Remington Model 11-48 Serial Number Lookup And Production Dating Guide 2026
The Remington Model 11-48 holds a significant place in firearms history as the company's first successful semi-automatic shotgun featuring a streamlined receiver, bridging the gap between the classic humpback A5-style designs and the modern aerodynamic profiles that followed. Because these firearms were produced between 1949 and 1968, identifying the specific date of manufacture requires a precise understanding of Remington’s historical serial numbering and barrel code systems. As of 2026, collectors and gunsmiths prioritize these specific identification methods to verify the provenance and mechanical lineage of their firearms.
The Evolution of Remington Identification Systems
Remington utilized two distinct methods for dating their firearms: the serial number and the barrel date code. While the serial number provides a unique identifier for the receiver, the barrel date code is often more reliable for determining when the firearm was assembled.
When you perform a Remington Model 11-48 serial number lookup, you are essentially cross-referencing your firearm against historical ledger data. It is vital to understand that serial numbers on older Remington shotguns were not always strictly sequential in the way modern manufacturing tracks items. Factors such as wartime production variations, parts inventory management, and factory recalls mean that serial numbers should be used as an approximation rather than an absolute source of truth.
Decoding the Remington Barrel Date Code
The most accurate way to date a Model 11-48 in 2026 is by examining the barrel date code. Remington stamped a two-letter or three-letter code on the left side of the barrel, just forward of the receiver. The first letter represents the month of manufacture, and the subsequent letter(s) represent the year.
The following table provides the key for deciphering these codes. Note that Remington reused these codes in 20-year cycles, so internal context—such as the specific features of the shotgun—is required to narrow the date to the correct decade.
| Month Code | Month of Production | Year Code | Year (1949–1968 Cycle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | January | W | 1949 |
| L | February | X | 1950 |
| A | March | A | 1951 |
| C | April | B | 1952 |
| K | May | C | 1953 |
| M | June | D | 1954 |
| R | July | E | 1955 |
| E | August | F | 1956 |
| S | September | G | 1957 |
| O | October | H | 1958 |
| N | November | J | 1959 |
| D | December | K | 1960 |
| - | - | L | 1961 |
| - | - | M | 1962 |
| - | - | N | 1963 |
| - | - | P | 1964 |
| - | - | R | 1965 |
| - | - | S | 1966 |
| - | - | T | 1967 |
| - | - | U | 1968 |
REMINGTON MODEL 11-48 IN 12 GA - Kidd Family Auctions
Technical Inspection and Component Matching
When verifying a Model 11-48, internal matching is a hallmark of value and authenticity. During your lookup process, confirm that the barrel date code corresponds logically with the production range of the receiver serial number.
Expert Maintenance Insight
The Model 11-48 operates on a long-recoil system, similar to the Browning Auto-5. This requires specific friction ring settings based on the load type. If you are a new owner in 2026, ensure the friction ring is configured correctly for the shell length and velocity you intend to use. Improper adjustment can lead to excessive stress on the receiver or failure to cycle reliably. Always inspect the action spring inside the stock; if it has compressed significantly over the last several decades, replace it with a factory-spec spring to prevent receiver cracking.
Common Discrepancies in Historical Records
Owners often find that the serial number on their Model 11-48 does not return a clean "date made" result in online databases. This is common for three reasons:
- Records Gaps: Remington’s factory records were maintained by hand for many years, and some documentation from the mid-20th century was lost or never digitized.
- Barrel Swaps: It is extremely common for shotguns of this age to have had their barrels replaced. If the barrel date code does not match the serial number, the shotgun may have been refurbished or modified at some point in its history.
- Receiver Production vs. Assembly: Serial numbers were assigned when the receiver was cast or machined, while the barrel date code reflects the final assembly of the complete unit. These dates can differ by several months or, in some cases, years.
Safety and Operational Reality Check
The Model 11-48 is a robust design, but in 2026, responsible ownership requires strict adherence to safety protocols. If you have inherited or purchased a unit without a known service history, follow these guidelines:
- Professional Gunsmith Review: Before live-firing, have a qualified gunsmith inspect the locking block and the interior of the receiver for fatigue cracks.
- Ammunition Selection: These older long-recoil shotguns were generally designed for lead shot. Avoid high-pressure steel shot loads unless the barrel has been verified as compatible or modified by a professional.
- Safety Recalls: Periodically check for any legacy bulletins. While the 11-48 is a proven design, internal parts wear can cause malfunctions. If the bolt fails to lock or the safety catch feels "mushy," discontinue use immediately until serviced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the serial number on my Remington 11-48? The serial number is typically stamped on the left side of the receiver, usually near the bottom edge toward the rear of the trigger guard. If the finish is worn, use a soft cloth with a light lubricant to clean the area, which often reveals the numbers more clearly than direct scrubbing.
Does the serial number tell me the exact date? Not always; the serial number provides a production range. For the exact year and month of manufacture, the barrel date code stamped on the side of the barrel is the industry-accepted standard for accuracy.
Can I use the serial number to find the original choke? No, the serial number is not linked to the barrel's fixed choke designation. The choke is typically stamped on the side of the barrel itself, alongside the date code, using markings such as Full, Mod (Modified), or Imp Cyl (Improved Cylinder).
Is the Model 11-48 safe for modern ammunition? It is safe for standard 2026-era ammunition provided you use the correct shell length (2-3/4 inch) and appropriate velocities. Avoid magnum loads in standard models, and ensure the friction ring setup is adjusted correctly for the load intensity.
Are there differences between gauges? The Model 11-48 was produced in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as .410 bore. While the operating principles remain identical, parts like the bolt, barrel, and magazine components are gauge-specific and do not interchange.
Preserving Your Investment
Maintaining a vintage firearm like the Remington 11-48 in 2026 is an exercise in preservation. If you possess a low-serial-number model in excellent condition, consider that it may have historical significance beyond its utility as a field gun. Avoid heavy modifications, keep the wood furniture conditioned, and ensure that any mechanical restoration uses period-correct parts or high-quality modern equivalents that do not alter the integrity of the original design.
For further technical support or to verify a specific serial number that falls outside standard documentation, you may contact the Remington owners' associations or seek out a specialized gunsmith who focuses on early-mid 20th-century semi-automatic shotguns.
