Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup: The Complete Guide To Dating Your Shotgun

To accurately date a Remington Model 11-48, you must cross-reference the receiver's serial number suffix for gauge identification with the two-letter barrel code located on the left side of the chamber. These codes, following the "BLACKPOWDERX" month cipher and specific year letter sequences, allow for precise identification of any specimen manufactured between 1948 and 1968.

Essential Documentation and Safety Checklist for Firearm Identification

Before attempting to identify or date a Remington Model 11-48, it is paramount to understand that the serial number on the receiver and the date code on the barrel provide two different sets of data. The serial number is a unique identifier for the frame, while the barrel code is the primary tool for determining the month and year of assembly. Because barrels on the Model 11-48 are easily interchangeable, comparing both is necessary to ensure the firearm remains in its original factory configuration.

• Mandatory Safety Verification: Ensure the shotgun is completely unloaded by visually and physically inspecting the chamber and the magazine tube. Move the bolt to the rear and engage the safety before handling.
• Optimal Lighting and Magnification: Many Remington rollmarks are shallow or have been obscured by years of oil and debris. A high-intensity LED flashlight and a 5x or 10x jeweler's loupe are recommended for reading faint stampings.
• Cleaning Supplies: Use a non-abrasive microfiber cloth and a mild firearm solvent or CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Preservative) to gently clean the left side of the barrel and the side of the receiver. Do not use steel wool, as this can destroy the historical value of the bluing.
• Reference Standards: Ensure you are using the Remington Society of America (RSA) dating standards. The Model 11-48 follows the postwar letter-coding system, which differs significantly from the pre-1921 numbering schemes used for the older Model 11 (Browning patent).
• Duration and Complexity: A standard lookup takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. If the barrel has been replaced or the markings are "scrubbed," secondary identification through internal component variations may be required.

Systematic Identification of the Remington Model 11-48

The Remington Model 11-48 was the first of the "New Generation" semi-automatic shotguns designed to replace the bulky, humped-back Model 11. It utilizes a long-recoil action but features a streamlined, machined steel receiver that would later influence the Model 870 and Model 1100. Following these steps precisely will reveal the exact provenance of your firearm.

Step 1: Locating and Recording the Receiver Serial Number

The serial number for the Model 11-48 is located on the side of the receiver, typically on the left side near the bottom edge, though placement can vary slightly depending on the production year. This number is used for legal identification and to determine the gauge of the receiver.

1. Identify the numeric string and the alpha suffix. For the Model 11-48, the suffix is critical because it denotes the frame size and gauge.
2. Common suffixes include "L" for 12 Gauge, "W" for 16 Gauge, "X" or "J" for 20 Gauge, and "Y" for 28 Gauge.
3. Write down the entire alphanumeric sequence. If the receiver has no suffix, it is likely a very early 1948 or 1949 production 12-gauge model, as Remington standardized the suffix system shortly after launch.

Step 2: Decoding the Remington Barrel Date Code

Remington shotguns manufactured during this era utilize a specific two or three-letter code stamped on the left side of the barrel, just forward of the receiver junction. This is the most accurate way to date the firearm, provided the barrel is original to the receiver.

1. Locate the letters positioned near the "Proof Marks." These are usually located about an inch in front of where the barrel meets the receiver.
2. The first letter represents the month of manufacture. Remington uses the mnemonic "BLACKPOWDERX" to represent the twelve months of the year (B=Jan, L=Feb, A=March, and so on).
3. The second letter (and sometimes a third) represents the year of manufacture. For the Model 11-48, the year codes range from "RTT" (1948) through "PR" (1967) and "RS" (1968).
4. Be careful not to confuse the date code with the "Inspecor’s Mark" or the "Proof Mark," which are often symbols or single digits located nearby.

Step 3: Verifying Originality and Variations

Because the 11-48 was a transitional model that saw the introduction of various gauges and the "Sportsman 48" variant, you must verify if the barrel date aligns with the receiver's features.

1. The "Sportsman 48" is essentially an 11-48 limited to a 3-shot capacity (two in the magazine, one in the chamber) to comply with certain hunting regulations without needing a magazine plug.
2. Check for the "Model 11-48" or "Sportsman-48" rollmark on the side of the receiver. If the receiver says "Sportsman 48" but the barrel date code suggests a year after 1959, the barrel has likely been replaced, as the Sportsman designation was phased out in favor of the standard 11-48 labeling.
3. Examine the barrel lug. Early 11-48 models (1948–1952) often have slightly different machining than later models. If a late-model barrel is forced onto an early receiver, it can lead to cycling issues.

Step 4: Assessing Gauge-Specific Production Nuances

The Model 11-48 was famous for being the first semi-auto shotgun offered in a full range of gauges. Each gauge has a specific production window that can help verify your lookup data.

1. 12, 16, and 20 Gauges: Produced throughout the entire run (1948–1968).
2. 28 Gauge and .410 Bore: These were introduced later in the production cycle (circa 1952). If you find a .410 bore with a 1949 date code, the barrel is either misstamped or, more likely, counterfeit or modified.
3. Match the serial number suffix with the barrel's stamped gauge. If the receiver suffix is "L" (12ga) but the barrel is stamped 16ga, the firearm is in a dangerous, mismatched configuration and should not be fired.

Technical Specifications and Date Code Reference Matrix

The following table provides the specific Remington Year Codes applicable to the production lifespan of the Model 11-48. Match the second letter of your barrel stamp to this list to find the year of manufacture.

Common Lookup Failures and Field Fixes

When researching vintage Remington firearms, inconsistencies are common due to factory repair histories, "parts bin" assembly practices, or previous owner modifications. Understanding these failures is key to an accurate valuation.

• The "Mismatched Date" Scenario

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: The barrel date code indicates a year significantly different from the serial number sequence, or the barrel features (like a ventilated rib) don't match the receiver's era.
  • Actionable Fix: Prioritize the receiver serial number for legal and insurance purposes, but recognize the shotgun as a "shooter" rather than a "collector" grade. Remington frequently sold replacement barrels, and owners often upgraded to different chokes or lengths.

• Illegible or "Ghost" Stampings

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Heavy cold-blue application or aggressive buffing during a past restoration has filled in or worn down the shallow letter codes.
  • Actionable Fix: Apply a small amount of white china marker or chalk over the area and wipe away the excess. The pigment will settle into the recesses of the stamp, making the letters visible under a magnifying glass.

• Confusing the Month and Year Codes

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Users often read the letters from right to left or mistake the inspector's mark (usually a single letter on the right side) for the date code.
  • Actionable Fix: Always read the code on the left side of the barrel, closest to the receiver. The date code is almost always a two-letter sequence. If you see three letters, the first two are often the month and year, and the third is the inspector’s identifier.

• The "No Letter Code" Dilemma

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Some barrels manufactured during specific transition periods or those intended as service replacements may lack the date code entirely.
  • Actionable Fix: In these cases, you must rely on the receiver serial number. You can contact Remington’s historical archives or consult the RSA (Remington Society of America) serial number blocks to narrow the production window to a 2-3 year range based on the numeric sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Model 11-48 and a Sportsman 48?

The Model 11-48 features a standard magazine tube capable of holding four shells plus one in the chamber. The Sportsman 48 was modified with a crimped magazine tube or internal stop to limit capacity to two shells in the magazine, specifically designed to meet migratory bird hunting laws without requiring a wooden plug.

Can I use a Model 1100 barrel on my Model 11-48?

No, the barrels are not interchangeable. The Model 11-48 is a long-recoil operated system where the barrel moves rearward during the cycle, whereas the Model 1100 is gas-operated with a fixed barrel. Attempting to fit or modify these parts is extremely dangerous and will result in catastrophic firearm failure.

Where is the serial number located on a Remington 11-48?

The primary serial number is located on the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge. On some early production models, it may be located on the right side. Secondary matching numbers were sometimes stamped on the underside of the barrel lug or inside the trigger group housing during factory fitting.

How do I tell if my 11-48 was made in the first year of production?

Look for a barrel code starting with "RTT" or "SS" and a receiver serial number that lacks a letter suffix or has a very low numeric value (under 10,000). First-year models (1948) are particularly prized by collectors, especially in 12 or 20 gauge.

What do the extra symbols near the date code mean?

Symbols such as anchors, hearts, or small alphanumeric characters outside the two-letter date code are proof marks and inspector stamps. An anchor typically signifies a barrel that passed a high-pressure "proof load" test, while individual letters are codes for the specific factory employee who performed the final inspection.

Professional Identification and Appraisal Services

For owners of rare configurations or those seeking a certified valuation for insurance purposes, consulting a specialist in postwar Remington firearms is highly recommended. Accurately documenting the barrel and receiver codes is the first step toward preserving the heritage of this classic American semi-automatic.