[Thomas Quick]

I purchased from a yard sale a Remington Speedmaster 552. No serial number but it has D47 on left side of the barrel. In researching I find that this is a 1957 year model. The odd thing is that the side plates are not blue steel but rather polished stainless. I can't find any reference to them being made with this. Does anyone have any info on this?

 

[Fatstrat]

I purchased from a yard sale a Remington Speedmaster 552. No serial number but it has D47 on left side of the barrel. In researching I find that this is a 1957 year model. The odd thing is that the side plates are not blue steel but rather polished stainless. I can't find any reference to them being made with this. Does anyone have any info on this?

I think they actually Aluminum. Or some alloy. My guess is someone removed the original finish.

 

[jstgsn]

pictures please.

 

[Thomas Quick]

Hope these pics come through ok.

 

[Smokingun]

I don't have any info on it, but it sure looks good. Great find.

 

[Bindernut]

Yup, someone rubbed off the original black finish on the receiver. It is an aluminum alloy and should have a black paint type finish. the finish wasn't all that tough and it would chip and flake pretty easily.

Still a nice looking rifle though even with the "custom" finish. It is one of the more basic versions of the 552. No checkering on the stock but it still has nice walnut.

If you like the look and want to really dress it up, use some Flitz or Simichrome polish and polish the receiver out a bit more.
Either that or check into some of the good modern paint finishes to get it back to it's original look.

 

[qwiksdraw]

And we want a range report too. Pics would be nice.

 

[Fatstrat]

I have a receiver w/original finish if interested.

 

[American Leader]

I love this model. Nice TQ.