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16817 - Remington 870 DOM
2/15/2025
Luke Loudoun

Maker: Remington, Model: 870, Caliber: 20 Gauge, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Shotgun (Non-Military) - Don`t Know, SN: S733729N

Markings:
On the other side of the barrel it reads v a anchor symbol N

Question:
When was this shotgun manufactured

Answer:
Most Remington firearms made since 1921 have the barrel marked with a date code on the left side. The details for that are on the Remington Society of America site at https://www.remingtonsociety.org/manufacture-dates/

I would expect that the VA [anchor]N would be the date code, but the letter V does not match with the letters used by Remington to indicate the month. ``A`` was used in 2006. We just are not very interested in sporting arms made in the last 25-50 years, so that is the best we can do.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16815 - Remington 760 Gamemaster
2/8/2025

Maker: Remington, Model: 760, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 445XXX

Question:
Remington 760 Gamemaster ser# 445XXX , Barrel code D W M (not sure about M being spaced)

Answer:
The Model 760 was made from 1952 to 1981. DW would be September 1972. Hope that helps. John Spangler

16819 - P-08 Luger Breakdown Directions
2/1/2025
eric; pfeifer1@aol.com

Maker: Semi-auto Pistol, Model: P-08, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 4 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
many swastikas

Question:
Where is a good place to get the breakdown directions. I would like to give the weapon a good cleaning.

Answer:
Eric, I have two books that give breakdown instructions for the P-08. The first book is, The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly, Part 1 Semi Automatic Pistols by J.B. Wood. The second book is, The NRA Guide To Firearms Assembly. Both books have excellent detailed instructions and pictures that show how to disassemble and reassemble a variety of different firearms including the P-08. Both books also have sections that warn of and deal with any special problems that you might encounter. I would advise getting one of these books and reading the pertinent section thoroughly before you try to disassemble your Luger... Marc

16818 - Springfield Model 1884 .45-70 Rifle Ser 388XXX
2/1/2025
Ralph, Woodland, CA

Maker: Springfield Armory, Model: U.S. Rifle M1884, Caliber: .45-70, Barrel Length: 32 5/8¨, Finish: Blue, SN: 388XXX

Markings:
Stock has ¨SWP¨ and ¨1887¨ stamped on left side.

Question:
I acquired this rifle a while ago from an elderly gentleman. I was hoping you could consult your research associates to see if their records yield any historical information as to when this rifle was made and/or where this rifle was issued, etc. Any information you could provide would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Answer:
Ralph- Your rifle was made in 1887, as indicated by the inspector's "cartouche" date, and confirmed by records showing rifles in the 388,000 range were being assembled at Springfield in that year. Extensive research in the National Archives by Springfield Research Service has found no mention of this particular rifle's history. However, many rifles in the 388,000 and 389,000 ranges were being issued to various units during the Spanish American War. It is very likely this one was also issued, and the records subsequently lost or destroyed. A few were used for guard purposes at ports and defense plants in WWI, and some were donated to the Navy during WW2, mostly for conversion to line throwing guns. Nice old gun. Everyone should buy old Springfields from elderly gentlemen, especially if they are good lookin' dudes like the one in the picture at the top of our page. No, not the one with some furry critter on the top of his head, but the distinguished looking guy wearing a tie! :-)... John Spangler

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