552 Barrel Markings

[Scorpion8]

Just picked up a minty Model 552 Speedmaster. Gorgeous rifle in all aspects. It is marked as "KY" for build date, and I assume that's May 1974, not May 2004. But on the barrel LHS just ahead of the receiver is the marks [32] where the "[" is a vertical line, also the closing bracket. The barrel code guides do not address this.

Any help?

Also, there seems to be NO bolt hold-open at all. Correct?

[Wulfman]

Just picked up a minty Model 552 Speedmaster. Gorgeous rifle in all aspects. It is marked as "KY" for build date, and I assume that's May 1974, not May 2004. But on the barrel LHS just ahead of the receiver is the marks [32] where the "[" is a vertical line, also the closing bracket. The barrel code guides do not address this.

Any help?

Also, there seems to be NO bolt hold-open at all. Correct?

You didn't say what barrel length, stock style, sights, finish or any other descriptive info......factors helpful in dating Remington firearms.
But, prior to about 1980, the barrel lengths were either 21" or 24". Stock styles could be "ADL" (plain) or "BDL" (checkering).
After about 1980, most of the barrels were 21" and stocks were mostly BDL (and especially in more recent years).

A "3" in the barrel date code typically indicates that the firearm had been sent back to the factory for some type of service. I can't speak to all circumstances, but that's what it's supposed to indicate.
There's a note to that effect in the manufacture dates page.

https://www.remingtonsociety.org/manufacture-dates/

Correct.......No bolt hold-open.

Here are some other useful download links.

https://www.remington.com/sites/default ... 1-2012.pdf

http://stevespages.com/pdf/remington_552.pdf

My 552 is of 1975 vintage with plain wood and 24" barrel.


Den

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[Scorpion8]

The finish is plain, but it does not state ADL or BDL. The sights are the old-style, dovetail, not screw-on. No checkering.

[Scorpion8]

Oops, forgot to measure the barrel while I was taking pics....

[Scorpion8]

And, btw, shot amazing with cheap Blazer 22LR, and fed individually and mixed lots of short, long, and long rifle. Amazingly crafted piece of kit.

[Wulfman]

Yep. That's the earlier one (like mine). Probably has (about) a 24" barrel.

If the stock had checkering, it would be considered a "BDL" model.

Enjoy.

Den

.

[Scorpion8]

So am assuming this is the 1974 version, not the 2004 version?

[Wulfman]

So am assuming this is the 1974 version, not the 2004 version?

Correct.


Den

.

[Scorpion8]

Thanks for the help. I continue to fill out my 22 options.