Old Remington Shotgun Model 48 12Ga.

[KewToo]

Just brought home an old Remington "Sportsman 48" 12Ga. shotgun from my dad's office - it has been racked in same place for 30 years (no kidding).
To my knowledge, it has not been fired since he bought it from a friend in the gun biz. I disassembled, cleaned out years of "atmosphere". Mag spring smacked me in the face (exactly why I always wear safety glasses!!).
Looks to be in good shape (minimal wear- duh...).
According to serial number, probably mfg. around 1958 - 1960. Understand this model was ditched around 1968. Interested in comments, and possible availability of major parts.
Thanks, QE

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I have one in 16 ga. Good gun. Mine was full choke which I opened up to IC. The difference between the sportsmand and the regular 48 is the sportsman has a 2 round magazine. I believe this just has a couple of dimples in the tube that can be ironed out, but don't take my word for it. It's a long recoil gun and has no small gas parts to worry about. Some of the "frequently broken" parts are available form Numrich, but if you break anything on it I'd be suprised. They are light for an auto and not being gas operated, you may find high volume shooting to be unpleasant. Makes a perfect pheasnt gun though.

 

[nathang]

New guy...

Just brought home an old Remington "Sportsman 48" 12Ga. shotgun ...

I'm brand new here so maybe I should wait to speak, but since I have

2 11-48 and 2 Model 11 Remingtons in my lap right now, the timing seems right.

I'd guess you have an 11-48 semi-auto, I believe the inauguration of the enduring look

of Remington shotguns ever since 1948, even when they have much different insides.

It is a modern look laid over on the classic John Browning patent on the first auto-loading shotgun.

The bug got me hard, after 40 years of gun accumulating I decided I needed a semi-auto shotgun.

Really, and I probably have over a dozen pumps. Go figger.

Bought what I thought in my ignorance to be an 1100 auto. Got my education and fascination

by taking it apart and studying up on the Browning A5, and Rem Model 11.

The 110 year old design is excellent, as a JMB-ophile and 1911-aholic, it's embarrassing

that I had not appreciated them before. I loved reading in another Model 11 thread,

"I heard a feller claim he wore one out once, but I do suspect that feller's a liar."

Good to discover this forum.

 

[nathang]

the sportsman has a 2 round magazine. I believe this just has a couple of dimples in the tube that can be ironed out

I've done this on pump tubes, but IMHO if you do that to this magazine tube,

since it is the critical friction surface, you'll have to replace the tube.

Somebody suggested you'd be safer taking the bumps off with die grinder abrasive drums

or some similar action that has less chance of distorting the tube.

.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The Sportsman 48 was the budget line of the 11-48, and as mentioned holds only two shots in the magazine.

The 11-48 was the last recoil operated auto made by Remington on JMB's patent and design. It had the streamlined look that proved more popular than the squared off profile of the 11, and the A-5.

The 48s are great shotguns. Back in the day, lots of these turned up at skeet shoots and won. More,even in 16 gauge, gladdened the hearts of upland bird hunters.

As mentioned, Numrich has parts, though it will take a lot of rounds for you to need them. I'd get a set of rings and springs, then keep the old ones as spares.

I'd not use most non toxic loads in this. Nor short magnums. And there's probably NOT a good tactical shotgun in there struggling to get out. Just use and cherish it as a great field gun.

HTH....

 

[publiuss]

Best auto Rem. ever produced in my opinion. I have a 12, and my prize, a mint .410.

 

[sillpapa]

Agree, The Sportsman 48 is a great example of Remington shotguns .IMO the
Sportsman 58 was just a little better and it can hold 3 rounds , In 16ga it is a fantastic Upland gun