The Remington 870—a legendary pump-action shotgun—has a rich history spanning decades. Knowing your shotgun's history can be incredibly rewarding, whether you're a collector, a seasoned hunter, or simply curious about its origins. One of the key ways to uncover this history is through your receiver's serial number. However, finding reliable information can be tricky. This guide will walk you through the process of tracing your Remington 870's history using its serial number, along with important considerations and alternative methods.
Why is a Remington 870 Serial Number Lookup Important?
Understanding your Remington 870's serial number offers several benefits:
- Dating your shotgun: Serial numbers provide clues to the approximate manufacturing date. This helps determine the shotgun's age and potentially its value.
- Verifying authenticity: A serial number lookup can help verify if your shotgun is genuine and not a counterfeit.
- Tracing ownership (limited): While Remington doesn't typically release ownership history, the serial number can be useful in certain legal or insurance situations.
- Identifying model variations: The serial number sometimes hints at subtle variations in the model within a particular production year.
Where to Find the Serial Number on Your Remington 870
The serial number on a Remington 870 is typically located on the receiver, the metal housing that contains the action. It's usually stamped or engraved, and may be found on either the left or right side, near the ejection port. Look carefully; the markings can sometimes be faint due to wear and tear. If you're having difficulty locating the serial number, consult your owner's manual or search online for images of Remington 870 serial number locations.
The Challenges of a Remington 870 Serial Number Lookup
Unfortunately, there isn't a central, publicly accessible database that directly links Remington 870 serial numbers to detailed manufacturing dates and ownership history. Remington itself, due to privacy concerns and the sheer volume of shotguns produced, generally doesn't offer this service directly to the public.
Alternative Methods for Dating Your Remington 870
While a precise date may be elusive, several methods can help you approximate the age of your shotgun:
- Examine the markings: Besides the serial number, look for other markings on the receiver, barrel, and other parts. These might indicate the model variant, the year of production, or the manufacturer's location.
- Consult online forums and communities: Engaging with experienced Remington 870 owners and collectors online can be invaluable. Sharing your serial number (or a portion of it, for privacy) and photographs of your shotgun might yield insights.
- Research Remington 870 production dates: Various websites and publications have compiled approximate production date ranges based on serial number prefixes or suffixes. These resources offer a general timeframe but are not always perfectly accurate.
- Consult with firearms appraisers: A qualified firearms appraiser can often offer a more precise estimation of your shotgun's age and value.
Important Considerations:
- Privacy: Be cautious when sharing your complete serial number online. Only share the necessary portion to get information while maintaining your personal privacy.
- Accuracy: Remember that the information obtained through alternative methods might not be completely precise. Treat any estimated date as an approximation.
By combining these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of understanding your Remington 870's history. While a direct serial number lookup might not be readily available, persistent research and engagement with the firearm community can uncover valuable information about your cherished shotgun.
