Remington Model 11 48 Serial Number Lookup Guide For 2026
Navigating the history of vintage firearms requires precision, and performing a Remington Model 11 48 serial number lookup remains one of the most reliable ways to date this iconic shotgun. Introduced in 1948 as Remington's first post-World War II semi-automatic shotgun, the Model 11-48 utilized a streamlined receiver design that replaced the aging, Browning-designed Model 11. For collectors, gunsmiths, and estate executors operating in 2026, accurately identifying the production year of a vintage Remington requires understanding barrel codes, stampings, and historical serialization patterns.
Understanding the Remington Model 11-48 Legacy
The Remington Model 11-48 was manufactured from 1948 until 1968, bridging the gap between traditional long-recoil designs and modern gas-operated systems. Built on a lightweight steel and later alloy receiver concept, it was offered in 12, 16, 20, 28 gauges, and .410 bore.
Unlike modern firearms where serial numbers instantly yield exact manufacturing dates via digital databases, vintage Remington shotguns rely heavily on a combination of sequential serial numbers and factory barrel date codes. Because Remington often recycled receivers and used parts bins efficiently, relying solely on the serial number stamped on the receiver can sometimes yield a broad production window rather than an exact year.
Locating Your Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number
Before attempting any lookup procedure, ensure the firearm is completely unloaded and safe to handle.
- Receiver Location: The primary serial number for the Remington Model 11-48 is stamped on the left side of the receiver, typically near the bottom edge toward the rear or underneath the receiver near the trigger guard plate.
- Matching Components: On many early production models, matching serial numbers or partial assembly numbers may be found on the bolt, the barrel extension, and the inside of the forend wood.
- Corrosion and Wear: Vintage shotguns frequently suffer from surface rust, aggressive re-bluing, or pitting that obscures stamped digits. Use a non-marring brass pick and proper gunsmithing lighting to reveal faint characters without damaging the metal.
Remington ~ Model Sportsman 48 ~ 12 Gauge | Mack's Prairie Wings
Decoding Remington Barrel Date Codes
To cross-reference your Remington Model 11-48 serial number lookup, the two- or three-letter barrel code stamped on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver is your most valuable secondary asset. Remington stamped a date code on nearly all shotgun barrels from the 1920s through the 1970s.
Important Verification Tip: Barrels were easily swapped over decades of active hunting and sporting use. While the receiver serial number establishes the core manufacture date of the gun's frame, the barrel code indicates when that specific barrel left the factory and can reveal whether a shotgun wears its original hardware or a replacement tube.
Remington Barrel Code Letter Key
The first letter indicates the month of manufacture, while the subsequent letter or letters indicate the year.
- A = January
- C = February
- E = March
- H = April
- K = May
- M = June
- N = July
- P = August
- R = September
- S = October
- T = November
- W = December
Year Letter Codes for the Model 11-48 Era
| Year Code | Corresponding Production Year |
|---|---|
| X | 1948 (Introduction Year) |
| Y | 1949 |
| Z | 1950 |
| B | 1951 |
| C | 1952 |
| D | 1953 |
| E | 1954 |
| F | 1955 |
| G | 1956 |
| H | 1957 |
| J | 1958 |
| K | 1959 |
| L | 1960 |
| M | 1961 |
| N | 1962 |
| P | 1963 |
| R | 1964 |
| S | 1965 |
| T | 1966 |
| U | 1967 |
| W | 1968 (Final Production Year) |
(Note: Letters like I, O, and Q are typically skipped to avoid confusion with numbers.)
Step-by-Step Remington Model 11-48 Dating Workflow
Executing an accurate historical evaluation requires a methodical, step-by-step approach. Follow this workflow to date your firearm safely and effectively:
- Safety Inspection: Clear the action, check the chamber, and verify the magazine tube is empty.
- Clean the Metal: Gently clean oil, dirt, and dried grease from the left side of the receiver using a soft cloth and a specialized gun solvent.
- Record the Serial Number: Note the exact alphanumeric sequence stamped on the receiver. Do not guess ambiguous characters (e.g., distinguishing between a stamped "0" and an "O").
- Locate and Read the Barrel Code: Look on the left side of the barrel near the receiver ring for the small hand-stamped letters.
- Cross-Reference Production Ranges: Compare your receiver serial number against historical ledger estimates for the Model 11-48, which started around serial number 1000 in 1948 and scaled upward toward the end of production in 1968.
- Consult Archival Resources: For definitive verification, contact the Remington Society of America or check factory ledger databases hosted by specialized firearms historians.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Remington Model 11-48
Understanding the engineering realities of the Model 11-48 helps owners evaluate its performance, collectibility, and maintenance needs.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally sleek, hand-contoured receiver profile that points and swings smoothly in the field.
- Generally lower price point on the used market compared to older Browning Auto-5s or custom-grade shotguns.
- Rugged, reliable long-recoil mechanical action that handles standard target and field loads effectively when tuned properly.
- Cons:
- Friction ring setup must be meticulously adjusted for light loads versus heavy duck loads; improper configuration causes cycling failure or cracked forends.
- Steel alloy receivers on some variants are prone to cracking if subjected to extreme abuse or heavy modern steel waterfowl loads.
- Finding specific replacement parts requires hunting through specialized vintage parts suppliers, as factory support ceased decades ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was my Remington Model 11-48 manufactured?
You can determine the manufacturing year by matching your receiver serial number against historical production ledgers or by reading the two-letter barrel code stamped near the receiver. Production ran continuously from 1948 through 1968.
Are Remington Model 11-48 serial numbers available online?
While general production year ranges are published by collector organizations, Remington does not host a public, real-time searchable digital database for pre-1970 serial numbers. Researchers rely on historical texts and enthusiast forums for ledger estimates.
Can I shoot modern steel shot out of a vintage Model 11-48?
Firing modern steel shot through older full-choke barrels can cause barrel bulging or damage. It is recommended to use non-toxic alternative low-pressure loads, consult a qualified gunsmith regarding choke boring, or restrict the gun to lead-free target loads in open chokes.
What causes a Remington Model 11-48 to fail to cycle?
Failure to cycle is almost always caused by improper placement of the brass friction ring and bronze friction piece on the magazine tube relative to whether light or heavy loads are being fired. Cleaning old, gummed-up lubricant from the magazine tube resolves most feeding issues.
Where can I find replacement parts for a Model 11-48?
Specialized vintage firearm parts dealers, online gun auction sites, and collector swaps are the primary sources for authentic replacement components. Avoid forcing modern 1100 or 11-87 parts into an 11-48, as mechanical tolerances and designs differ significantly.
Final Thoughts on Preserving Vintage Firearms
Conducting a Remington Model 11-48 serial number lookup connects modern shooters with a fascinating era of post-war American manufacturing craftsmanship. Whether you inherited a family heirloom or acquired a classic upland hunter at a local estate sale, keeping accurate records of your firearm's manufacture date protects its historical integrity. Maintain your shotgun with proper lubrication, respect its mechanical limitations regarding modern high-pressure ammunition, and enjoy a true piece of American sporting heritage in the field.
