Engraved 870 WM

[cyclones30]

Here’s my original WM, is the engraving factory? And what are all the letters on it’s barrel for an age estimate? Not sure which letters to use to try and date it

[cyclones30]

I’m pretty sure the 2nd set of letters is BD. But the serial prefix on the receiver narrows it down quite a bit already

[Virginian]

Barrel is Jan., 1998. Receiver is 1997 to 2001.

[cyclones30]

Thanks! Was it common for them to be engraved?

[Virginian]

It was during that time frame. That's the standard Remington pattern. It did not catch on and they went back to smooth bluing on the Wingmaster.

[cyclones30]

Thanks! All good info and apparently I need to get to 40 characters