Looking for a born on date...

[jobu07]

I recently picked up a used 870 and was wondering if someone could help me find a website or listing that shows when it was manufactured according to serial number. Thanks guys!

[ArmedBear]

For the best answer, call Remington at 800-243-9700 or contact them by e-mail, etc.

http://www.remington.com/about/company_information.asp

Ruger, Browning, et al have lists on line, but Remington just says to call or e-mail them and they'll find the info for you.

[Lee Lapin]

Yep, best way for Remington is to call. I had to check on one a couple of weeks ago, still no online access to the info.

When you find out, post it here...

lpl/nc

[sm]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=2323803&postcount=3

[ArmedBear]

Note, of course, that 870 barrels are often changed out or swapped with other guns. Many 870 owners have a bunch of them, and mix and match barrels. If it's an old gun, it's hard to say what a previous owner might have done. But it's a start.

Why they don't put the code on the receiver instead is a question left as an exercise.:)

[sm]

Why they don't put the code on the receiver instead is a question left as an exercise

I agree.

List I posted is the best one I have. If someone has a better one or with more detail information, please share.

Perhaps Mr. Nolden will chime in.

Personally I feel we need a reference to dates codes in THR Library , and not just for 870s.

Maybe we all need to pull resources, and see how a
folder in Library might work.

[Lee Lapin]

I asked for any possible alternatives to calling in a serial number to get a manufacture date a couple of weeks ago when I checked on the bicentennial 870. The nice young lady I was talking to at Remington assured me the only way to be assured of the year of manufacture was to call and ask. Barrel codes are not to be relied upon.

Takes little time, call is free, a few minutes in the phone tree and done. I don't know why they don't put whatever database they have online but it's their choice.

lpl/nc

[jobu07]

1992. Thanks guys!

[ArmedBear]

What condition is it in?

With proper care and storage, 870s can be very hard to date! I've shot one from the first year of production (1950), and since someone had changed the stock on it for trap at some point, I couldn't tell whether it was built last year or 55 years ago. Only the low serial number gave a clue as to how old it was.