FIREARMS INFORMATION
Legal or not.The serial number of my 6mm Remington 40 X rifle is: 32611B. It has a chrome moly barrel and a wonderful walnut stock with a 'barrel tuner built in' in the front of the stock. I have had 3 40 XB´s and 2 40 XBR´s and none of them comes even close to my old 40X. 940xx 722 222 E UU 10/49, I would be interested if anyone has a 222 with a lower serial number. This caliber was introduced in March of 1950, so this gun was on the assembly line the year before. 940xx 722-222 R UU 11/49 978xx 722 300S R UU 11/49 102xxx 722 222 L WW 2/50 1058xx 722 257 L WW 2/50 1140xx 721-270 A WW 3/50 1177xx 722-300S C WW 4/50.
Remington never (*) (**) used serial numbers to identify the date of manufacture of it's firearms, they however stamped a date code (spelled out below) by the first letter meaning the month and the last letter the yearof manufacture.
BARREL DATE CODE - stamped exposed on LH top rear of barrel after 1920
the following will only be stamped where applicable
#2 Part order barrel (not originally assembled to firearm)
#3 Service section received
#4 Return as received
#5 Employee sale
R.E.P. On the RH side of the barrel will be a Magnaflux, Remington proof & a test mark
If a gun is returned to the factory as a fire damaged, or blown up firearm, the factory will stamp it as a prefix to their date code with a #4 on the barrel and return it un-repaired. Then if the gun is ever subsequently returned to a warranty center or the factory by ANYONE, they will refuse to work on it as an unsafe firearm.
REMINGTON MANUFACTURING DATE CODE
stamped on LH top rear of barrel, 2 or 3 digit, (month first, year after) these will normally only be the last letters as seen below,
with the whole list shown here ONLY if it had been returned for repairs
The anchor shown here with the date code is just a symbol, as many different inspector marks will be seen
The above information was taken from Remington's own information sheet, so if your gun may not conform, then I am also at a loss in explaining.
The factory says all barrels are date code stamped, well I have found some that are not, or if they are, are so erratic stamping that trying to decipher them is impossible.
The photos below may help a bit. Both were taken off Remington 760s, with the one on the left, a 30-06 that I bought new October 10, 1954. This has been rebored to a 35 Whelen Improved. The one on the right again a 30-06, but with a shorter barrel that I made into a knock around quad rifle with pivot mounts.
Here the R represents November, & the ZZ would be 1953. The fourth digit being a 3 is inconsequential being an assembly number. There is no inspector mark on this side. | Here the first (LH) mark is the final inspector mark, the O represents July, the R would be 1968. And the F again being an assembly number. |
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
B | L | A | C | K | P | O | W | D | E | R | X |
1920 = L | 1930 = Y | 1940 = J | 1950 = WW |
1921 = M | 1931 = Z | 1941 = K | 1951 = XX |
1922 = N | 1932 = A | 1942 = L | 1952 = YY |
1923 = P | 1933 = B | 1943 = MM | 1953 = ZZ |
1924 = R | 1934 = C | 1944 = NN | 1954 = A (JAN. AA) |
1925 = S | 1935 = D | 1945 = PP | 1955 = B |
1926 = T | 1936 = E | 1946 = RR | 1956 = C |
1927 = V | 1937 = F | 1947 = SS | 1957 = D |
1928 = W | 1938 = G | 1948 = TT | 1958 = E |
1929 = X | 1939 = H | 1949 = UU | 1959 = F |
1960 = G | 1970 = T | 1980 = A | 1990 = K |
1961 = H | 1971 = U | 1981 = B | 1991 = L |
1962 = J | 1972 = W | 1982 = C | 1992 = M |
1963 = K | 1973 = X | 1983 = D | 1993 = N |
1964 = L | 1974 = Y | 1984 = E | 1994 = O |
1965 = M | 1975 = Z | 1985 = F | 1995 = P |
1966 = N | 1976 = I | 1986 = G | 1996 = Q |
1967 = P | 1977 = O | 1987 = H | 1997 = R |
1968 = R | 1978 = Q | 1988 = I | 1998 = S |
1969 = S | 1979 = V | 1989 = J | *1999 = T |
(*) Typically from the beginning, they NEVER used serial numbers to DATE their long firearms, but date codes. That does not preclude them from also assigning serial numbers. However for factory purposes, serial numbers were not the primary method of dating a firearm. Long guns made before 1941 (WWII) were serial numbered, even the 22 calibers. After the war with numerous new 22 caliber models being introduced, serial numbers were not assigned to ALL GUNS until the Federal Gun Control Act of 1968.
(**) On 8/9/99, they stopped stamping the barrels with the date code. They however continued to mark the date code on the end flap of the shipping box for shotgun barrels however. They planned on using just the serial numbers to tell when the gun was manufactured. So there was a 2 year gap in rifle date coded barrels and the normal consumer, or gunsmith would have to contact the factory for this information. They then saw the error of their ways apparently because of being inundated by phone calls and resumed stamping the date code on the barrel on 10/1/01.
*2000 = U | 2006 = A | 2012 = G | 2018 = M |
*2001 = V | 2007 = B | 2013 = H | 2019 = N |
2002 = W | 2008 = C | 2014 = I | 2020 = O |
2003 = X | 2009 = D | 2015 = J | 2021 = P |
2004 = Y | 2010 = E | 2016 = K | 2022 = Q |
2005 = Z | 2011 = F | 2017 = L | 2023 = R |
You will notice the year code repeats itself, but over 20 years difference. in this instance, you will need to know when each model was manufactured. To find general manufacturing dates it may be best to go to the Blue Book of Gun Values, which does give manufacturing dates of most models. So even if it (the code stamping) was used on the same model that could have been production over MANY years, in all likelihood sights or stocks would be different which would indicate the different date.
You will also notice the month code spelling out BLACKPOWDERX, this is a common code in the firearms industry. Also some letters were left out if there was a chance of misidentifying a date. Also they jockeyed year letters to a new starting point in 1980.
Also for the 870 and 1100 series shotguns there was a code to identify caliber/size of the actions.
M/870 LETTER PREFIX
1950 TO APPROX 1968: NO SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX
1968 TO PRESENT: LETTERS USED (IN SEQUENCE) S-68, T-74, V-78, W-84, X-90, A-91, B-94, C-97, D-01, AB-05
LETTER SUFFIX (DESIGNATES GAUGE)
V 12 GA. (2 3/4”)
M 12 GA. MAGNUM (3”)
A 12 GA. “SUPER” MAGNUM (3 ½”)
W 16 GA. ( 2 ¾” )
X 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME” (DISCONTINUED)
N 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME MAGNUM” (DISCONTINUED)
K 20 GA. “LIGHT WEIGHT” (“LW”) (ALSO INCLUDES M/1100 “LT”)
U 20 GA. LW MAGNUM (ALSO INCLUDES M/1100 “LT”)
J 28 GA.
H .410 BORE (2 ½” OR 3”)
MODEL 1100 LETTER PREFIX
1964 TO APPROX. 1968: NO SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX
1968 TO PRESENT: LETTERS USED (IN SEQUENCE) L-68, M-74, N-78, P-85, R-90
LETTER SUFFIX
SAME STRUCTURE AS THE M/870
If you find marks on the underside of the barrel, they will more than likely be fitters or assembly marks, which mean nothing as to dating the firearm.
I have seen one EARLY 740 S/N 54,9XX that has a barrel date coded May of 1969, which apparently had been sent back to the factory and rebarreled with a original 740 barrel instead of a 742 which was in production at that time.
An issue that people need to be aware of, is that many Remington firearms such as the 870 series of shotguns can have their barrels easily changed or replaced. So, if the barrel is not original to the specific firearm in question the barrel date code may be meaningless. Also if there is a custom or aftermarket barrel installed it will not have these factory codes.
Compunding the issue a bit may be the fact that Remington Arms stamps their final inspector stamps and assembly (product) codes in the immediate area of the date codes. So it may be difficult at times to determine exactly what is what. With that in mind, and considering a lot of variables. If a specific Remington firearm has a serial number, Remington Customer Service is always the first source which should be checked for date of manufacture as they would be the definitive source. There are no publically accessible databases for Remington serial numbers.
With the hundreds of different Remington models produced over the past 200 years, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the age of your firearm.
Overview
Since serial numbers were not required until 1968, your firearm may not have a serial number. For models without a serial number, we may be able to determine the age by the 2-3 letters that are stamped on the barrel. If your firearm does have a serial number, if you will call or email to the address below, the serial number and model number we can determine the approximate age of your firearm.
Contact Remington through their Help Center by e-mail at info@remington.com or call their historian at 1-800-243-9700 Mon-Fri 9-5 EST. (this number may not be operationa since Remington moved to the deep south).
Back to the Main Ramblings Page
Originated 01-29-2007, Last updated 10-26-2020
Contact the author
Below, the pre-production, or prototype, Model 37 with fore-end barrel-band
image by courtesy of Dave Kern
The early production rifles, between 1937 and 1939, had the barrel band deleted,
and the fore-end wood finished at the point where the band would have been.
The post 1939 production models had the fore-end extended to the length of the rifle in the images below.
Once civilian rifle shooting again became popular after the 1939-45 European War,
not until the Pacific War ended were manufacturers able to consider restarting
the production of civilian target rifles.
It was really not until after 1947 before such rifles became available in either the Unites States or Great Britain.
Remington self-advertised their small-bore target rifles in their own paper 'Rifle News' early in 1949.
The similarity between the three rifles in the advertisement is marked,
and has occasionally led to some confusion when the rifles have been spoken of by the uninitiated.
The 'Rangemaster' is the Model 37, the 'Matchmaster' is the Model 513T, and the 521T was then un-named.
At that time, Remington wrote of these rifles, under the article heading
'REMINGTON RIFLES STAND OUT AS INDOOR SHOOTING ACTIVITIES BOOM'
'Veterans & Tyros praise Match performance of Remington models'
'Bridgeport, Connecticut, February 1949'
With one of the biggest indoor occasions ever recorded in full tilt,
the word is that Remington match rifles are prominent as ever on the firing lines.
Their consistent high scoring performance is drawing plenty of enthusiastic praise'
A fine precision instument. Every part, every feature is planned to bring the utmost in hair-line accuracy. The 'Miracle Trigger' is a favourite with shooters because of its smooth, sharp, crisp, lightning-fast let-off with no creep or backlash. Its single sighting plane lets you put your cheek against the same identical spot on the stock, no matter what type of sight you use.
A smooth handling, superb;y accurate rifle. This moderately priced model offers the shooter a heavy match barrel, target stock, micrometer sights, and the comfortable adjustable front sling swivel.
A sharp-shooting combination for target or field shooting. Popular priced, extremely easy to handle. The right rifle for the right start, ideally suited to the young rifleman. Self-cocking bolt and double locking lugs provide correct head-spacing. It has a corrugated trigger. And the separate sear provides smooth, crisp pull.
One hesitates to criticise such a successful company's advertising, particularly seventy years on,
but many of the points raised neither differentiate well between the three rifles,
nor bring up what potential purchasers may have seen as the most relevant features.
Some may even consider there to have been an overly obvious element of the blowing of Remington's own trumpet,
Iitpave software. but opinions and outlook change with the times.
Below, the later production model 37, famously known as the 'Rangemaster'.
This particular rifle has been fitted with Parker-Hale target sights,
the rear-sight being specifically made, with its own mounting block,
to fit rifles imported and retailed by that company.
Further down the page we show the standard rifle with its Remington fore-sight and Redfield rear-sight.
The next four images can be rotated and zoomed, either as initially loaded or full-screen for higher definition.
And the rifle fitted with the then popular Unertl telescopic sight.
...........
Initially introduced in 1937, and advertised post-WW2 in the Parker-Hale catalogue.
And again advertised in a U.S. journal in 1947
The rifle's model is clearly marked just forward of the rear telescope mounting block.
And the calibre on the left-hand-side just forward of the barrel's reinforce
on which the serial number is stamped.
The latter can be used to identify the date of manufacture,
and details for this are to be found online with a simple search.
Further forward, the barrel is stamped with the company address,
'REMINGTON ARMS CO. INC. ILION N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A.'
'PATENT NUMBERS 2.005.866--2.007.019--2.126.350'
beneath which lies the company's name logo and
'REG. US. PAT OFF'
The various inspection and proof marks are on the opposite side to the calibre stamping,
and, in common with rifles brought into the U.K., it carries the requisite stamp
' NOT ENGLISH MAKE'
which has been heavily bounced in the striking.
The closed bolt is also clearly proof marked.
The chamber is shown at the front of the receiver,
with the loading platform in place.
The bolt-head is just visible in the bolt-way at the rear of the receiver,
and the grooved component at the rear of the magazine-way shows the small hole
into which a small rod or the head of a punch must be introduced
and pressed down whilst the trigger is pulled
in order that the bolt may be withdrawn.
The base of the loading platform insert is flush with the front of the trigger-guard fitting,
as is the press-button for magazine release.
Left below: the unusual fitting under the front of the fore-end is a tell-tale sign
that this rifle was once fitted with an electric bedding system.
Details of a contemporary rifle still so configured can be found
on the page for the BSA Model 15 and Centurion rifles.
Right: the trigger adjustment screw.
....
Left: the Parker-Hale rear-sight mounting block,
and the safety catch set to 'ON'.
Right: the sear in the bolt-way with the bolt removed.
...........
Left, the Parker-Hale tunnel fore-sight, and
right: the specifically made Parker-Hale rear-sight.
.............
The bolt from below and above
.
The bolt-head face, showing the extractor and ejection levers.
The steel single-loading platform insert that can be interchanged
with Remington's 5-round magazine if so desired.
The spring-poaded ramp at the front of the platform helps guide a round into the chamber,
and is pushed down by the bolt-head on final closing of the bolt.
........
The original purchaser of this rifle had experienced some problems,
and returned it to the National Small-bore Rifle Association,
from whose retail facility it had been bought, for inspection.
The letter-head notes that the N.S.R.A. was formerly the
Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, which had been renamed
just over ten years earlier post WW2.
...........
The rifle was returned, with no fault discovered,
and with the test groups shown below to confirm its capability.
The circumstances under which these were shot are explained in the accompanying letter above left.
The owner had obviously then written in reply stating his satisfaction,
as indicated by the N.S.R.A.'s relieved reply on the right,
also making the point that the rifle had , presumably in 1958,
been purchased from the Association second-hand.
The rifle was resold soon after, as the new owner, who had moved with it to Washington D.C.,
had evidently written to the U.S. National Rifle Association
with a query regarding the disassembly of the bolt.
This is unsurprising, as there was then no internet, and
nowadays there are many searches made enquiring how the bolt should be removed,
let alone how it can be taken apart!
It is one of very few small-bore target rifles for which
a tool is required to simply remove the bolt!
The Model 37 Rangemaster was updated to the 40-X - shown here - in 1963 .....
....... and still available in the U.K. post 1965 - as the 40 XB
Below are 1963 prices for comparison with other rifles of the day.
The 40 XB was included in a 1965 write-up of contemporary .22RF target rifles in Guns Review magazine,
along with the BSA Martini International, Winchester 52, Anschutz and Walther equivalents of the day.
View this flip-page facsimile
Return to:TOP of PAGE
See this website'sRaison d'être