Well, you have to make some deductions and be somewhat familiar with what Remington did with these rifles over the years.wild bill 22 wrote:newly obtained model 552 with barrel markings wcp 78 ( the p could be a D ) . I've been going on for a couple of hours trying to find a birth date is there any one who can help me out ? The "society " site did not have what I have. Also the model 552 shoots great and is in above average condition including a Tasco 3x - 7x20 scope - any chance someone could give me an approximate value ? Thank you for your time and help.
First, I'd suggest using a magnifying glass of some type to make sure you know what letters yours has impressed in the barrel.
According to the Remington website, the 552 has been in production since 1957.
http://www.remington.com/products/archi ... aster.aspx
It's also helpful to know if the barrel length is 23 1/2" or 21 1/2" and whether it's a "BDL" (impressed checkering) or plain "A" standard (smooth wood). And, over the years, they also used different checkering patterns in the "BDL" versions.
Somewhere around 1980 (give or take a year or so), they quit making the longer barreled version and only made the shorter one for both the 552 (auto) and 572 (pump) models.
If it's the longer barrel and plain wood, I don't think "W C" (Aug 1956 or Aug 1982) would work.
With the longer barrel and "A" or "BDL" grade, "C P" (Apr 1967) would work.
If it's a "C D", that would indicate either an Apr 1957 or Apr 1983 date. Depending on barrel length or wood style, those may or may not work.
Estimated "values" are not given on the forum for obvious reasons. However, if you do some searching on the gun auction sites, you may find some "ballpark" figures of what they're asking for them or what they've sold for. Whatever you paid for this one is it's current value.
Hope this helps some.
Den