The Remington 870 Wingmaster, a legendary shotgun celebrated for its reliability and versatility, boasts a rich history reflected in its serial numbers. Understanding your Wingmaster's serial number can unlock valuable information about its age, manufacturing location, and even potentially its original configuration. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Remington 870 Wingmaster serial numbers, providing you with the tools to decipher the story behind your firearm.
The Evolution of Remington 870 Serial Numbering Systems
Remington's serial number system for the 870 Wingmaster isn't a simple, linear progression. Over the decades of production, the system has evolved, making precise dating challenging without access to comprehensive Remington records (which are not publicly available). The key elements to look for include:
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Prefixes: Letters or numbers preceding the core numerical sequence often indicate the year or even the month of manufacture. These prefixes changed over time, with different prefixes signifying different eras of production. Unfortunately, there's no single, publicly accessible database that cross-references all prefixes to specific dates.
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Numerical Sequence: This is the main part of the serial number, typically a series of digits. While these numbers increase sequentially, understanding their correlation to specific production years requires consulting resources like collector forums, specialized books on Remington firearms, or contacting firearms appraisers.
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Suffixes: Similar to prefixes, suffixes (letters or numbers following the core numerical sequence) can sometimes provide clues about the specific model or configuration.
Why Knowing Your Serial Number Matters
Understanding your Remington 870 Wingmaster's serial number offers several benefits:
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Dating your firearm: Pinpointing the approximate year of manufacture can help determine its historical context and potential value.
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Identifying model variations: Serial numbers can sometimes offer clues about the specific features and configurations of your shotgun, distinguishing between different barrel lengths, stock types, and other variations.
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Authenticity verification: Knowing how to interpret your serial number helps verify its authenticity and guard against counterfeits.
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Troubleshooting and parts identification: In the event of repairs or part replacement, understanding your shotgun's history can aid in finding the correct parts.
Resources for Deciphering Your Remington 870 Wingmaster Serial Number
Unfortunately, Remington doesn't publicly share its serial number database. To decode your serial number, you'll need to rely on a combination of resources:
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Online Forums and Communities: Numerous online forums and communities dedicated to firearms collectors and enthusiasts often have threads discussing Remington 870 serial numbers. Sharing your serial number (without revealing potentially identifying information) within these communities might help you find someone with expertise in deciphering it. Proceed with caution and only share your serial number on reputable and trusted platforms.
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Specialized Books and Publications: Books focusing on Remington firearms history and collecting often contain information about serial number ranges and their corresponding manufacturing dates.
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Firearms Appraisers: Professional firearms appraisers often have access to extensive databases and resources that can aid in interpreting serial numbers. While their services might involve a fee, their expertise is invaluable for accurate dating and verification.
Conclusion: Patience and Persistence are Key
Deciphering a Remington 870 Wingmaster serial number isn't always straightforward. It often requires research, patience, and potentially the help of experienced collectors or appraisers. However, the knowledge gained about your firearm's history is well worth the effort, adding another layer of appreciation for this iconic shotgun. Remember to always handle firearms safely and responsibly.
