A Remington 870 shotgun barrel is typically marked with a code indicating its date of manufacture. This code, often a combination of letters and/or numbers, allows one to ascertain when the barrel was produced. For example, a barrel marked with “REP” signifies production in March of 1981. Understanding these markings can be crucial in verifying the authenticity and age of a particular barrel.
Determining a barrel’s production date offers several advantages. It aids in confirming the period-correctness of a firearm for collectors and historical enthusiasts. It can also assist in verifying if a barrel is subject to specific regulations or recalls. Historically, Remington has used various coding systems, so understanding the applicable system for the period in question is essential for accurate interpretation.