Remington Sportsman 48 TC - age & rarity?

[Virginian]

I would guess around 1957. I do not see a TC listed in semi autos, I would guess because back then many did not want shells hitting others on the line and I don't remember seeing a shell catcher until the late '60s. SC (skeet) grade listed from about 1954. But, back then you could get about anything you wanted if you had the money and were willing to wait. I would assume it's fairly rare, but don't know of any great value that attaches to that.

[Researcher]

In my October 1950 Remington Arms Co., Inc. catalogue everything 11-48 and Sportsman 48 jumps from the B "Special" grade to the D "Tournament" Grade. There were no Trap guns or C quality autoloaders offered.

[Fowlgunner]

Heidero,

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =514438933

Here is another that finally sold after a time or two around the auction block.

Rarity? They are not often encountered but do not seem to have the desirability some other TC's have.

If you plan to keep the gun, then by all means do what pleases you most.

Many SC's and TC's have some of the most striking wood of all the grades.

Glad you found one you like.

Will

[Virginian]

I have copies of all the catalogs, and while an SC (skeet) is mentioned as being available starting early '50s, I see zero reference to a TC ever. Not saying they weren't made, obviously they were. Like I said, back then you could get about anything you wanted. As mentioned, the SC and TC guns usually had pretty wood. Looks like you got a nice one.

[sethlarney]

This is really fascinating information. Even if the Sportsman 48 TC doesn't have much collector value, it seems to fall into the "not officially catalogued but definitely built" category, which adds a certain rarity factor. It makes perfect sense that wood of the SC and TC grades is among the best; yours must be stunning.

If anyone else knows production information from factory records or has seen a TC in the wild, I'd be interested to know. It seems like one of those anomalies from Remington where the narrative is as interesting as the firearm.