The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a classic pump-action shotgun, appreciated by collectors and shooters alike for its reliability and versatility. Dating your specific Speedmaster 552 can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with its history and understand its place within Remington's rich firearm legacy. This guide will help you navigate the process of determining the year of manufacture using the serial number.
Understanding Remington Serial Number Systems
Unfortunately, Remington doesn't publicly release a comprehensive, easily accessible serial number database for all their firearms. This makes pinpointing the exact manufacturing date challenging. The system employed by Remington also varied over time and across different firearm models. Therefore, there's no single, universally applicable formula to decode a Remington Speedmaster 552 serial number.
Methods for Dating Your Remington Speedmaster 552
While a precise date is difficult to obtain without internal Remington records, several avenues can help you narrow down the manufacturing year:
1. Examining the Shotgun Itself
Carefully inspect your Speedmaster 552 for any markings beyond the serial number. Look for:
- Proof marks: These markings, often small and stamped on the barrel, indicate the firearm's testing and approval. These marks can sometimes provide clues about the period of manufacture.
- Other markings on the receiver: Examine the receiver for any additional markings or stamps, which might indicate the year or a production code.
2. Utilizing Online Resources
Several online forums and communities dedicated to firearms are excellent resources. Sites like GunValues or others specializing in Remington shotguns can provide valuable insights. Post clear photos of your serial number and any other markings on your firearm; other enthusiasts or collectors may have encountered similar serial numbers and can offer helpful information. Be aware, however, that information gathered from these sources is not always guaranteed to be accurate, and verification from multiple sources is recommended.
3. Contacting Remington Directly (or their successor)
While Remington no longer exists in its original form, contacting the current firearm manufacturer that owns the Remington brand might yield some results. They may be able to provide information about serial number ranges and production dates for certain periods. Note that they may not be able to provide an exact date due to the age of the firearm and the nature of their record-keeping.
4. Consulting with Firearms Experts
Appraisers and collectors specializing in antique and vintage firearms possess considerable knowledge of Remington's history and production methods. Consulting an expert could be helpful, especially if you have difficulty deciphering any markings on your shotgun. This will likely involve a cost for their expertise.
Important Considerations
- Accuracy: Remember that any dating achieved through these methods is an approximation, not an exact date.
- Record Keeping: Remington's record-keeping practices varied throughout its history. Access to precise records is limited.
- Multiple Sources: Always cross-reference information from multiple sources to improve accuracy and confidence in your dating efforts.
Determining the exact year of manufacture for your Remington Speedmaster 552 might be challenging, but by using a combination of the techniques described above, you can significantly narrow down the timeframe. Remember to handle your firearm responsibly and safely throughout this process.
