The Remington 11-87 Premier is a highly sought-after shotgun, known for its reliability and performance. Understanding your shotgun's serial number can be crucial for various reasons, from verifying authenticity to tracing its history. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Remington 11-87 Premier serial numbers, providing you with the knowledge to decipher their meaning and utilize this information effectively.
What Do Remington 11-87 Premier Serial Numbers Tell You?
Remington serial numbers, including those for the 11-87 Premier, aren't simply random alphanumeric strings. They contain valuable information encoded within their structure. While Remington doesn't publicly release a complete decoding key, understanding the general format and patterns can be incredibly helpful. Key information potentially encoded includes:
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Year of Manufacture: The serial number often provides clues about the year your shotgun was produced. While not a direct date, the number sequence usually falls within a specific range associated with a particular manufacturing period. Extensive online resources and forums dedicated to Remington firearms often contain databases and discussions comparing serial numbers and manufacturing years. This is a key area for research.
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Model Variation: While the core serial number indicates the 11-87 Premier, subtle variations within the number itself might hint at specific configurations or options. For example, differences in barrel length, stock type, or chambering might be reflected (although not always directly) in the serial number's structure.
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Manufacturing Location: While less common with publicly available decoding resources, some researchers believe subtle clues within the serial number may sometimes point towards the specific Remington factory where the shotgun was assembled.
How to Locate Your Remington 11-87 Premier Serial Number
Before you can decode your serial number, you need to locate it on your shotgun. The serial number is typically found:
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Receiver: This is the main body of the shotgun, where the barrel attaches. The number is usually stamped into the metal surface.
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Barrel: In some instances, the serial number may also be stamped on the barrel itself, although this is less common than its placement on the receiver.
Check both locations carefully. The number is usually clearly visible, but it may require cleaning or the use of a bright light to see it clearly.
Utilizing Online Resources and Forums
Several online communities and forums dedicated to firearms are invaluable resources for Remington 11-87 Premier owners. These platforms often feature dedicated threads and databases where users share their serial numbers and corresponding manufacturing dates, helping to establish patterns and build a collective knowledge base.
Disclaimer: Remember that interpreting serial numbers is not an exact science. While patterns can be observed, there's no official, publicly available key that directly translates a serial number to a precise date. Information gleaned from online resources should be regarded as estimations based on collective user data.
Beyond the Serial Number: Authenticity and Maintenance
While the serial number is a valuable tool, other factors contribute to verifying the authenticity and condition of your Remington 11-87 Premier. Careful examination of the gun's markings, overall condition, and accompanying documentation (if available) should be part of any authentication process. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of your shotgun.
By combining the information gleaned from your serial number with thorough inspection and research, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of your Remington 11-87 Premier’s history and current status. Remember to always handle firearms responsibly and safely.
