Serial number confusion

[NorwichU]

Good morning,
I just purchased a used 870 and was looking into the date of manufacture using the tool on the website. I found a few markings on the weapon and was hoping to get some clarification.

On the left hand side of the barrel, I see two different markings. The marking closest to the chaber is "LE", however a few inches closer to the mussle, I see "CYL". The actual serial number itself starts with "RS".

Can you clarify which markign denotes the manufacture date?

Thanks!
KJ

[jpfrog]

First, the "CYL" closer to the muzzle indicates that the barrel has a Cylinder fixed choke. IMP would be improved, MOD would be modified, FUL would be full, etc.

I'm not sure what the LE means, my first thought would be Law Enforcement...especially if it's a 12 gauge with a shorter 21" or less barrel. If I were you, my first step would be to ignore the barrel for now and instead look on the receiver for the serial number. If there's no serial number on the receiver (opposite side of the shell ejection port) then the firearm was manufactured before the mid-60's, which was when serial numbers started being required. Either way, when you call Remington, which is the EASIEST and fastest way to date your firearm, they'll ask you for the serial number. Go to this link: http://www.rem870.com/remington-serial-number-lookup/

Call the customer service number listed on the link, give them the serial number (if you don't have one, they'll direct you to the barrel codes that will help them), and delete all of the webpages you've bookmarked trying to hunt down the gun's age because this will always be the easiest method, and it's free.

[AkiroHikage]

LE may mean it is a limited edition as well. Remington stamps some special limited runs that way. Any chance of posting a picture?

[Hntbambi]

Actually, Remington has given all of the 870 guns a serial number.

Remington Year of Manufacture Codes maybe found on the barrel of your Remington rifle [or shotgun] on the left side, just forward of the receiver.

The first letter of the Code is the month of manufacture

The next one or two letters are the year of manufacture.

For shotguns with removeable barrels, the code will be valid for the manufacture of the barrel, not necessarily the receiver, as barrels do get switched around.

Month Codes: [first letter]
B - L - A - C - K - P - O - W - D - E - R - X
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12

Year:______Code: [second (and third*) letters]
1930_______ Y
1931_______ Z
1932_______ A
1933_______ B
1934_______ C
1935_______ D
1936_______ E
1937_______ F
1938_______ G
1939_______ H
1940_______ J
1941_______ K
1942_______ L
1943_______ MMZ
1944_______ NN
1945_______ PP
1946_______ RR
1947_______ SS
1948_______ TT
1949_______ UU
1950_______ WW
1951_______ XX
1952_______ YY
1953_______ ZZ
1954_______ A
1955_______ B
1956_______ C
1957_______ D
1958_______ E
1959_______ F
1960_______ G
1961_______ H
1962_______ J
1963_______ K
1964_______ L
1965_______ M
1966_______ N
1967_______ P
1968_______ R
1969_______ S
1970_______ T
1971_______ U
1972_______ W
1973_______ X
1974_______ Y
1975_______ Z
1976_______ I
1977_______ O
1978_______ Q
1979_______ V
1980_______ A
1981_______ B
1982_______ C
1983_______ D
1984_______ E
1985_______ F
1986_______ G
1987_______ H
1988_______ I
1989_______ J
1990_______ K
1991_______ L
1992_______ M
1993_______ N
1994_______ O
1995_______ P
1996_______ Q
1997_______ R
1998_______ S
1999_______ T
2000_______ U
2001_______ W
2002_______ X

* the years 1943 though 1953 had double letters: ie, MM = 1943

In your instance, February 1984 is the date on your barrel.

[AkiroHikage]

Instead if pasting that info Hntbambi it is a bit easier to just post the link...

http://www.rem870.com/remington-serial-number-lookup/

[NorwichU]

Here's a quick picture of my 870 with an S/N startign with RS as well as the LE stamp on the left hand side of the barrel.

Thanks!
KJ

[AkiroHikage]

Is it labeled Remington 870 P or 870 Police?

[NorwichU]

I couldn't locate a P or Police on it. I expected that I might see Express, but so far only the SN and the barrel stamps of CYL and LE.

[AkiroHikage]

Hmmm, I would give Remington a call then.

[jpfrog]

Actually, Remington has given all of the 870 guns a serial number.

Learn something new everyday...the Remington Support guy told me that some of the early models didn't have them....or maybe I got the 870 mixed up with another firearm (it happens).

One thing is for sure though, if you think your serial # shows that your 870 is from anytime before 1950, definitely call Remington to have them give you the correct date, since the 870 wasn't manufactured before 1950.

Hmmm, I would give Remington a call then.

Yes, please give them a call...the link is posted a few responses up the page...and let us all know what you find out!