How To Tell The Age Of My Remington 1100: A Comprehensive Serial Number And Date Code Guide
Determining the production date of a Remington 1100 shotgun requires locating the two-letter barrel code stamped near the receiver and cross-referencing it with official Remington historical manufacturing charts. While serial numbers are often used for general model identification, the barrel code remains the industry-standard method for identifying the specific month and year of manufacture for this gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun.
Preparation and Tooling for Accurate Identification
Before attempting to date your Remington 1100, ensure the firearm is completely unloaded by visually and physically inspecting the chamber and magazine tube. Do not rely on memory; clear the weapon according to standard safety protocols. Because Remington barrel codes are frequently obscured by years of carbon buildup, oxidation, or factory bluing, proper preparation is essential to ensure you do not misinterpret a letter.
- Essential Gear: A high-intensity LED flashlight, a clean microfiber cloth, a light penetrating oil such as CLP or Rem Oil, and a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe for older models where the stamping may be shallow.
- Environmental Requirements: Access to a well-lit workspace to prevent glare from obscuring the shallow laser or roll-markings.
- Prerequisite Knowledge: Familiarity with the difference between a serial number (usually found on the receiver) and the barrel code (stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver).
- Estimated Duration: 5 to 10 minutes, assuming the barrel surface is clear of heavy debris.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Decipher Your Remington 1100 Age
Step 1: Locating the Barrel Code
The Remington 1100 utilizes a two-letter date code system stamped on the left side of the barrel, positioned approximately one to three inches forward of the receiver. This is not the serial number, which is typically found on the bottom or side of the receiver. If the barrel has been replaced, the date code will reflect the date of the barrel’s manufacture, not the receiver's assembly date. Clean the metal surface thoroughly with a solvent-dampened cloth to remove oil and soot, as these often hide the stampings.
Step 2: Interpreting the Two-Letter Combination
The first letter of the barrel code represents the month of manufacture, while the second letter represents the year. Remington utilized a specific cipher for these letters. For the month, the code follows the sequence B-L-A-C-K-P-O-W-D-E-R-X, where B corresponds to January, L to February, and so on. Note that the letter I is omitted from this sequence.
Pro-Tip: If the stamp is extremely faint, rub a piece of white tailor’s chalk or a silver paint marker over the letters and wipe away the excess. The pigment will remain in the stamped depressions, making the characters legible against the blued steel.
Step 3: Mapping the Year Code
Once you have the second letter, refer to the historical manufacturing index. The year codes began in 1921 with the letter M and progressed through the alphabet. For the Remington 1100, which was introduced in 1963, look for letters beginning in the late 1960s. For example, a code starting with E typically indicates the 1970s. Because Remington repeated this cycle every 20-25 years, you must cross-reference the second letter with the physical features of your shotgun—such as the presence of a "deer barrel," ribbed versus smooth barrel, or specific chokes—to distinguish between, for example, a 1965 model and a 1990 model.
Step 4: Cross-Referencing the Serial Number
While the barrel code is the primary method for dating the barrel, the serial number on the receiver provides the definitive date for the action assembly. The serial number can be verified through the Remington Arms Company historical database or third-party firearm databases that track receiver ranges. If the barrel code and the serial number suggest vastly different manufacturing eras, it is highly probable that the shotgun has been re-barreled during its service life.
Remington Manufacturing Code Matrix
| Position | Character Represented | Methodology Reference |
|---|---|---|
| First Letter | Month of Production | B(Jan), L(Feb), A(Mar), C(Apr), K(May), P(Jun), O(Jul), W(Aug), D(Sep), E(Oct), R(Nov), X(Dec) |
| Second Letter | Year of Production | Varies by cycle (e.g., A=1955, B=1956, C=1957, D=1958, E=1959, F=1960, G=1961, H=1962, J=1963) |
| Serial Number | Receiver Age | Generally numeric; verify against official manufacturer records for specific 1100 series production blocks |
Common Identification Errors and Troubleshooting
Even with professional-grade cleaning, some owners struggle to identify their firearm due to surface degradation or manufacturing anomalies.
- Faded or Buffed Stampings: Over-polishing during re-bluing often removes the barrel code entirely. Actionable Fix: Inspect the underside of the barrel near the gas port. Sometimes, secondary stampings were placed there during factory assembly. If the code is gone, use the serial number exclusively.
- Replacement Barrels: A common misconception is that the shotgun was manufactured in the year the barrel was made. Actionable Fix: Check the receiver serial number. If it is significantly older than the barrel code suggests, assume the barrel was replaced by a previous owner for field utility or choke requirements.
- "Q" or "S" Serial Number Prefixes: Some Remington 1100 receivers feature prefix letters that identify special editions or factory refurbished units. Actionable Fix: Contact Remington’s technical support or consult a specialized collector’s guide for the 1100 series, as these prefixes often supersede standard date codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the barrel code reveal the exact day of manufacture?
No. The two-letter code only identifies the month and the year. Remington did not stamp the specific day of manufacture on the barrel exterior, though this information may exist in their internal manufacturing logs for specific serial number blocks.
What if my Remington 1100 has no barrel code?
If your barrel has no markings, it is likely that the barrel is an aftermarket replacement, or the original barrel was refinished and polished to a degree that the stamping was removed. In this instance, you must rely solely on the receiver’s serial number to approximate the age of the action.
Are barrel codes consistent across all Remington models?
Yes, the "BLACKPOWDERX" system was utilized across almost all Remington shotguns and rifles manufactured between 1921 and 2010. The system is a reliable standard for the 870, 1100, and 11-87 platforms alike.
Does the Remington 1100 serial number provide a date?
The serial number is primarily used to track production batches rather than specific calendar dates. While some databases correlate serial numbers to production years, the barrel code remains the most accurate and universally accepted method for field identification.
Preserve Your Sporting Heritage
Accurately dating your Remington 1100 is the first step in ensuring its proper maintenance and long-term mechanical reliability. Document your findings in your firearm records to preserve the historical provenance of your shotgun for future generations.
