11-87 Anyone opened the gas hole?

koldt

koldt

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I'd like to get my 11-87 shooting some lighter loads. Has anyone opened up the gas hole?

Was it detrimental?

Did the SG function properly after the work?

What happens with hotter, ie. 00 Buck, #4 buck, slug, loads?

Should I do spring work instead?

Comments?

Who can do a good job?

Thanx.
 
I wouldn't mess with the gas port. When they loosen up with plenty of use they tend to cycle lighter loads more reliably. I think there's a fine threshold crossing the ability to cycle drastic load spreads with this model. You can have one, or the other, but not both without some issues.
 
Just use a proper sized drill bit to clean the hole/holes, opening them will result in premature wear on action parts and early part failure(may be earlier then you think).
 
easy said:
I wouldn't mess with the gas port. When they loosen up with plenty of use they tend to cycle lighter loads more reliably. I think there's a fine threshold crossing the ability to cycle drastic load spreads with this model. You can have one, or the other, but not both without some issues.
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The HK/Benelli/1201 etc etc seem to work OK with a variety of loads, do they not? I ain't the SG expert, but not being able to use lighter/less expensive loads, reliably is cheezing me off.
 
koldt said:
The HK/Benelli/1201 etc etc seem to work OK with a variety of loads, do they not? I ain't the SG expert, but not being able to use lighter/less expensive loads, reliably is cheezing me off.
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This won't help, but this kind of issue is precisely why I run a pump.;) On a more informative note, try contacting James B, formerly from TSE or who used to be "Redleg" here on CGN. I know he's "adjusted" an 11-87 before.

TDC
 
I've got a 1100 (12g x 2 3/4"), I wanted to use it for three guns (its a trap model) and picked up a used (up) barrel for it. I cut it down to about 20", added some gas ports and a fiber optic sight.
Looked cool but wouldn't cycle trap (light) loads reliably so I opened up the gas ports a hair (and I do mean a hair- its easier to open up the hole if the first drill don't work but its a tad more of a PITA to shrink it. Plus its hard on the gun if you go to big) and it worked great.
YMMV
 
Can't speak for the HK series of shotguns as they also use a gas operating system, though they are made by Benelli for HK, I think, :) but M1s and 1201s use the gun's recoil and inertia of the moving parts to operate the action and allow for a greater range of fodder than the gas operated 11-87s and you can control inertia systems by simply adding physical weight to the gun.
 
Koldt opening those ports even a .001" too much and firing a full pressure load can lead to a number of broken parts and even a catostrophic failure. If you shoot the 11-87 well and it fits you I'd buy a target barrel and use it. The target barrel is backbored and has the forcing cone opened for less shot deformation and it helps with recoil. The target barrel has larger ports for target loads only. If you have a light contour barrel now you would need and additional forend for the target barrel.

Do you know the port measurements for yours and the target barrel? I recently acquired another 11-87 Trap and could measure mine if needed.
 
koldt said:
I'd like to get my 11-87 shooting some lighter loads. Has anyone opened up the gas hole?

Was it detrimental?

Did the SG function properly after the work?

What happens with hotter, ie. 00 Buck, #4 buck, slug, loads?

Should I do spring work instead?

Comments?

Who can do a good job?

Thanx.
Click to expand...

Koldt, I would avoid reaming out the ports, as this procedure cannot be undone, and your barrel will be permanently altered. I do not own an 11-87, however I do have 2 1100's. When I bought my first 1100, it was a 3" magnum, fixed full choke lead barrel. I wanted to try shooting some trap with it, but it would not cycle target 2 3/4". I called a gunsmith, and this is what he told me to do. Take out the recoil spring and trim about 1/2" off of it and try your target loads. If it cycles fine, if not trim another 1/4" or so til it cycles. Works like a charm, and doesn't permanently alter your gun. The next thing I did was to purchase a new recoil spring, and just swap springs back and fourth depending on the loads you are using. The new spring being for the field loads obviously. Later on I purchased a new 3" steel barrel, and that was one of the best purchases I have ever made. My 3" 1100 now cycles 2 3/4" target up to 3" heavy field loads without a hiccup. I now use an 1100 trap for trap shooting, but I still use my 3" field gun with a skeet choke for sporting clays/skeet.
 
Thanks to all you fellas for your input! I appreciate all the insight.

I will start with the springs and work from there. Excellent advise.

Mine is an 18.5 barrel, thunder sprewing, devil gun that I use mostly in any 3 gun match. It works great with #4 buck or bigger, but that gets a little more expensive and harder to find ammo. I'm hoping to find something I can use for some practise as well.
 
Grouse Man said:
11-87s should be able to digest any loads. If the gas ports are truly clear and open, look elsewhere.
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the commercial versions will work, the LE versions will not cycle trap and low recoil loads without modifications.

Koldt, PM ArwenAce and ask him. He has done it a few times.

Boltgun
 
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