Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Significance of prefixes on Model 700 serial numbers

I originally posted this in the campfire, but it was suggested to post it here.

Can anyone fill me in on the story behind the prefixes on the Model 700 rifles?

I know they were instituted after the GCA of 68, and I have seen A, C, and E prefixes, but aside from the manufacture date, are some better quality or accuracy wise than others (mainly the change from C and E prefixes after Dupont sold Remington)?

Hi again...that is a good question. Every thing I find pertains to the date codes on the barrels, not the serial number on the receiver.

From another site...

Remington Owners,

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, followed by one or two letters which are the year of manufacture. For shotguns with removeable barrels, the code will be valid for the manufacture of the barrel; maybe for the receiver, as barrels do get switched around.

According to the "Blue Book of Gun Values", the coding continues as follows:

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

As maybe seen, the year code letters duplicate; some knowledge of when the model was introduced should resolve the actual year of manufacture.

I don't mean to hi jack but it seems the original question was answered. Is there a more desireable year range? I owned a good one 25 years ago but I hear a lot of reports of proor QC lately

I've come across some info that indicates the prefixes tie the serial number to 1/2 a decade (A was early 70's, B was late 70's early 80's, C was late 80's etc.) I'm trying to uncover what block of time or serial numbers were tied to the specific prefix, along with if that change meant a change or upgrade in factory equipment, or whatever.

I understand how to date the barrels and that typically, the older Dupont era guns typically get a thumbs up time and time again and that the later rifles seem to have a reputation for poor fit and finish, and accuracy maybe not as good as it once was, but I know of guys that have Sendero rifles and of one 223 VTR that shoot incredible.

I build rifles for a living. I have been doing this for 18 years. I use mostly Remington 700 actions. Law enforcement rifles are a large portion of my business. I have worked on 722/721, early no prefix 700's, all letter prefixes up to the current "G" prefix. While the finish, used now on the budget rifles, leaves something to be desired the accuracy of the dimensions of the newest actions is far better than the older ones. I just did 2 lightweight "Calling Rifles", 1 in 17 Rem and 1 in 17 Javelina, on Model 7 actions. The front of the actions required no attention, nor did the threads, it took mild lapping to ensure full lug contact. Both of these rifles have Pac-Nor Ultra-lite barrels and the owner reports sub 1/2" groups. The kicker for me was that the actions were within .001" of having the same headspace. This could have been my measuring, difference in recoil lugs or, just damn good machining on Rems part. I'll take the new over the old anyday.

DocEd,

My personal thought is that modern technology is making up for the attention to detail that the older rifles received through better QAQC on behalf of employees who cared more.

But like anything, when you build as many 700's as Remington does, there are bound to be some that are a bit out of spec. I read stories of recent rifles having chambers being misaligned with the bore, 40X actions not being completely true and it makes you gravitate to the 'oldies but goodies'. Then you read your experience with them and you get all of your hope back.

Also, some guys just expect more out of their rifles. I would like every one to shoot a ragged hole at 100 yards, but I may just end up wearing out a barrel before happening on that magic combination.

That bolded question was never answered before the thread was hijacked. I have a 700 manufactured in May 2011 according to the date code. I think the first letter of the serial number is an "S", although it is hard to be sure. What does that "S" (or whatever) indicate?

I have around one hundred Remington bolt actions, ranging from early 1950s vintage 722s to current production rifles. Every rifle, like every human, is an individual and may or may not have "the right stuff" in its factory specs. Many of my Remingtons are parts guns that I've put together on the entire spectrum of post-WW2 actions with a mix of recycled factory and after-market barrels. With a little work, almost any rifle in good condition can be made to shoot well enough such that the guy behind the trigger is likely to be the weakest link in accuracy chain.

All of the stainless actions begin with "S"

Thank you, DakotaDeer!

700 receivers with ser# 1000-387347 started in 1962 until 11-68. 6200000-=6899999 started in 11-68 until Aug of 1975. A6200000-A6899999 started Aug 1975 until about Jan 1980. B numbers were from 1-1980 to 11-87. C numbers started from 11-1987. This is as far as my John Lacy book covers.

I have a stainless 700 BDL DM with a "T" prefix SN.

An "A" prefix locks the bolt handle when the safety is on. I prefer that to the others.

If I have a choice, I would want a late model receiver. They are straighter.

Thank, Doc Ed!!! I've had hell convincing folks on the 700 actions ! A lot of people have opinions ! Most can't shoot!!!!!!!!!