Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup: The Ultimate Collector's Guide
The Remington Model 11-48 holds a revered place in the history of American firearms. Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the legendary Remington Model 11, this semi-automatic shotgun represented a massive technological leap forward for Remington Arms. Designed by John Shield, the Model 11-48 streamlined the classic long-recoil action of John Browning’s original design, housed it in a beautifully contoured, modern receiver, and made it accessible to postwar sports enthusiasts. Today, it remains highly sought after by collectors, hunters, and vintage firearms enthusiasts.
For anyone who inherits, purchases, or stumbles upon one of these classic shotguns, performing a Remington Model 11-48 serial number lookup is the first crucial step to understanding its history. Knowing when your firearm was manufactured, which gauge variant you possess, and whether it retains its original barrel is vital for determining its historical context and fair market valuation. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of how to locate, read, and decode these historical serial numbers and barrel codes.
Understanding the Legacy of the Remington Model 11-48
To truly appreciate what your serial number lookup reveals, it is important to understand the manufacturing window of the Model 11-48. Production began in late 1948, with commercial distribution hitting its stride in 1949, and ended in 1968 when gas-operated systems like the Remington Model 1100 took over the market. During its 20-year run, Remington manufactured approximately 455,000 units of the Model 11-48 across various configurations, including standard field models, riot guns, and high-end skeet grades.
What made the Model 11-48 revolutionary was its construction method. It was the first Remington shotgun to utilize stamped steel internal components and a streamlined receiver, which dramatically lowered manufacturing costs while reducing the overall weight of the gun. It was offered in an impressive array of gauges: 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410 bore. Because the firearm was chambered in so many variations, the receiver and barrel markings vary significantly, making accurate identification both fun and occasionally challenging.
How to Perform a Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup
Conducting an accurate lookup on a vintage Remington requires looking at two distinct sets of markings: the receiver serial number and the barrel date code. While the serial number stamped on the receiver is the official registration identifier, Remington’s factory assembly records rely heavily on barrel date codes to pinpoint the exact month and year of manufacture.
Locating the Serial Number on the Receiver
The official serial number of the Remington Model 11-48 is located on the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge and toward the front of the loading port. This number was stamped into the steel at the factory and is generally composed of a series of numbers followed or preceded by a letter suffix.
When conducting a lookup, you must pay close attention to the letter suffix. This single letter denotes the specific frame size and gauge of the shotgun receiver. Because the receiver and the barrel could be separated or swapped over the last 70 years, confirming that the receiver suffix matches the actual chambering of the barrel is the first step in verifying the gun's originality.
Decoding the Gauge Suffix Codes
Unlike modern firearms where serial numbers are purely sequential across all lines, Remington utilized a smart coding system to categorize their production runs by gauge. If you are looking at your receiver’s serial number, you will find one of the following letters appended to the end of the numerical sequence:
- V Suffix: Denotes a standard 12-gauge receiver.
- W Suffix: Indicates a 16-gauge receiver.
- X Suffix: Represents a 20-gauge receiver.
- Y Suffix: Marks the rarer 28-gauge receiver.
- J Suffix: Reserved for the highly collectible .410 bore variant.
If you find a Model 11-48 with a "V" serial number suffix but a 20-gauge barrel attached, you are looking at a mismatched firearm where parts have been swapped. Collectors place a premium on original, matching-gauge receivers and barrels.
Reading the Remington Barrel Date Codes
While the receiver serial number establishes the gauge, the actual date of manufacture is best determined by decoding the barrel date code. Remington stamped a two- or three-letter code on the left side of the barrel, just forward of the receiver, near the chamber.
The first letter of this code represents the month of manufacture, decoded using the classic Remington mnemonic cipher "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 second (and sometimes third) letter represents the year of manufacture. For the production run of the Model 11-48 (1949 to 1968), you will want to match the year code letter against the established factory timeline.
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Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number and Gauge Reference Table
To make your lookup process straightforward, the table below outlines the primary year codes associated with the production window of the Remington Model 11-48, along with corresponding receiver suffixes.
| Year of Manufacture | Barrel Year Code | Receiver Gauge Suffix | Production Notes & Historical Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | UU, VV | V (12 Ga), W (16 Ga), X (20 Ga) | First full year of commercial production. |
| 1950 | WW | V, W, X | Introduction of deluxe and skeet grades. |
| 1951 | XX | V, W, X | Production volume peaks for standard 12-gauge. |
| 1952 | YY | V, W, X, Y (28 Ga), J (.410) | 28-gauge and .410 bore options introduced. |
| 1953 | ZZ | V, W, X, Y, J | Highly sought after for early .410 models. |
| 1954 | A | V, W, X, Y, J | Minor internal mechanical refinements introduced. |
| 1955 | B | V, W, X, Y, J | Streamlined carrier release mechanism updated. |
| 1956 | C | V, W, X, Y, J | High-grade "D" Peerless and "F" Premier runs. |
| 1958 | E | V, W, X, Y, J | Sportsman '48 variant production overlaps. |
| 1961 | H | V, W, X, Y, J | Standard field production begins scaling back. |
| 1964 | L | V, W, X, Y, J | Model 1100 gas-operated shotgun begins to dominate. |
| 1968 | R | V, W, X, Y, J | Final year of production for the Model 11-48. |
Comparing the Model 11-48 with the Remington Model 11 and Model 1100
When researching vintage Remington shotguns, it is easy to confuse the Model 11-48 with its predecessor, the Model 11, or its successor, the Model 1100. Understanding the mechanical and aesthetic differences between these three models helps clarify what you have in your collection and highlights why the Model 11-48 represents a unique design transitional phase.
The Remington Model 11 (produced from 1905 to 1947) was built on John Browning's famous humpback design. It utilized a heavy, squared-off receiver back and relied on a friction-ring recoil system. The gun was robust but heavy, and its manufacturing process was labor-intensive.
The Model 11-48 kept the long-recoil operating mechanism of the Model 11—where the barrel and bolt recoil together backward into the receiver before separating—but housed it in a rounded, streamlined receiver made of modern, lightweight materials. It felt faster in the hand and swung much more fluidly than the blocky Model 11.
In contrast, the Remington Model 1100 (introduced in 1963) completely abandoned the long-recoil system in favor of a modern, gas-operated mechanism. This dramatically reduced felt recoil for the shooter, making it an instant favorite for trap, skeet, and field shooting. While the Model 1100 eventually made the recoil-operated Model 11-48 obsolete, modern collectors favor the 11-48 for its elegant mechanical complexity and its historical status as the last great long-recoil shotgun produced by Remington.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Remington 11-48
What if my barrel code letters do not match my serial number date lookup?
It is very common to find a Remington Model 11-48 with a barrel date code that does not match the receiver's estimated manufacture date. Because Remington barrels are easily interchangeable, many owners swapped barrels over the decades to change choke sizes or barrel lengths. If the codes do not match, your barrel was likely replaced at some point in its history.
What are the rarest and most valuable versions of the Model 11-48?
The rarest and most valuable configurations of the Model 11-48 are those chambered in 28-gauge (Y suffix) and .410 bore (J suffix). Because these small bores were produced in much lower quantities than the standard 12-gauge and 16-gauge models, they command high prices on the collector's market, especially if they are in excellent, original condition.
Can I fire modern steel shot through a vintage Remington Model 11-48?
It is highly recommended that you do not shoot modern steel shot through an original Remington Model 11-48 barrel. The steel used in these vintage barrels was designed for soft lead shot. Firing modern, hard steel shot can cause barrel bulging, scoring, or permanent damage to the choke, particularly in full-choke barrels. Stick to lead shot or modern, barrel-safe non-toxic alternatives like bismuth.
How can I verify my lookup if the barrel has no date code stamps?
Occasionally, you may find a barrel that lacks the classic "BLACKPOWDERX" letter codes. This can happen if the barrel was professionally refinished, polished, or if it was a factory replacement barrel sold directly by Remington without a specific assembly-line stamp. In these cases, you can contact the Remington Society of America or reference vintage factory ledgers using only the receiver's serial number.
Preserving Your Vintage Remington Shotgun
Performing a serial number lookup on your Remington Model 11-48 is just the beginning of your journey. Once you have identified the age, history, and specifications of your firearm, taking proper steps to preserve its mechanical integrity and aesthetic finish ensures that this piece of American history survives for generations to come.
Keep the recoil system clean and lightly lubricated. Because the Model 11-48 relies on physical friction and mechanical movement of the barrel assembly inside the forend, checking the condition of the internal friction piece and spring is crucial. If you plan to shoot your vintage shotgun, consider having a professional gunsmith inspect the internal buffer and springs to ensure safe operation. Whether you keep it as an heirloom or use it in the field, the Remington Model 11-48 remains a true classic of mid-century American engineering.
