Remington 11 48 Serial Number Lookup: The Ultimate Guide To Dating Your Classic Shotgun

The Remington Model 11-48 is a milestone in the evolution of American firearms. Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the legendary, John Browning-designed Model 11, the 11-48 was the first semi-automatic shotgun to feature Remington’s revolutionary streamlined receiver. Manufactured until 1968, this long-recoil operated shotgun set a new standard for reliability, aesthetics, and manufacturing efficiency, paving the way for iconic successors like the Model 58, 878, and eventually the gas-operated Model 1100.

For collectors, hunters, and vintage firearms enthusiasts, performing a Remington 11 48 serial number lookup is more than a matter of simple curiosity. It is a vital step in verifying the historical authenticity, collector value, and safe operation of the firearm. Determining when your shotgun was made tells you whether it belongs to the early post-war manufacturing runs or the refined late-era production cycles, which can significantly impact its market value and collectability.

Dating a Remington 11-48 requires looking beyond just the numbers stamped on the receiver. Because Remington used a highly standardized coding system across their manufacturing plants, the most accurate way to date these shotguns is by deciphering the barrel codes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire lookup process, explain the nuances of the serial numbering system, and help you identify the exact month and year your classic firearm left the factory floor.

Understanding the Remington 11-48 Serial Numbering System

The serial number on a Remington Model 11-48 is typically stamped on the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge. While the serial number itself is unique to each frame, Remington's serialization records from the mid-20th century can be difficult to navigate through serial numbers alone. However, the serial number contains a crucial piece of information: a letter suffix that indicates the original gauge of the receiver.

During its twenty-year production run, the Remington 11-48 was offered in an impressive array of gauges, including 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 bore. Because the receivers were scaled to match the gauge, the suffix letter was added to prevent confusion during assembly and maintenance. If you are inspecting a vintage 11-48, matching the suffix letter to the actual barrel gauge is a quick way to ensure the shotgun has not been mismatched or heavily altered with aftermarket parts.

Below are the standard gauge suffixes used by Remington during the 11-48 production cycle:

V – 12 Gauge W – 16 Gauge X – 20 Gauge Y – 28 Gauge J – .410 Bore

How to Decipher Remington Barrel Date Codes

To find the precise month and year your Remington 11-48 was manufactured, you must look at the barrel date code rather than the receiver's serial number. Remington stamped a two- or three-letter code on the left side of the barrel, just forward of the receiver. This system, which has been in use since 1921, relies on a simple cypher that matches specific letters to months and years.

The first letter of the code represents the month of manufacture. Remington used the mnemonic code "BLACKPOWDERX" to represent the twelve months of the year:

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 of the code represents the year of manufacture. Because the Model 11-48 was produced strictly between 1949 and 1968, you only need to match your year code letter to this specific era. Be aware that the letters can repeat in later decades, but since the 11-48 was never manufactured after 1968, there is no risk of confusing it with a 1980s or 1990s production date.

Remington 11-48 Year Code Reference Table (1949–1968)

Use this detailed lookup table to match the year letter stamped on your Remington 11-48 barrel to its corresponding year of manufacture.

Year Letter Code Year of Manufacture Production Historical Context UU / U 1949 First year of production; highly sought after by collectors. WW / W 1950 Full-scale production of 12, 16, and 20 gauge models. XX / X 1951 Introduction of refined interior manufacturing parts. YY 1952 Expansion of the line to include specialty field models. ZZ 1953 Peak production era for the 16-gauge variants. A 1954 Introduction of the highly prized 28-gauge model. B 1955 Introduction of the .410 bore model, a collector favorite today. C 1956 Standard production; minor internal cosmetic adjustments. D 1957 Introduction of the "Sportsman 48" three-shot variant limits. E 1958 Mid-era production; transition to newer stock finishes. F 1959 Highly reliable production run with polished receivers. G 1960 Production remains steady alongside newer gas-operated models. H 1961 Collector interest remains steady for early 60s builds. J 1962 Pre-transition period; wood furniture styles begin to shift. K 1963 Introduction of the legendary Remington 1100 limits 11-48 focus. L 1964 Production scales back to focus on gas-operated shotguns. M 1965 Late-era production; mostly 12 and 20-gauge options. N 1966 Scarce production numbers as the model nears retirement. P 1967 Extremely rare; limited assembly of leftover receiver parts. R 1968 Final year of production; highly collectible for historical closure.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform Your Lookup

Performing a lookup on your Remington 11-48 is a straightforward process, but it requires close physical inspection of the firearm. Follow these steps to ensure an accurate date identification.

Step 1: Ensure the Firearm is Unloaded and Safe

Before handling any firearm for inspection, verify that the chamber and magazine tube are completely empty. Open the action, visually inspect the chamber, and point the muzzle in a safe direction throughout the process.

Step 2: Locate the Receiver Serial Number

Look at the left side of the receiver, near the trigger guard assembly. Note the serial number and especially the letter suffix (V, W, X, Y, or J). Write this down. This code confirms the frame's factory designated gauge.

Step 3: Locate and Clean the Barrel Codes

Examine the left side of the barrel, approximately one to two inches forward of where the barrel meets the receiver. These stampings can sometimes be faint or obscured by old oil, carbon buildup, or re-blueing. If necessary, use a soft cotton patch and some gun cleaner to gently scrub the area until the letters are clearly visible under a strong light source.

Step 4: Cross-Reference the Codes

Locate the two-letter stamp (for example, "K A").

The first letter (K) represents the month: May. The second letter (A) represents the year: 1954. Thus, a barrel marked "K A" was manufactured in May 1954.

Step 5: Verify the Barrel's Originality

Because barrels on the Remington 11-48 are easily interchangeable, it is highly common to find a gun with a swapped barrel. Check if the gauge marked on the barrel matches the receiver's serial suffix letter. If your receiver suffix is "V" (12 gauge) and your barrel is stamped "12 GA," the barrel is likely period-correct. If they do not match, or if the wear patterns on the receiver and barrel wood do not align, your barrel may have been replaced at some point in the firearm's history, meaning your barrel date code only dates the barrel itself, not the receiver.

Pros and Cons of the Remington 11-48 Design

The Remington 11-48 occupies a unique space in shotgun history. While highly loved, it represents transitional technology. Understanding its design strengths and weaknesses can help you appreciate its performance in the field today.

Pros

Reliable Long-Recoil Action: Utilizing the classic Browning long-recoil system, the 11-48 is incredibly reliable when properly lubricated and adjusted for different loads. Lightweight and Streamlined: Unlike the blocky receiver of the Remington Model 11, the 11-48 features a rounded, ergonomic receiver that points naturally and reduces overall weight. Versatility of Gauges: Available in five different gauges, making it a highly adaptable hunting platform for everything from waterfowl to small upland game. Machined Steel Construction: Built in an era where hand-fitting and high-quality steel machining were still standard practice, offering excellent durability.

Cons

Felt Recoil: Because the entire barrel moves backward during the recoil cycle to cycle the action, the 11-48 produces a distinct, heavier double-recoil feel compared to modern gas-operated systems. Ammunition Sensitivity: The friction rings must be set correctly for "heavy" or "light" loads. Incorrect setup can lead to cycling failures or excessive wear on the receiver. Hard-to-Find Replacement Parts: Since production ended in 1968, finding original replacement parts (such as friction pieces, recoil springs, and ejectors) can be difficult and expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Remington 11-48 does not have a barrel code?

If your barrel has no stampings on the left side near the receiver, it may have been polished off during a professional re-blueing process, or it may be an aftermarket barrel. In these rare cases, the best course of action is to contact Remington's historical records department or consult with a specialized vintage firearms appraiser who can estimate the production year based on receiver serial number sequences.

Can I shoot modern steel shot through a Remington 11-48?

It is generally recommended not to shoot modern steel shot through vintage Remington 11-48 barrels, especially those with fixed Full or Modified chokes. Modern steel is much harder than the lead shot used when these barrels were manufactured and can cause barrel bulging or damage near the muzzle. Stick to lead, bismuth, or other low-pressure, soft-metal non-toxic alternatives.

How do I adjust the friction rings for light vs. heavy loads?

The Remington 11-48 utilizes a friction bevel and spring system over the magazine tube to control barrel speed during recoil. For heavy loads, the friction piece should be placed with the beveled end facing the matching bevel of the barrel lug to maximize friction. For light loads, reversing or removing parts of the friction assembly reduces resistance, allowing the gun to cycle lighter target loads smoothly. Consult a reproduction owner's manual before making adjustments.

What is the most collectible version of the Remington 11-48?

The .410 bore (suffix J) and the 28-gauge (suffix Y) variants are highly sought after by modern collectors. Because far fewer of these small-bore models were made compared to the standard 12-gauge utility models, they command premium prices in the collector market, especially if they retain their original finishes and matching-coded barrels.

Preserving Your Vintage Remington 11-48

Once you have successfully researched your Remington 11-48 serial number and determined its production history, preserving this functional piece of history should be your primary focus. Regular maintenance is key to keeping this classic shotgun operational. Periodically inspect the magazine tube under the forearm, clean away old carbon, and apply a light coat of high-quality gun oil to the friction ring assembly.

Whether your 11-48 is a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations or a recent addition to your vintage firearms collection, knowing its exact date of manufacture adds depth to its story and value to its legacy. Keep it clean, run the correct ammunition, and enjoy one of the finest recoil-operated shotguns ever produced in America.