[toolmaker]

Was recently presented with my late father-in-laws Remington 848 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch "Automaster" in 90% condition. Not being familiar with this model, I'm wanting to know how to disassemble it for a thorough cleaning, and also the year of manufacture. Serial number is 305XX with an L at the end. It's a modified choke. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[kudu]

I believe you may have the model # wrong. Is it an M878 "Automaster"?

If so, they were made 1959-1962. 12ga gas operated semi-auto. Were made with 26", 28", and 30" barrels. They were similar to M58's About 62,000 manufactured. 90% gun is worth about $170 according to last years Blue book prices. Add 15% for vent rib barrel. Barrels are interchangeable with M58 barrels.

I don't have any info on disassembly. Get on the Remington website for date of manufacture and they will also send you an owners manual.

http://www.remington.com/magazine/downloads.htm#manuals

[rust collector]

I owned an 878 in the early 70's, and it was never very reliable for me. Only held 3 or 4 shells, as I recall, and was pretty plain. I sold mine at a garage sale, and I was honest about its flaws. I'd like to think it was something simple that I missed, but deep down inside I suspect it was responsible for some of the rotten reputations of early semi-auto shotguns.

Hopefully you will fare better with yours.

[toolmaker]

Thank you both. Yes, I had the model number wrong. It is indeed an 878. I really want to just make a wall-hanger of it as a remembrance of my father-in-law in our new home to be. I think it would look nice in a shadowbox beside his Korean War era navy uniform and photo. I guess if I do, I should disable it in a non-permanent way though to prevent misuse.