Rem 870 Do I have a 12 ga or 20 ga?

[jeepdeep]

I know this should be simple but I am confused. I picked up a used 870, which I thought to be a 870 Express Super Mag Synthetic in 12ga. Both barrels that it came with are marked as 12 ga and both barrels fit the receiver without issue. I am able to feed 12 ga dummy rounds though it with no problem. The problem arose when I was checking the serial number on Remington's website to make sure it would take 3 1/2" shells. Per Remington's website the Super Mags serial number end in "A" and other 12 ga should end in "V" or "M". Mine ends with a "U" which designates it as a 20 ga. Would 12 ga barrels and 12 ga shells work with a 20 ga receiver ? I have emailed Remington but don't expect a response for some time.


Thanks.

 

[Virginian]

U should be a 20 gauge Lightweight Magnum under the old system. I have one. 12 gauge barrels do not come close to fitting on mine. If it is a relatively new one with the RS serial number prefix anything is possible. I would pick up the phone and call Remington.
It is obviously a 12 gauge receiver. Doesn't it say "SuperMag" on it?

 

[jeepdeep]

It is a newer one with the RS prefix. I found a few other posts on another site that confirm with Virginian that the serial number designations don't work with the RS series. It does not say SuperMag on it and it doesn't have the ejection port cover, so 3 1/2" shells are out, just wanted to make sure it will work with 3" shells.

Ill give them a call this afternoon if I don't hear back from them.

 

[AI&P Tactical]

That serial numbing system ended in 2012. Like about everything else on the Remington web site the info is out of date. In 2012 Freedom Group changed the serial numbering system and all Remington then began with RS. This a top secrete code but I will share it here. RS means, Remington Shotgun. All the other numbers and letters simply indicate series of production. Starting in just the past few months they now start with CC and I don't know the Secrete 00 code for what ever the heck that means. The point being you can no longer tell the make of a Remington shotgun by the serial number. As Virginian said if your receiver is marked "Super Magnum it is a 3.5" receiver in 12ga. Also, every Express ever made since day one is a 3" Receiver no matter what is on the receiver, of course other then Super Magnums"