The question of how many Remington 1100 .410 shotguns were manufactured remains a fascinating, and somewhat frustrating, puzzle for collectors and enthusiasts. Unlike some firearm models with readily available production records, precise figures for the Remington 1100 .410 are elusive. Remington's own records, even if accessible, might not offer the granular detail needed to answer this question definitively.
This lack of readily available data stems from several factors:
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Limited Production Run: The Remington 1100 .410 was not a mass-produced model. It was offered for a relatively short period compared to other gauges within the 1100 line, resulting in a smaller overall production volume. This limited production inherently makes precise data harder to come by.
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Record Keeping Practices: Manufacturing record-keeping practices varied across different periods in Remington's history. Earlier records might be less detailed or even lost entirely, making a precise count exceptionally difficult. Furthermore, Remington, like other firearm manufacturers, has undergone various mergers and acquisitions over the years, impacting the accessibility and organization of historical production data.
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Variations and Sub-Models: Even within the .410 designation, there might have been variations in barrel lengths, stock styles, and other features. Differentiating production numbers across these sub-models would further complicate the task of providing a single, all-encompassing answer.
Approaches to Estimating Production Numbers
While an exact figure remains unknown, we can explore potential avenues to gain a better understanding of the overall production volume:
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Collector Forums and Communities: Engaging with experienced Remington 1100 collectors and enthusiasts online (through dedicated forums and social media groups) can yield valuable insights. These individuals often possess detailed knowledge of specific model variations and their rarity, offering a collective understanding of the .410's relative scarcity.
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Auction Data Analysis: Studying auction listings and sales records for Remington 1100 .410 shotguns might provide a glimpse into the approximate number in circulation. While not a perfect measure, consistent auction appearances can suggest a relatively larger pool of available guns, though it still wouldn't be a precise production number.
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Gun Show Observations: Attending gun shows and observing the frequency with which Remington 1100 .410s appear could offer a qualitative assessment of their availability. However, this method relies heavily on the specific shows and their geographical location and would not be quantifiable in terms of a concrete number.
Conclusion: A Rare and Sought-After Shotgun
While a definitive answer to "How many Remington 1100 .410s were made?" remains out of reach, its scarcity is undeniable. The lack of readily available production data underscores the shotgun's limited production run and desirability among collectors. The quest for this information continues, relying on the collective knowledge and research efforts of enthusiasts and historians. The journey of piecing together this history is part of the charm and intrigue of owning such a rare firearm.
