Rem 552 Speedmaster Question See Pic

[mammoth357]

Hi: Just got a Rem 552 Speedmaster 22 cal rifle....
Question is: I would like to know date of manufacture.... cannot find my serial number. On left side of barrel are the letters K...E or perhaps B...R but no such serial number exists as such

The letter E or B or whatever it is, is only half punched.
See pic:


On left looks like a partial forge mark?
So, what is the serial number.... K ? R.... and what is date of manufacture?

What do you all think on this?
Thanks!
Jake

[John Gyde]

The M/552 was introduced in 1957 and had serial numbers starting in October 1967 so yours was in between those dates. KB would indicate May 1955. BR would indicate January 1968. Neither makes much sense since the M/552 wasn't made in 1955 and serial numbers were required in 1968. The middle letter is the important one. It sure looks like a B. If it is an "E" the date would be May 1958.

These stamps are often not clear. Adding a third letter and other proof or testing marks for whatever reason doesn't help much either. It does keep collecting Remingtons fun though...

[mammoth357]

Thanks John.... I suppose if it were easy, it would not be such fun!
I think it has got to KBR as the center character must be a "B"... due to the rounded bottom. From what I have learned from Remington, it is the first two characters that are the date,...the 3rd character (R) is the Assembly....thus as you stated, May 1955 would be correct...which does not make sense as you pointed out due to the fact the gun was not introduced untill 1957!

I have posted the question to Remington and will post their answer here when I get it!

Appreciate your input!
Jake