The History of Remington
September 23, 2010
Be sure to read Garry James' comprehensive companion article on collecting Remingtons.Below is Big Green's history as a timeline.
1816: Eliphalet Remington II enters the gun business.
1828: Remington moves Ilion Gulch to Ilion, New York.
1865: The partnership of E. Remington & Sons is incorporated as a stock company.
Remington No. 1 Sporter
1865-66: Remington Rolling Block Rifle.
Aug. 9, 1867: Union Metallic Cartridge Company is incorporated.
Sept. 1873: The first Remington typewriters were produced.
1886: Remington sells the typewriter business.
March 1888: E. Remington & Sons is acquired by Marcellus Hartley and partners. E. Remington & Sons is reorganized, and the new company named the Remington Arms Company.
1912: The Union Metallic Cartridge Company of Bridgeport and Remington Arms Company are combined into one company to become Remington U.M.C.
1915: Construction starts on an expansion of the Ilion facilities.
Spring 1916: New Ilion plant is in full operation.
1920: Remington Arms Company is incorporated in Delaware. In order to better utilize the excess manufacturing capacity created during World War I, Remington branches into new fields, including the cutlery business (pocket and hunting knives), household utensils, and cash registers.
1926: Remington begins distributing and selling decorative patches bearing the Remington logo. This eventually led to Remington's clothing and accessory business.
1931: Remington sells the cash register business to the National Cash Register Company.
1933: Remington's management offers a controlling interest in the company to E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. (DuPont). On May 24, DuPont purchases a 60% share of the company.
August 1933: Remington acquires the Chamberlain Trap & Target Company.
May 15, 1934: Remington purchases the Peters Cartridge Company for $2.5 million.
June 1, 1934: The assets and business related to the sale and manufacture of the Parker shotgun were purchased from the Charles Parker Company for $100,000.
1936: Remington and Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd. join in the organization of Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos SA for the purpose of acquiring the assets and business of Fabrica Nacional de Cartuchos e Municoes. The latter company had been manufacturing sporting ammunition since 1927 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
1940: Remington is asked by the US Government to undertake the establishment and operation of ammunition plants. These were the Lake City and Denver ordnance plants.
1941: A third ammunition plant in Salt Lake City, Utah is assigned to Remington, and later a fourth, Kings Mills.
1942: Lowell ammunition plant is assigned to Remington.These plants belonged to the government; however, they were operated by Remington under fixed-fee contracts, whereby Remington was responsible for assuring the adequacy of a capacity through construction advice with respect to design engineering and construction, the procurement of equipment, training of personnel, and operation of the plants.
November, 1946: Remington closes the Remington Arms Union Metallic Cartridge Company, Ltd.
1950: Remington and Crucible Steel Company of America form Rem-Cru Titanium, Inc., for the purpose of melting, alloying, fabricating, and selling titanium and its alloys. Model 870 "Wingmaster" shotgun announced.
Model 870 "Wingmaster"
1956: Remington acquires the Mall Tool Company for $9.8 million.
1958: Mall Tool Company is dissolved and its activities integrated with Remington. The Canadian subsidiary name is changed to Remington Arms of Canada, Ltd. and its product line expanded to include firearms and other Remington products. Remington purchases the commercial farm and wildlife refuge of the late Glenn L. Martin, consisting of 2,970 acres of property near Chestertown, Maryland. The property is named Remington Farms.
1960: Remington introduces plastic body shotshells.
1961: Remington invests in two new affiliates, one in Germany and the other in Mexico.
1962: The new Model 700 bolt-action rifle is announced and soon becomes the most popular bolt-action rifle in the market.
1963: The Model 1100 autoloading shotgun is introduced after a three-year development program. Remington acquires a 55% interest in Brewer Pharmical Engineering Corp.
1964: Remington Arms International GmbH, formed in 1961 to distribute chain saws and accessories in Europe, is dissolved.
1966: Remington commemorates the 150th anniversary of its founding. Demand for Remington "Blue Rock" clay targets exceeds the capacity of the Findlay plant. A small factory building is purchased in Ada, Oklahoma for a new clay target plant. Production begins in early 1967.
1967: Cartuchos de Portivos de Mexico, SA, in which Remington had a 40% interest, declared its first cash dividend. The manufacture and marketing of centerfire pistol and revolver ammunition had been added to the production of shotshells, rimfire cartridges, and lead shot.
1969: Remington completes the sale of its power tool business to DESA Industries, Inc.
1970: Remington constructs a new ammunition plant in Lonoke, Arkansas. A new facility to produce clay targets is completed at Athens, Georgia
1971: The clay target facility in Athens, Georgia begins production. The Mexican government closes all the country's retail outlets for firearms and ammunition which forces Cartuchos de Portivos de Mexico SA to suspend most of its ammunition operations.
1973: Remington introduces the 3200 Over/Under shotgun. Remington makes a unsuccessful effort to acquire AB Norma Projektilfabrik of Sweden.
1974: Remington forms a German sales subsidiary, Remington Arms GmbH in Wurzburg. The subsidiary is liquidated in 1988.
1975: Construction of a new target plant in Findlay, Ohio, begins.
1976: Construction of the Findlay, Ohio, target plant completed.
1978: Cartuchos de Portivos de Mexico SA, in which Remington owned a 40% interest, changes its name to Industria Technos SA.
1979: Remington acquires the Hazen, Arkansas, plant from the Van Heusen Shirt Co. Some of the Powder Metal operations are moved from the Ilion plant to Hazen, and the plant becomes operational in 1980.
1980: DuPont purchases the remaining shares of Remington stock, and the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary.
1981: Remington dissolves its Canadian subsidiary.
1984: Remington announces that it will move its headquarters from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Wilmington, Delaware.
1985: Remington turns over the operation of the Lake City Arsenal in Independence, MO, to Olin Corporation.
1986: Remington sells its Abrasive Products business and the Barnum Avenue site in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to RemGrit Corporation.
1990: DuPont transfers ownership of Remington Arms Company to a wholly-owned Delaware holding company, DuPont Chemical and Energy Operations, Inc. (DECO).
1992: Remington assumes marketing responsibility for DuPont's "Stren" fishing line and associated fishing products.
Remington introduces a number of new products:
The stainless steel version of the Model 700 centerfire rifle
The Model 11-87 Sporting Clays autoloading shotgun
Light Contour barrel versions of the Model 11-87 shotgun
The Model 870 Marine Magnum shotgun
Camouflage versions of various shotguns and rifles
1993: DuPont sells the assets of Remington to RACI Acquisitions, a company organized by the New York investment firm of Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, for approximately $300 million.
Remington introduces the Model 522 Viper autoloading rimfire rifle and the Peerless Over/Under shotgun.
1994: Remington introduces a version of the 870 Express shotgun with a synthetic stock, a stainless steel version of the Model Seven rifle, and the Model 700 Sendero rifle.
Remington announces that it will build a new facility for research and development in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The new facility opens in 1995.
1995: Remington announces that its headquarters will move from Wilmington, Delaware, to Rockingham County, North Carolina.
Remington announces the discontinuation of its Apparel business.
The Remington Shooting School is organized at a gun club near its plant in Ilion, New York.
Remington 1816 Flintlock
Remington introduces the Model 700 rifle with detachable box magazines. Also introduced is a replica of its 1816 flintlock.
Remington enters the firearm security safe business. This new category includes a good, better, best selection of Sportsman, Classic and Premier Safes.
Model 700 ML
1996: Remington builds a new headquarters facility near Madison, North Carolina.
Remington announces plans to develop a new firearms manufacturing facility in Graves County, Kentucky.
Remington introduces a number of new products:
The Model 700 ADL rifle with a synthetic stock
The Model 1100 shotgun with a synthetic stock
The Model 700 muzzleloading rifle
Model 700 rifles with muzzle brakes
The Model 700 Sendero Stainless Fluted rifle
Remington enters the in-line black powder accessory, and hearing protection business and expands its involvement in the safety and protection aspect of the shooting sports industry.
1997: Remington opens a new firearms plant near Mayfield, Kentucky, to supplement the Ilion plant. The new Mayfield site is the first new Remington Firearms plant built since 1828.
Remington introduces the Model 597 rimfire rifle family and manufactures the gun at the new Mayfield facility.
Remington reintroduces the Remington No. 1 Rolling Block Creedmoor rifle in .45-70 Government. Not a replica, but a reintroduction, the Creedmoor was produced by Remington in the latter half of the 19th century.
Remington celebrates 15 years of the highly collectible bullet knife series. Also, Remington becomes recognized as one of the top firearm safe companies in the world.
1998: Remington adds the new 3 1/2-inch Super Magnum to its line of Model 870 Express pump-action shotguns.
Remington launches its website.
1999: Remington produces the first new centerfire magnum case in 87 years--the .300 Remington Ultra Mag chambered in nine different Model 700 configurations. The new .300 Remington Ultra Mag represents the first commercially available non-belted magnum.
.300 Remington Ultra Mag
Remington Country television series begins.
Remington enters the one handed knife business with the introduction of the Rattlesnake line.
2000: Remington introduces the EtronX System, an electronic ignition system for centerfire rifles and ammunition.
Remington extends both its Super Mag line of shotguns with the Model 11-87 Super Magnum and the Ultra Mag line of magnum calibers with the .338 Remington Ultra Mag. Also added to the firearms line is the Model 300 Ideal over/under shotgun.
Model 300 Ideal
Remington enters the gunsmithing tools category and expands its focus on industrial sales.
2001: Remington introduces the following new rifle products:
The Model 710.
The Model 700 Titanium Ultimate Lightweight rifle.
Limited Edition Model 700 Classic chambered for 7mm-08 Remington.
Limited Edition Model 700 BDL SS RMEF Trade rifle chambered for 300 Remington Ultra Mag.
Remington enters the electronic earmuff business.
2002: Remington introduces the following new rifle products:
Model Seven LS, SS, and Custom AWR chambered for the new 7mm Remington SA Ultra Mag and the 300 Remington SA Ultra Mag cartridges.
Limited Edition Model 700 Classic chambered for 221 Remington Fireball.
Limited Edition Model 700 BDL SS RMEF Trade rifle chambered for 7mm Remington Ultra Mag.
Remington expands its gun parts business with an added focus on specialty choke tubes.
2003: Remington introduces the following new rifle products:
The Model 673 Guide Rifle chambered for 300 Remington SA Ultra Mag and the reintroduced .350 Remington Magnum cartridge.
Limited Edition Model 700 Classic chambered for 300 Savage.
Limited Edition Model 700 BDL SS RMEF Trade rifle chambered for 300 Remington SA Ultra Mag. vModel 597 Magnum chambered for the new .17HMR cartridge
Remington introduces a completely revamped firearm safe line.
2004: New product highlights for the year include:
Introduction of the Model 504 bolt-action rimfire rifle.
The Model 700 family of centerfire rifles expands to include a new Classic Deluxe (CDL) version and a new Light Varmint Stainless Fluted (LV SF) model.
Magnum calibers are added to the Model 710 and Model 700 Titanium rifles.
The 20-gauge Classic Field returns to the Model 1100 line of shotguns along with two small-bore target guns.
Managed-Recoil centerfire rifle, shotgun slug, and buckshot ammunition are introduced.
Premier Match and Premier Accutip-V join the Gold Box family of centerfire rifle ammunition.
In a joint effort, Remington and the US military develop the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge.
A new line-up of collectible and field knives are introduced.
Remington broadens its line of gun safes with the introduction of ten new models.
Remington announces plans to distribute advanced license plate technology through a joint venture (Remington-Elsag), and to introduce advanced technology and surveillance systems through a new Remington LE Technologies Division.
Remington announces in February of 2004 the formation of a new subsidiary, Spartan Gunworks by Remington to bring a line of quality, value-priced shotguns to the U.S. market.
2005: New product highlights for the year include:
New Production Model 1100 Competition
Remington Model 1100 in Classic Field Version available in full range of gauges.
Model 11-87 Special Purpose-Turkey Super Magnum Shotgun available with thumbhole stock.
Three NRA-licensed firearms to support education and conservation initiatives.
Model 700 SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic) with either a standard or youth length stock, with or without a detachable magazine, in matte or stainless finish.
Model 700 XCR (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) in stainless steel with TriNyte Corrosion Control and Patented Hogue Overmolded Stock.
Model 700 Classic LTD Edition in its 25th and final year.
Model XR-100 Rangemaster Single Shot Target Rifle with a laminated thumbhole stock and a 40-XB adjustable target trigger.
Full line of Spartan Gunworks including a single-shot and side-by-side rifle, in addition to the Spartan shotgun line.
Nitro Turkey Magnum lead loads.
Managed-Recoil Ammunition Named Ammunition Product of the Year.
Kleanbore Muzzleloading Primers
Targetmaster Deluxe and Sportsman Cleaning Kits.
Four New Collectible Knives
First Knife in the Remington Outdoor Exploration Series.
2006: Announcements from the company include:
Model 105 CTi
Model 1100 G3 with 2 3/4 and 3-Inch Capability
Premier Line of over/under shotguns.
Model 1100 and 870 Tactical Shotguns with OD Green barrel & receiver.
Model 700 CDL SF Limited with 100th Anniversary .30-06 Commemorative embellishment on floorplate.
Model 750 Woodsmaster autoloading rifle in either a standard or carbine version.
Model SPR453 autoloading shotgun that shoots 2 Ã¦Ã® to 3 Î©Ã® shells.
Genesis Inline Muzzleloader
Model 798 and 799 Mauser-based centerfire rifle.
Model Five bolt-action rifle.
Wingmaster HD Non-Toxic Shotshell Ammunition.
Remington Teams Up With Regency Conversions to release limited edition series pickup trucks.
2007: New product highlights for the year include:
Premier Side-by-Side Shotgun in 12, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore -- the first side-by-side in the Remington product line since 1910.
Model 870 XCS (Xtreme Conditions Shotgun) with Black TriNyte coating on receiver and barrel.
Model 870 SPS Max Gobbler with Knoxx SpecOps with adjustable length of pull and recoil dampening system.
Four offerings in the Tactical line including the Model 870, Model 1100, Model 700, and Model 7615
Model 700 SPS Buckmasters Edition in both standard and youth stock lengths.
Model 700 Alaskan Ti Ultimate Lightweight Centerfire rifle with a fluted barrel, hinged floorplate, pillar bedded, and Bell & Carlson stock.
X-Mark Pro Trigger with sear and trigger block and lighter trigger weight setting from the factory compatible with all Model 700 and Model Seven products.
Premier Tactical Knives in Tango, Zulu, and Echo series for civilian, law enforcement, and military applications.
Universal All-A-Round Portable Cleaning kit for shotguns, rifles & pistols from .22 caliber to 12 gauge.