Date of Manufacture & Serial # question

[LtDan]

Hello,
I have a question regarding the date of manufacture & serial number of my Remington 870. Just want to be certain I understand the information provided on this website.
The date code on my 870 is "EO" as shown in the attached image. So.....the gun was made in October of 1994 (or perhaps 1977).
What are the other marks on either side of the "EO"?

Other references I read mention letters as part of the serial number. My serial # is B211976M. Does the "B" and "M" have any meaning?

Thanks,
Dan

[Synchronizor]

The date code on my 870 is "EO" as shown in the attached image. So.....the gun was made in October of 1994 (or perhaps 1977).
What are the other marks on either side of the "EO"?

Expresses weren't introduced until the 1980s. I'm not sure about the other marks, but they may be proofing or testing stamps.

Other references I read mention letters as part of the serial number. My serial # is B211976M. Does the "B" and "M" have any meaning?

Not sure about the "B", but the "M" at the end means your gun has a 12ga Magnum receiver, capable of cycling 12ga 2.75" and 3" shells (as long as the barrel has a 3" or longer chamber).

[randallace]

so --- if my 870 express serial number reads - W 642982 M - then its a magnum reciever capable of firing 3 inch shells ? did i read that correctly ??

[Synchronizor]

Yes, that's correct. The last letter in the serial number can be used to tell what gauge and maximum shell length it can cycle.

[randallace]

any idea how to tell her age ? the year makings on barrel are worn but appear to be OH

she is an 870 express with a cast metal trigger guard and had a rem choke in the barrel- so im guessing late 80's?

[Synchronizor]

The Rem Choke system was introduced in 1986, and the Express line in 1987. An OH stamp on the barrel points to the summer of 1987 as well (assuming it's the original barrel). So, it sounds like it's an '87 gun, but if you want to know for sure, call or email Remington with your serial number, and they'll be able to tell you conclusively.

I would be interested to know if that trigger plate is the original part. I was under the impression that all Expresses had polymer ones, but perhaps the real early guns had the older-style part.

[randallace]

looks original to me - same wear patterns consistant thru-out that area and loading port .......i love this shotgun ....took off the wood stocks , and carefully stored them away, added synthetic ones to lighten her up a bit and for more of that "home defender" look , added a +2 extension by choate , and new follower, and fibre optic sight- have on order a sidesaddle and magpul moe forend and surefire light

vid here :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YJ1CxPps_c

[randallace]

I would be interested to know if that trigger plate is the original part. I was under the impression that all Expresses had polymer ones, but perhaps the real early guns had the older-style part.

i must have an odd ball here - maybe one of the first off the line or a mis-marked reciever because as i research the police models i find these differences as well :





• The Express model will not allow for the addition of an extension tube without physical modification to the tube and barrel, which can nullify the warranty.

** i assume they mean the dimples ? mine has none - like the police model

• The Express model has a BEAD BLAST BLUE finish while the Police models utilize either High Luster bluing or Parkerization.

** mine lookes blued

• The Express model utilizes a synthetic trigger housing while the Police models use a compressed metal housing.

** again mine is metal

• The Police shotgun barrel is locked down with a “ball detent” system in conjunction with the magazine cap vs. a lesser grade “synthetic magazine spring retainer” lock down as used on the Express system.

**mine was the ball detent model cap all metal no synthetic parts


• Police shotguns use machined ejectors and extractors, as opposed to powdered metal cast which are utilized on the Express models.

** my extractors are machined - not cast according to local gunsmith - he thinks mine was a police model mis-marked during first year production run - he believes it to be a police model

[Synchronizor]

It's possible, but the new-style, plastic spring retainer/cap ratchet that locked into the magazine tube dimples wasn't introduced until around 1993. An early Express from the 1980s wouldn't have any of that.

As for the other parts, polymer trigger plates and MIM extractors are more modern developments. Forged extractors and compressed aluminum trigger plates used to be on all 870 models, though I'm not sure when they were replaced on what models.

Again, your best bet would be to get in touch with Remington tomorrow and give them your serial number. They'll be able to tell you exactly what it is.

[randallace]

will do thanks