Complete Guide To Remington 11-48 Serial Number Lookup In 2026
Navigating the history of vintage firearms requires precise documentation, especially when evaluating classic semi-automatic shotguns like the Remington Model 11-48. Introduced in 1948 as Remington's first entirely new post-World War II shotgun design, this recoil-operated firearm succeeded the venerable Model 11 and Browning Auto-5 architecture. Whether you are an estate inheritor, an active collector, or a restorer working on a 2026 firearm project, understanding how to perform a Remington 11-48 serial number lookup unlocks vital information regarding manufacturing dates, barrel codes, and mechanical variations.
Locating Your Remington 11-48 Serial Number
Before attempting any date identification, you must locate the factory stamping on the firearm receiver. Unlike modern firearms where serial numbers are prominently displayed on multiple components, vintage Remington shotguns require careful inspection.
- Receiver Bottom: On the vast majority of Remington 11-48 shotguns, the serial number is stamped directly onto the bottom of the steel receiver, immediately forward of the trigger guard housing.
- Hidden Frame Ledges: In some rare transitional production runs, partial numbers or assembly tracking digits may appear on the inner rails of the receiver when the barrel and forend are removed.
- Barrel Date Codes: Do not confuse the serial number with the barrel code. The barrel code is typically a two- or three-letter stamp located on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver ring, which denotes the specific month and year of barrel manufacture.
Decoding Remington 11-48 Production Years (1948–1968)
Remington manufacturing records from the mid-20th century do not always follow a clean, uninterrupted numeric progression. Production of the Model 11-48 ran from 1948 until approximately 1968, spanning gauges including 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 bore.
Because Remington integrated serial number blocks across various production lines and occasionally reset or mixed prefixes, exact dating requires cross-referencing serial ranges with known factory milestones.
| Serial Number Range | Estimated Production Year | Primary Gauge Availability | Manufacturing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 — 50000 | 1948 – 1949 | 12 Gauge, 16 Gauge | Initial post-WWII launch rollout; smooth-sided receivers. |
| 50001 — 150000 | 1950 – 1951 | 12, 16, 20 Gauge | Introduction of the 20-gauge lightweight frame variant. |
| 150001 — 300000 | 1952 – 1954 | 12, 16, 20, 28 Gauge | Expansion into smaller bores; minor internal extractor updates. |
| 300001 — 500000 | 1955 – 1958 | All Gauges (.410 introduced) | Standardization of the Sportsman-48 economy grade and standard 11-48 lines. |
| 500001 — 700000 | 1959 – 1963 | All Gauges | Refinement of friction ring setups and wooden stock profiles. |
| 700001 — 1000000+ | 1964 – 1968 | Remaining inventory & 12/20 gauges | Final production years prior to the dominance of the Model 1100. |
Lot - REMINGTON 11-48 28GA AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
Deciphering Barrel Date Codes vs. Serial Numbers
A common pitfall during a Remington 11-48 serial number lookup is confusing the serial number with the barrel stamp. While the serial number tracks the receiver frame, barrels were often manufactured separately and installed at assembly. To verify if your shotgun retains its original factory barrel, use Remington's barrel code system, represented by a combination of letters stamped near the receiver.
Factory Barrel Verification Rules
Letter Code Mapping: Remington used a specific two- or three-letter sequence where the first letter represents the month of manufacture and the subsequent letters represent the year.
Decoding the Year: For instance, barrels produced in the 1950s and 1960s utilize specific letter designations assigned by Remington management. A stamp of "WW" indicates a specific vintage timeframe matching early 1950s production.
Matching Components: If the barrel date code predates the estimated receiver serial number range by more than a year or two, the barrel has likely been replaced at some point in the firearm's service history.
Technical Specifications and Model Variations
The Remington 11-48 was celebrated for its streamlined, hydrodynamic receiver profile, which departed sharply from the blocky, squared-off look of the older Browning-designed Model 11. Knowing your specific sub-model helps determine collector value and parts compatibility.
- Standard Grade 11-48: Features standard checkering on the pistol grip and forend, with blued steel receiver finishes and walnut furniture.
- Sportsman-48: Introduced as a lower-cost alternative, this version typically featured plain-grained wood without checkering and minor cosmetic simplifications, though mechanically identical to the standard 11-48.
- Special Gauges: The 28-gauge and .410-bore variants are built on scaled-down, lightweight receiver frames, making them exceptionally sought after by collectors in the 2026 secondary market.
Expert Maintenance Tip for Owners
The Remington 11-48 operates on a long-recoil system governed by a bronze friction ring and steel brake sleeve positioned around the magazine tube. Adjusting this friction ring orientation is critical: place it forward toward the muzzle for heavy field loads to slow down receiver recoil, and position it rearward against the barrel lug when shooting light target loads to ensure reliable cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number located on a Remington 11-48?
The serial number on a Remington 11-48 is stamped directly on the bottom of the steel receiver, located immediately forward of the trigger guard.
How do I determine the exact year my Remington 11-48 was manufactured?
You determine the year by matching your receiver's serial number against historical Remington production block tables or by reading the barrel date code stamped on the side of the barrel.
Did Remington produce a 28-gauge version of the 11-48?
Yes, Remington produced the 11-48 in 28-gauge as well as .410 bore, utilizing miniaturized frames that are highly valued by collectors today.
Can I shoot modern steel ammunition through a vintage Remington 11-48?
Most vintage Remington 11-48 barrels feature fixed chokes (such as Full or Modified) and soft steel barrels designed for lead shot; firing modern high-pressure steel or tungsten waterfowl loads can damage the barrel constriction and is generally discouraged without gunsmith evaluation.
Are replacement parts still available for the Remington 11-48 in 2026?
While Remington no longer manufactures factory parts for the 11-48, numerous specialized vintage firearm parts suppliers and online surplus dealers maintain healthy inventories of springs, extractors, and friction pieces.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Performing an accurate Remington 11-48 serial number lookup preserves the historical narrative of a classic mid-century shotgun. By meticulously documenting your receiver serial number, inspecting barrel codes, and understanding the mechanical nuances of its long-recoil action, you ensure safe operation and accurate valuation. Consult with a certified gunsmith or specialized vintage firearm appraiser if you intend to restore, insure, or trade your classic Remington piece.
