Remington 1100s are highly sought-after shotguns, prized for their reliability and smooth action. Within the 1100 family, the .410 bore variant holds a special place among collectors, due to its relative rarity. However, pinpointing exactly how many Remington 1100 .410 shotguns were manufactured remains a challenging task. This article delves into the mystery, examining available information and explaining the difficulties in obtaining a definitive answer.
The Allure of the Remington 1100 .410
The Remington 1100, introduced in 1963, quickly gained popularity for its gas-operated system, making it remarkably reliable and soft-shooting. While available in various gauges, including 12, 20, and 28 gauge, the .410 bore version is far less common. This scarcity contributes to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts. The smaller gauge is often preferred for smaller game, target shooting or even youth shooters due to its lower recoil.
Factors Affecting Production Numbers
Several factors make determining precise production figures for the Remington 1100 .410 extremely difficult:
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Remington's Records: Unfortunately, Remington's records from that era aren't readily accessible to the public. Many records were lost or destroyed over time, hindering efforts to compile accurate production data for specific models and gauges.
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Production Runs: Remington's production runs weren't consistent across all models and gauges. The .410 bore 1100 likely had shorter production runs compared to its more popular counterparts.
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Variations and Sub-Models: The Remington 1100 .410 was produced in various configurations, further complicating the task of tracking overall numbers. Different barrel lengths, stock types, and other features contribute to the wide variety of existing 1100 .410s.
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Limited Market Demand: While the .410 bore is gaining in popularity recently, historically the demand for a .410 gauge 1100 was considerably less than for the larger gauges. This smaller market demand likely resulted in fewer units being produced.
Where to Find Information (and its limitations)
While a precise number remains elusive, there are avenues collectors can explore for clues:
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Online Forums and Communities: Engaging with experienced Remington collectors in online forums and communities can provide valuable insights. Experienced collectors often share their knowledge and observations on specific models and their relative rarity.
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Auction Data: Analyzing auction data for Remington 1100 .410 shotguns can offer a glimpse into the supply, albeit indirectly. The frequency of 1100 .410s appearing at auctions, relative to other models, could offer a general sense of their scarcity.
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Gun Shows: Attending gun shows offers opportunities to observe the variety and frequency of Remington 1100 .410 shotguns available. Speaking with knowledgeable vendors can also provide anecdotal evidence and perspectives.
However, even with these methods, it's important to remember that these are all indirect indicators, not definitive production numbers.
The Value of the Remington 1100 .410
The scarcity of the Remington 1100 .410 contributes significantly to its collector value. Well-maintained examples, especially those in original condition, often command a premium price compared to other 1100 models. Factors such as condition, any special features (engraving, etc.) and the overall demand at the time of sale significantly impact price.
Case Study: A recent auction featuring a Remington 1100 .410 in excellent condition with original box and papers sold for considerably above the average price for other Remington 1100 models of similar age and condition. This highlights the impact of rarity on value.
Conclusion: The Mystery Remains
Determining the exact number of Remington 1100 .410 shotguns ever produced remains a collector's enigma. While pinpointing a precise figure is unlikely, continued research and collaboration among enthusiasts might gradually shed more light on this fascinating aspect of Remington firearms history. The scarcity and unique qualities of the .410 1100 only add to its appeal among firearm collectors. The hunt for information, itself, becomes part of the collecting experience.