Beware of scammers.

... with a keen eye can detect details that might be tattle tales, including the serial # (C173663M) or the art on the receiver. I know that the 'M' suffix in the serial# designates 3", but that's about as far as I can go. I appreciate any info you may be willing to share.

I've been refreshing it ...

The "W" suffix in the serial number indicates 16ga. If the barrel truly is not 12ga then it is mismarked, if it is 12ga then an incorrect barrel was installed on the frame.

... of the 1100.

The serial number is 306293V so there is no leading letter combination for date code that so many sites reference. The "V" suffix is there indicating it is a full-size 12 gauge using 2.75" shells only. It is in near mint condition, and there are proof marks for proof testing ...

Remington uses barrel date codes for year of manufacture, for the shotguns the prefix and suffix of the serial number can give some identification of the model.

https://www.remingtonsociety.org/manufacture-dates/

... 2 3/4" chamber. Unfortunately it doesn't have the original barrel. It has an aftermarket slug barrel. It is not marked LT or LW but has a "K" suffix. Full serial number is R032689K. I would like to know what model I have so that I can begin looking for the correct barrel to fit. Any help would ...

L = February, A = 1954. The gun appears to be a Model 870 ADL "DeLuxe" Grade
The W suffix to the serial number indicates a 16-gauge. No prefix to the serial number indicates 1950 to 1967.

... Remington scrapped the old numbering/lettering system, and no one has figured out any rhyme or reason to what they went to that has any value. The suffix on everything for a while was RS, which was said to indicate Remington Shotgun. And that is why I cannot help beyond stating that it is a "newer ...

... 1968: NO SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX
1968 TO PRESENT: LETTERS USED (IN SEQUENCE)
S-68, T-74, V-78, W-84, X-90, A-91, B-94, C-97, D-01, AB-05

LETTER SUFFIX (DESIGNATES GAUGE)

V 12 GA. (2 3/4”)
M 12 GA. MAGNUM (3”)
A 12 GA. “SUPER” MAGNUM (3 ½”)
W 16 GA. ( 2 ¾” )
X 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME” (DISCONTINUED)
N ...

... Remington Arms on is the simple stamping of the word "MAGNUM" on the receiever. Does this word on their supercede anything else in terms of ending suffix in SN that anyone in the world would conclude it is a bonafide 20-ga magnum 870 from 1968? This is the kind of info I am hoping you awesome people ...

... you didn't read the explicit detail. What is the problem? It's a 20-ga standard or large frame 870 Wingmaster magnum from 1968, but its SN ends in Suffix "X"...when it supposed to be "N." That's the problem...the SN on frame of receiver is designated X or 2.75-in suffix code, but it is a 3-in magnum ...

here's pic files of gun as it gift to me from dad in 1968. Receiver stamped MAGNUM...SN with no prefix...suffix ends in X. Comes with 3-in mag 28-in full choke vent rib barrel. It fires and cycles and ejects 3-in magnum shells. Has SN ends in X that supposed to mean it is 2.75-in gun. That's the ...

... you didn't read the explicit detail. What is the problem? It's a 20-ga standard or large frame 870 Wingmaster magnum from 1968, but its SN ends in Suffix "X"...when it supposed to be "N." That's the problem...the SN on frame of receiver is designated X or 2.75-in suffix code, but it is a 3-in magnum ...

... but doing an initial post of what appears to be an anomaly that does not confirm with the typical SN coding I come across online that indicates suffix X 2.75-in and N a 3-in gun. I will eventually post pics if I can figure it out how to do it, but it is a large frame or Standard Weight 20-ga built ...

... but doing an initial post of what appears to be an anomaly that does not confirm with the typical SN coding I come across online that indicates suffix X 2.75-in and N a 3-in gun. I will eventually post pics if I can figure it out how to do it, but it is a large frame or Standard Weight 20-ga built ...

Standard 12 gauge (V suffix) Model 1100, second generation made between 1978 and 1984 (N Prefix). Barrel code indicates 1980,but it may not be the original barrel. Modified choke. Very good gun. Looks like it was fairly well taken care of. Shorter stocks are available.