Remington Model 11 48 Serial Number Lookup Guide For 2026
Navigating a Remington Model 11 48 serial number lookup requires understanding vintage firearms manufacturing codes, barrel date stamps, and specific mechanical transitions. As firearm collectors, estate liquidators, and sporting enthusiasts evaluate these classic semi-automatic shotguns in 2026, proper identification remains essential for safety inspections, valuation, and historical documentation. The Remington Model 11-48, produced from 1948 until 1968, represented a major evolution from the classic Browning Auto-5 design by utilizing a streamlined receiver and stamped steel components.
Historical Evolution and Design Context of the Remington 11-48
The Remington Model 11-48 was introduced immediately following World War II as a modern successor to the Remington Model 11, which was itself a licensed variant of John Browning's iconic Auto-5. Unlike its predecessor, the 11-48 featured a curved, streamlined receiver made possible by advancements in manufacturing technology and metallurgy. This design significantly reduced weight and improved handling dynamics for upland bird hunters and waterfowl shooters.
Understanding the production timeline helps contextualize why a serial number lookup is necessary. The shotgun was offered in 12, 16, 20, 28 gauges, and a rare .410 bore variant. Over its two-decade production run, internal refinements occurred, though the long-recoil operating system remained consistent. Collectors often seek out early post-war models for their high-polish bluer finishes and checkered walnut stocks, while later variants transitioned to standard matte finishes and press-checkered stocks before production ceased in favor of the gas-operated Remington Model 1100.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Remington Model 11 48 Serial Number Lookup
Executing an accurate serial number lookup for a Remington Model 11-48 involves locating the alphanumeric stamps on the firearm and cross-referencing them with factory records. Because Remington's internal tracking systems changed over decades, collectors must look in multiple locations on the receiver and barrel to confirm manufacture dates.
Locating the Primary Serial Number: The main serial number is stamped on the bottom of the receiver frame, directly forward of the trigger guard. On some variants, a letter prefix appears before or after the numbers, which designates the gauge or specific production era.
- Clear and Inspect the Firearm: Ensure the shotgun is completely unloaded by checking the chamber and magazine tube. Use a soft cloth and a gentle solvent to clear away old grease or dirt obscuring the stampings on the bottom of the receiver.
- Record the Full Serial Number: Note all digits and any preceding or trailing letters. Do not rely solely on partial numbers, as duplicate numeric sequences occurred across different gauges and production years.
- Examine the Barrel Date Codes: Look on the left side of the barrel just forward of the receiver. Remington stamped a two- or three-letter barrel code indicating the month and year of manufacture.
- Cross-Reference Barrel and Receiver Dates: Compare the barrel code with the receiver serial number range. While barrels could be swapped during the shotgun's working life, matching dates confirm an original, factory-paired configuration.
Remington serial numbers search - rtsfc
Decoding Remington Barrel Codes and Production Years
Because serial number records from the mid-20th century can occasionally have gaps or overlap due to factory tracking methods, decoding the barrel stamp provides a reliable secondary verification method. Remington utilized a specific letter code system stamped near the receiver on the left side of the barrel.
Reading Remington Barrel Codes: The first letter designates the month of manufacture, and the subsequent one or two letters designate the year. For instance, a barrel stamped with the letters "WW" corresponds to a specific production window in the manufacturing timeline.
- B: January
- L: February
- W: March
- A: April
- C: May
- Y: June
- K: July
- M: August
- P: September
- R: October
- S: November
- T: December
Year codes run through an alphabetical sequence utilized by Remington from the 1920s through the 1970s. For example, the letter "X" typically denotes 1951, "Y" denotes 1952, "Z" denotes 1953, and subsequent decades use alternating cycles. When performing a Remington Model 11 48 serial number lookup, combining the receiver number range with the barrel code eliminates guesswork.
Comparative Overview of Remington Semi-Automatic Shotguns
Evaluating the Model 11-48 alongside its predecessor and successor helps collectors understand its unique market position and mechanical characteristics.
| Shotgun Model | Production Years | Operating System | Receiver Construction | Target Gauges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remington Model 11 | 1905–1947 | Long-Recoil | Milled Steel (Square Back) | 12, 16, 20 |
| Remington Model 11-48 | 1948–1968 | Long-Recoil | Streamlined Stamped/Milled | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 |
| Remington Model 58 | 1956–1963 | Gas-Operated | Streamlined Steel | 12, 16, 20 |
| Remington Model 1100 | 1963–Present | Gas-Operated | Modern Steel Receiver | 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 |
As detailed in the comparison table, the Model 11-48 bridged the gap between heavy, traditional long-recoil actions and modern gas-operated systems, offering an exceptionally lightweight profile that appeals to traditional upland hunters.
Mechanical Maintenance and Friction Ring Settings
A crucial aspect of owning a Remington Model 11-48 is understanding its long-recoil operation, which relies on a precise friction ring and bronze brake setup around the magazine tube. Incorrectly configuring these rings can cause excessive receiver wear or failure to cycle light loads.
Friction Ring Configuration Rules:
- Heavy Loads (High Brass): Position the tapered friction ring with the bevel facing upward toward the muzzle, and place the bronze friction piece above it. This setup increases barrel friction to absorb heavy recoil forces.
- Light Loads (Low Brass / Target): Position the tapered friction ring with the bevel facing downward toward the receiver, effectively removing the bronze friction piece from active braking to allow the barrel to cycle easily under lighter gas pressures.
Regularly cleaning the magazine tube and applying a very light coat of high-grade oil ensures smooth cycling. Never use heavy grease on the magazine tube, as it attracts unburnt powder and debris, leading to action jams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the serial number on a Remington Model 11-48?
The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the receiver frame directly forward of the trigger guard. You may need to wipe away surface grime to read the full alphanumeric string clearly.
What years was the Remington Model 11-48 manufactured?
The Model 11-48 was produced by Remington Arms from 1948 until 1968, succeeding the older Model 11 and preceding the Model 58 and Model 1100 lines.
Are barrel codes and serial numbers always matching?
While factory-original shotguns generally feature matching date codes between the barrel and receiver, barrels were sometimes replaced by gunsmiths over decades of use, meaning mismatched dates are relatively common.
Can the Remington Model 11-48 fire modern steel shot?
Most Model 11-48 barrels feature fixed chokes (Modified, Full, etc.) optimized for lead shot. Firing modern steel shot through tight vintage chokes can cause barrel bulging, so bismuth or tungsten-polymer alternatives are recommended for waterfowl hunting.
Where can I check exact serial number production logs?
Official records can be cross-referenced through historical firearms databases, specialized collector associations, or Remington archival lookup tables published by firearm historians.
Conclusion and Expert Next Steps
Conducting a thorough Remington Model 11 48 serial number lookup ensures accurate historical preservation, proper maintenance, and realistic valuation of your vintage firearm. Whether you are maintaining a family heirloom or acquiring a classic upland repeater, verifying both the receiver number and the barrel date code provides complete insight into its manufacturing heritage. For professional appraisals or specific mechanical restorations, consult a certified gunsmith specializing in mid-century American auto-loading shotguns.
