Finding the Mark: Where to Locate the Serial Number
The Receiver’s Secret
The most common location is on the receiver of the shotgun. The receiver is the main body of the firearm, where the action and barrel connect. You’ll typically find the serial number stamped into the side of the receiver, either on the left or right side. Often, it’s located near the ejection port, though variations may exist. Take a close look; the numbers are sometimes small and can be easily missed, especially if the firearm has been heavily used or has accumulated some surface wear. You may need good lighting and a careful eye to make sure you see it clearly.
Underside Examination
Another location you might find the serial number is on the underside of the receiver. Carefully examine the flat surface below the loading port. The number is sometimes stamped there.
Barrel Markings
In some instances, you might also discover markings on the barrel of the shotgun. These markings can offer clues about the manufacturing date, choke type, or even the factory where the barrel was produced. While not a primary source for the serial number itself, examining the barrel stamps can further add to the overall understanding of your Wingmaster’s heritage.
Unveiling the Secrets: Dating Your Wingmaster
Understanding Remington’s Systems
Now that you’ve located the serial number, it’s time to decode its meaning. Remington has used several different serial number systems throughout the Wingmaster’s production history, and each system holds a key to unlocking your shotgun’s birth year. Understanding these systems can feel a bit like learning a secret code, but with a little guidance, you can become a proficient decoder.
Evolution Through Time
Remington’s serial number systems have evolved over time, largely reflecting changes in manufacturing processes and government regulations. Early models utilized simpler numbering schemes, while later models incorporated more sophisticated identifiers. The evolution of these systems is a fascinating testament to Remington’s history.
Early Numbering Schemes
The system used during the early years involved a combination of letters and numbers. The letter(s) usually represented the month and sometimes a prefix that began the serial number. The numbers following the letter(s) helped to identify the specific production run or the sequence in which the firearm was manufactured.
The Introduction of Prefixes
Later, Remington introduced a system where the first part of the serial number contained a prefix that correlated with the year of manufacture. The prefixes generally consisted of one or more letters, followed by a series of numbers. These prefixes provide a direct link to the production year.
Modern Systems and Granular Information
As the decades passed, Remington refined its system further, adding more complexities to accommodate various models and to comply with changing legal requirements. These later systems often included additional letters or symbols, providing even more granular information about the gun’s characteristics and manufacturing location.
Resources for Decoding
Deciphering these codes may require a bit of research, but the effort is well worth it. Numerous online resources offer detailed charts and guides that correlate serial numbers with their corresponding years of manufacture. By consulting these resources, you can narrow down your Wingmaster’s production date with surprising accuracy.
Practical Application
For instance, if you have a Wingmaster with a serial number beginning with a certain prefix, you can typically cross-reference it with a guide to determine the approximate year of manufacture. Knowing the year can then open doors to researching the model’s history and the specific features it might have had when it left the factory.
Example of a Serial Number Code
Let us consider an example. Say, your Wingmaster has a serial number that begins with the letters “M.” By consulting a dating chart, you might discover that the “M” prefix was used during a particular year. This would help you to quickly identify the approximate year the gun was manufactured.
More to Discover
Another potential pattern may appear in other prefix letters in the serial number. By doing research, you could potentially find the month of manufacturing.
This is just an example, and the exact correlation will vary based on the era of production and Remington’s specific system. But by carefully examining your serial number and comparing it with the appropriate charts, you can glean a wealth of information. The closer you examine the markings, the better you’ll become at translating these unique identifiers.
Variations and Manufacturing Plant Information
Prefixes and Suffixes
Beyond the date of manufacture, Remington Wingmaster Model 870 serial numbers can sometimes reveal information about the specific model, features, and even the plant where the shotgun was assembled.
Model Significance
Prefixes and Suffixes can be helpful. Beyond the year code, serial numbers might also include prefixes or suffixes. These additional markings may have significance to model variations. Pay close attention to any letters or symbols that precede or follow the main numeric sequence.
Plant Identifiers
While not always provided, some serial number systems did include identifiers tied to the factory. If you encounter such a code, it provides even greater insight into your Wingmaster’s history. This is especially valuable to collectors who appreciate the variations within the brand.
Understanding Factories
Manufacturing plants themselves deserve a nod. For much of its history, Remington produced firearms at its main factory in Ilion, New York. However, manufacturing might have shifted, over time, to different locations. The serial number might offer a key to the specific plant that assembled your firearm, which adds another layer of understanding.
Seeking Expert Advice
Keep in mind that serial number accuracy can sometimes be an issue. Because these firearms were made over many years, some errors or discrepancies in markings did occur. If you encounter any unusual or confusing information, it’s always best to consult with a firearms expert or a trusted collector for help.
The Story Behind the Steel: Historical Context and Variations
Introducing the Wingmaster
To truly appreciate the significance of your Remington Wingmaster Model 870 serial number, it’s helpful to understand the broader context of its history. The Wingmaster is not just a shotgun; it’s a symbol of American firearm engineering.
A Popular Beginning
The Wingmaster, introduced in the early 1950s, quickly became a favorite among hunters, law enforcement, and sporting enthusiasts. Its robust pump-action design, combined with its reliability, made it a go-to choice for a wide range of applications. Over the years, Remington continually refined the Wingmaster, leading to the development of many models and variations.
Early Designs
Early models were known for their clean lines and straightforward designs. As production continued, Remington introduced a host of advancements to improve the Wingmaster’s performance and appeal, including the introduction of improved materials and manufacturing techniques. These upgrades enhanced the gun’s reliability, accuracy, and overall user experience.
The Importance of Versatility
One important aspect of the Wingmaster’s evolution is its versatility. Over time, Remington produced models in various gauges and barrel lengths. From the classic twelve-gauge to the smaller gauges, each variant catered to different shooting needs and preferences.
Adapting for Law Enforcement
The Wingmaster wasn’t solely a hunting shotgun. Its reputation for dependability made it a popular choice for law enforcement and military applications. Remington adapted the Wingmaster to meet these specialized requirements, producing models with features like extended magazine tubes, pistol grips, and other tactical accessories.
Collector Appeal
From a collector’s standpoint, specific features are of huge importance. Some models were produced with specific finishes, engraved details, or other special touches. The serial number can help identify these variations.
The Significance of the Serial Number: A Look at Ownership, Collectibility, and More
Legal Compliance
The importance of knowing your Remington Wingmaster Model 870 serial number extends far beyond historical interest. Gun ownership means understanding the law. In most jurisdictions, the serial number is a key identifier for firearms. Serial numbers are a primary means of registration, which are crucial for complying with federal, state, and local laws. Having an easily accessible serial number can be essential when documenting your firearm.
Recovery and Theft
Serial numbers also play a vital role in recovering stolen property. Law enforcement agencies use these numbers to trace firearms and ensure that they are returned to their rightful owners.
Understanding Value
Moreover, the serial number impacts the value of the Wingmaster. Vintage or rare models, those with unique features or low production numbers, are especially coveted by collectors.
Matching Numbers
The matching serial numbers are a good sign of the authenticity of the weapon. Matching serial numbers on the receiver and barrel are another crucial factor. If the barrel and receiver serial numbers don’t match, the value of the gun may decrease.
Collectors and Appreciation
Many collectors have a deep appreciation for historical weapons and consider this a good investment for their own personal gain.
Conclusion: Unlock the Past, Enjoy the Present
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870 serial number is more than just a collection of digits and letters; it’s a key to unlocking the history of your shotgun. By carefully examining your serial number, you can discover its manufacturing date, model variations, and potential origins.
So, take a moment to locate the serial number on your Wingmaster. Then, consult the resources provided to uncover the secrets hidden within. By understanding the story behind your firearm, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for its heritage and value.
Enjoy your Wingmaster. Now that you know more about its history, enjoy the Wingmaster even more and take pride in owning a legendary firearm.
