining and hand-fitting, offering a vintage aesthetic and solid tactile feel.
• Lightweight Design: Weighs less than many modern semi-automatics and its predecessor, making it comfortable to carry in the field for long periods.
• Gauge Variety: Available in five different gauges, with the .410 and 28-gauge variants being highly sought after by modern collectors.
• Historical Significance: Serves as the evolutionary bridge between early Browning designs and modern Remington semi-automatic platforms.

Cons

• Recoil Dynamics: As a long-recoil operated shotgun, the felt recoil can be sharper and more distinct compared to modern gas-operated systems.
• Parts Availability: Finding replacement parts, especially for the rare 28-gauge and .410 bore models, can be difficult and expensive.
• Friction Ring Sensitivity: The shotgun relies on proper configuration of the friction rings and lubrication to cycle light vs. heavy loads reliably. Incorrect setup can cause cycling failures or damage the forearm wood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the barrel has no date code?

If your barrel lacks a date code, it may have been refinished, polished, or replaced with an aftermarket barrel. In some cases, barrels sent back to the Remington factory for repair or replacement were stamped with a different system or left blank. If this is the case, you will need to contact Remington collector groups or historians to cross-reference your receiver serial number with surviving factory shipping ledgers.

Can the Remington 11-48 shoot modern steel shot?

It is highly recommended not to shoot modern steel shot through an original Remington 11-48 barrel, particularly those with modified or full chokes. The barrels of this era were made of softer steel designed for lead shot. Steel shot does not compress like lead and can cause barrel bulging or splitting near the muzzle. Stick to lead, bismuth, or other low-pressure, soft-metal non-toxic alternatives.

How much is a Remington 11-48 worth?

Value depends heavily on condition, gauge, and sub-model. Standard 12-gauge models in average condition typically sell for $300 to $500. However, rare variants in .410 bore or 28-gauge, especially those in excellent original condition or high-grade configurations (such as the Premier or Tournament grades), can command prices well over $1,000 to $1,500 among dedicated collectors.

Why does my Remington 11-48 fail to cycle light target loads?

The long-recoil system of the 11-48 relies on a recoil spring and a bronze friction piece sliding over the magazine tube. If the shotgun fails to cycle, the magazine tube may be dry, excessively dirty, or over-lubricated. Additionally, make sure the friction ring bevel is pointing in the correct direction for the specific load velocity you are shooting, as outlined in the original user manual.

Preserve and Value Your Firearms History

Dating your vintage Remington 11-48 shotgun is a rewarding process that connects you to the golden age of American firearms manufacturing. Whether you own a family heirloom passed down through generations or a recent pawnshop find, knowing its manufacture date adds context, value, and pride of ownership.

If you require professional appraisal services, detailed historical documentation, or are looking for authentic replacement parts to restore your Model 11-48 to its former glory, consider reaching out to licensed gunsmiths, certified appraisers, or specialized Remington collector associations to ensure your firearm is preserved for generations to come.