Remington Ammo

History of Remington Ammunition

In 1816, Eliaphalet Remington founded E. Remington and Sons in Ilion, New York. Eliaphalet came from a farming community and his father was a blacksmith who wanted to expand his business to include making rifle barrels. Eliaphalet went to a major rifle barrel manufacturer to learn how barrels were made and came back ready to expand the family business. Soon after his trip, he built a flintlock rifle and attended a shooting match. Although he didn’t win, he left the match with several orders for rifles like his and his rifle business was born.

The 1800’s were a time of expansion and innovation for E. Remington and Sons. The company moved to a site closer to the Erie Canal and the Ilion firearms plant remains on a part of this property even now. In 1865 the company incorporated and introduced its famous rolling block rifle. In 1873 Remington diversified their business by manufacturing typewriters. This business was eventually sold in 1886 and became Remington Rand and eventually Sperry Rand. In 1888 E. Remington and Sons was acquired by Marcellus Hartley and partners. The business was reorganized and renamed the Remington Arms Company.

In 1912 Remington was merged with Union Metallic Cartridge Company to form Remington UMC. A few years later a new plant was constructed in Ilion, New York and remains in operation today. During World War One, Remington produced rifles under contract for France (M1907-15 Berthier rifles), Britain (Enfield rifles) and Russia (1891 Mosin-Nagant rifles). Remington also developed and produced the M1917 Enfield rifle and developed the Pedersen Device, an ingenious device that allowed for the M1917 to fire a short .30 caliber rifle cartridge in the semiautomatic mode of fire.

The 1920’s had Remington expanding their product line to include more items that would be of interest to a larger audience. The company introduced cutlery, to include pocket and hunting knives, household utensils and cash registers. During this time Remington began to sell patched with the company logo. This was the foundation of the popular Remington line of hunting and casual clothing and accessories.

During The Great Depression, a controlling portion of Remington’s stock was bought by DuPont. Soon after Remington acquired the Chamberlain Trap and Target Company and the Peters Cartridge Company, as well as the Parker Shotgun company.

In 1940, Remington established an ordinance plant at the request of the U.S. Government. The plant was located in Independence, Missouri and was named Lake City. Five plants in total were opened by Remington in the early years of World War Two. During this time Remington also produced the iconic M1903 Springfield bolt action rifle.

1950 brought the introduction of one of the most popular shotguns in existence, the Remington 870 “Wingmaster” pump action shotgun. During the 50’s Remington branched out into other markets, this time with the acquisition of the Mall Tool Company. Electric, pneumatic and gas powered tools and equipment, including chainsaws were added to the Remington product line.

The 1960’s brought about the introduction of the plastic shotgun shell, and the Model 1100 autoloading shotgun. The Model 700 bolt action rifle was introduced in 1962. Partnerships with companies in Mexico and Germany to manufacture ammunition and distribute power tools, respectively, were formed.

The 70’s saw considerable expansion with the opening of facilities in Arkansas, Georgia and New York. The 1980’s were a time of restructuring and downsizing as the company turn over the Lake City Plant to the Olin Corporation, and the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Wilmington, Delaware.

The 90’s were a time of expansion into other markets again, this time more focused on the core community of firearms enthusiasts. Remington discontinued its’ apparel business and moved headquarters to North Carolina. But it also started the Remington Shooting School in Ilion, New York; began producing firearms safes and entered the in-line black powder accessory business. It was during this time that Remington began to increase its’ role in supporting the safety and protection aspects of the shooting sports industry.

Remington has recently returned to handgun manufacturing with its’ 1911 clone as well as the AR-15 inspired R-15 and R-25 rifles. They have also expanded their market to include television series, domestic security products and the new Model 887 Nitro Mag series of shotguns.