Finding information about your Remington 11-87 shotgun can be surprisingly challenging. Unlike some manufacturers, Remington doesn't offer a readily accessible online database for serial number lookups. This leaves many owners wondering about their gun's history, manufacturing date, and even its potential value. This guide will outline the best methods for tracing your Remington 11-87's serial number and understanding what information you can realistically obtain.
Why is a Remington 11-87 Serial Number Lookup Difficult?
Remington, unfortunately, doesn't provide a public database for serial number searches. This is a common practice among many firearm manufacturers, often citing security and privacy concerns. This lack of a central database makes the process more involved than simply typing your serial number into a search box.
Methods for Tracing Your Remington 11-87 Serial Number
While a direct online lookup isn't feasible, there are still avenues you can explore to uncover information about your shotgun:
1. Contacting Remington Directly (or its Successor)
While Remington no longer exists as an independent company, contacting the current owner of the Remington brand might yield results. Their customer service department may be able to provide some assistance, though the information they can offer might be limited due to privacy concerns. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership.
2. Consulting with Firearms Dealers and Gunsmiths
Experienced gun dealers and gunsmiths often have access to resources and databases not available to the public. They may be familiar with Remington's historical production records or have access to specialized guides that can help estimate the manufacturing date based on your serial number's prefix or suffix.
3. Utilizing Online Forums and Communities
Online forums dedicated to firearms, particularly those focused on Remington shotguns, can be a goldmine of information. Experienced users may have compiled resources or databases based on years of collecting information. Posting your serial number (while being mindful of privacy concerns – consider only sharing a portion of the number) and asking for help could lead to valuable insights. However, always verify the information received from such sources.
4. Examining the Shotgun Itself
Sometimes, clues about your Remington 11-87's age and history can be found on the gun itself. Look for markings beyond the serial number, such as the barrel's proof marks, which may provide additional clues.
5. Researching Remington's Production History
Understanding Remington's production history is crucial. By researching the production years of specific models and variations of the 11-87, you can potentially narrow down the possible manufacturing date range based on the serial number's structure.
What Information Can You Expect to Find?
Realistically, you may not be able to pinpoint the exact manufacturing date. However, you might be able to narrow it down to a specific year or range of years. Information about the model's specific features or variations might also be uncovered.
Important Considerations:
- Privacy: Be cautious when sharing your serial number online. Only share with reputable sources.
- Accuracy: Information found online or from unofficial sources should be treated with skepticism and verified.
- Patience: Finding information about older firearms can be a time-consuming process.
Finding information on your Remington 11-87's history requires persistence and resourcefulness. By employing the methods outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of uncovering valuable details about your shotgun. Remember to prioritize responsible information sharing and always verify the accuracy of the information you find.
