Remington Model 11 US Military Finish 12 gauge

The Remington Model 11 was a semi-automatic shotgun introduced in 1905, based on John Browning's Auto-5 design (licensed from FN Herstal). It was produced in 12-gauge (primarily) and saw extensive civilian use as a sporting arm before World War II. During the war, the U.S. military contracted Remington for approximately 60,000 Model 11 shotguns, mainly for roles like guarding prisoners, anti-aircraft training, aerial gunnery simulation, and rear-echelon security by the Military Police Corps. These military variants are often referred to as having a "Military Finish," a specific production adaptation to wartime needs.

What is "Military Finish"?

Standard Civilian vs. Military Production: Pre-war civilian Model 11s (including the "Sportsman" variant) featured a high-polish blued finish, ornate roll-stamped game scenes (e.g., ducks and pheasants on the receiver sides), and checkered wood stocks. As WWII production ramped up and pre-war parts depleted, Remington simplified manufacturing for efficiency.

Key Characteristics of Military Finish:

Low-Luster Blue (Matte Bluing): Replaced the shiny commercial polish with a brushed or low-sheen blued metal finish for reduced glare and faster production. This is explicitly stamped "MILITARY FINISH" on the receiver (often alongside "U.S. Ordnance" or the flaming bomb proof mark) to distinguish it from higher-end civilian models.

Plain Receiver: Game scene engravings were omitted on later guns, leaving a smooth, unadorned side. Early wartime Sportsman models might retain some engraving but still get the matte finish.

U.S. Property Markings: "U.S." stamp and flaming bomb (U.S. Ordnance Corps symbol) on the receiver and barrel. Inspector marks like "FJA" (Frank J. Atwood) are common on Rochester District productions.

Barrel Variations:

Riot Configuration: 20-inch cylinder-bore barrel (no choke), often with a bead sight and Cutts Compensator muzzle device. These were the most common, with ~50,000 produced.

Longer Barrels: 26-inch or 30-inch for aerial gunnery training, sometimes pre-war surplus cut down.

Stocks and Accessories: Walnut semi-pistol grip stock and forend, often with ordnance cartouches. Magazine limited to 3 rounds (via plug) per Hague Convention rules. No frills like fancy checkering on all examples.

Production Timeline: Military contracts ran from 1941–1945, with serial numbers in ranges like 450,000–500,000 and 700,000–711,000. Barrel date codes (e.g., "KL" for May 1942, "RMM" for 1943) help pinpoint manufacture.

Historical Context and Use

These shotguns were valued for close-quarters reliability over rifles in non-combat scenarios—e.g., managing POWs or POW camps where stray bullets posed risks. Unlike iconic "trench guns" like the Winchester Model 1897, Model 11s were less glamorous but versatile. 

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