Remington 11-48 Serial Number Lookup: A Complete Collector’s Guide

The Remington Model 11-48 holds a distinguished place in firearms history as the first truly successful semi-automatic shotgun produced by Remington after World War II. For collectors, hunters, and enthusiasts, performing a Remington 11-48 serial number lookup is the essential first step in determining the provenance, vintage, and potential market value of these reliable long-recoil actions. Understanding when your specific firearm left the factory in Ilion, New York, offers more than just a date; it provides a direct link to the post-war industrial era of American manufacturing.

Unlike modern firearms that utilize standardized 17-digit alphanumeric serial numbers, the Remington 11-48 relies on a specific sequence that often requires cross-referencing against historical production logs. Because Remington records from the mid-20th century were sometimes handled in batches or occasionally lost, the lookup process serves as a blend of historical research and technical verification. Whether you are looking to restore a family heirloom or evaluate a potential purchase, knowing where to find and how to interpret these markings is paramount.

Where to Locate Your Serial Number

The primary location for the serial number on a Remington 11-48 is typically stamped on the left side of the receiver, near the bottom edge toward the rear or just above the trigger guard assembly. In many instances, the serial number is accompanied by specific barrel date codes, which are stamped on the left side of the barrel near the receiver. These two pieces of data—the receiver serial number and the barrel date code—work in tandem to provide a comprehensive picture of the firearm’s age.

It is common to find that the barrel has been replaced over the decades, especially given the Model 11-48’s popularity as a high-volume hunting shotgun. If the barrel date code does not align with the receiver serial number, it is a strong indicator of a part swap. Always ensure you are looking at the receiver for the master serial number, as the receiver is legally considered the firearm itself. If the area is obscured by rust or heavy bluing, do not use harsh abrasives to reveal the numbers; instead, use a soft cloth with a high-quality light gun oil to gently clean the surface.

When documenting the serial number for your records, pay close attention to potential prefixes or suffixes. Some variants, particularly those produced later in the production run or designated for specific military or contract orders, may contain unique characters. If you encounter a serial number that seems to defy standard conventions, it may indicate a custom shop modification or an experimental prototype, both of which can significantly inflate the value of the piece to the right collector.

Decoding the History: Production Timeline (1949–1968)

The Remington 11-48 was introduced in 1949 as an evolution of the Remington Model 11. It represented a significant shift in manufacturing, utilizing stamped steel components and a streamlined receiver design that made it lighter and more affordable to produce than its predecessor. By performing a serial number lookup, you are essentially tracing the lineage of this transition. Production continued until 1968, making it a nearly two-decade run that saw the shotgun become a staple in bird blinds and clay fields across North America.

The production timeline is generally broken down into early, mid, and late-production cohorts. Early models from 1949 to 1952 often feature distinct walnut stocks and specific checkering patterns that were phased out as the company sought to reduce labor costs in the 1960s. Collectors often prize the earlier serial number ranges due to the fit and finish quality that was more prevalent in the immediate post-war years. As the 1960s progressed, minor metallurgical changes were implemented, which are reflected in the serial numbering sequences as the company prepared for the introduction of newer models like the 870 and the 1100.

Understanding these timelines helps in identifying "transitional" guns. Sometimes, you may find an 11-48 with features characteristic of different years. This is not necessarily a sign of a fake, but rather a reflection of Remington’s practice of utilizing existing inventory of parts until they were exhausted. By mapping your serial number against known shipping records or production blocks, you can determine if your shotgun falls into one of these interesting transitional periods, which are often of high interest to historians of the brand.

Comparison of Remington 11-48 Features and Values

When valuing an 11-48, the serial number is just one variable. The condition of the action, the presence of original parts, and the specific gauge also play critical roles. The following table illustrates the general considerations when looking at these shotguns.

Feature Impact on Value Notes Serial Number High Confirms age and production batch. Barrel Condition Critical Pitting or rust in the bore significantly lowers value. Stock Integrity Moderate Cracks at the wrist (behind the receiver) are common; lowers value. Original Finish High Factory bluing vs. re-blued surfaces changes collector appeal. Gauge Rarity High .410 and 28-gauge models command a significant premium over 12 and 16-gauge.

The rarity of specific gauges cannot be overstated. While the 12-gauge 11-48 was produced in high volume, the smaller gauges were manufactured in much smaller numbers. A low serial number on a 28-gauge model represents a "holy grail" for many Remington collectors. If your lookup reveals your shotgun is a smaller gauge, it is highly recommended to seek an expert appraisal, as the value will vastly exceed that of a standard 12-gauge configuration.

Understanding the "Other" Remington 11-48

While the vast majority of search volume for "Remington 11-48 serial number lookup" pertains to the shotgun, there is a small segment of users searching for specialized industrial equipment or legacy electronic components marked with "11-48" identifiers. In some rare cases, this refers to specific serial-controlled hardware or internal inventory parts used by regional utilities or electronics manufacturers.

If you are currently researching a piece of machinery or an electrical component and arrived here via an 11-48 serial number query, it is important to verify the manufacturer’s mark. If it is not stamped with the Remington Arms logo (typically a circular emblem with the "R" and "U" intertwined), you are likely looking at a generic manufacturing batch number. In these instances, the lookup must be performed through the specific manufacturer’s industrial portal rather than a firearms registry. Always prioritize the manufacturer’s documentation over third-party databases to ensure accuracy for industrial maintenance or compliance.

Expert Maintenance for Your 11-48

Once you have identified the age of your shotgun, preserving its condition is the next priority. The long-recoil system of the 11-48 is sensitive to friction and debris. If your lookup indicates the gun is from the early 1950s, it is likely that the original internal springs are beginning to fatigue. It is recommended to replace the action spring and the friction ring set if you intend to shoot the firearm regularly.

Never dry fire the 11-48 excessively, as this can stress the firing pin and the bolt face. Routine maintenance involves stripping the barrel, removing the magazine cap, and ensuring the friction rings are oriented correctly for the type of load you are shooting (high brass vs. low brass). A proper lookup helps you understand the technical specifications that were intended for your specific year of manufacture, as some minor design tweaks were made to the friction ring configuration in later years of production.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find the manufacturing date of my Remington 11-48? You must combine the serial number from the receiver with the barrel date code (two or three letters stamped on the left side of the barrel). You can then reference these against a Remington barrel date code chart available through firearm collector associations.

2. Is a low serial number more valuable? Generally, yes. Early production models from 1949–1950 are highly sought after by collectors, particularly if the firearm is in excellent, original condition.

3. Does the serial number tell me what gauge the shotgun is? No, the serial number is purely a production sequence identifier. The gauge is typically stamped on the left side of the barrel.

4. Where can I find official factory records? Remington’s historical records were partially lost in various corporate transitions. Most enthusiasts rely on verified third-party historical databases and community forums populated by experts who have compiled known serial number ranges over decades.

5. Is my gun safe to shoot? Regardless of the serial number, any firearm of this age should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith. Check for hairline cracks in the stock and ensure the barrel is free from obstructions before firing.

Take Action on Your Collection

Identifying the history of your firearm is the first step toward responsible ownership and informed collecting. Whether you are holding a family heirloom or a piece of American history, your Remington 11-48 deserves to be understood and maintained correctly. If you have successfully identified your serial number, we recommend creating a physical "Provenance File" for your gun, including the date of manufacture, any known history, and current maintenance records.

Are you looking to verify your findings with other enthusiasts? Join a collector’s forum today, share your serial number range, and contribute to the community's collective knowledge. Protecting the heritage of the Remington 11-48 ensures these iconic shotguns remain in our fields and collections for generations to come.