11-87 vs 1100

Threemorewishes

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Hello all,
I want, no, I need a semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun and have settled on two models from Remington. I will be using it for everything (clays, upland, turkey, geese, deer, target, zombies) so versatility is paramount. What are the differences, issues, pros and cons, etc. between the two models? What would you choose and why? If you have experience with either model please give me your opinions on the 11-87 versus the 1100.
Thanks
Threemorewishes
ps. I will want to mount a red dot sight on it every now and then.
 
They are pretty much the same gun. Most parts can be interchanged. The 11-87 magnum will cycle every load you want to put through if it's kept clean, the older 1100 magnum will not.
 
Beretta 391... :nest:

The 1100/11-87 use an older generation gas system. They do not work as well for the "all-in-one gun" role you are talking about; cycling everything from light target loads to heavy 3" magnums. The gas system's function hinges on an o-ring which some have a lot of issues with, but to be fair others that do not. The Rems do seem to need a lot more attention to cleaning to keep them running. (I keep all my guns clean)

A lot of people shoot them and they are proven guns but I think there are better choices these days.

I'd also suggest you take a walk over to shotgunworld.com and do some background reading. There's a lot of knowledge collected over there that will help you make your decision and give you an idea what to expect, regardless of which choice you make.

PS

the 1100's trigger is supposed to be quicker. I think. ;)

When it isn't jammed ;)
 
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Beretta 391... :nest:

The 1100/11-87 use an older generation gas system. They do not work as well for the "all-in-one gun" role you are talking about; cycling everything from light target loads to heavy 3" magnums. The gas system's function hinges on an o-ring which some have a lot of issues with, but to be fair others that do not. The Rems do seem to need a lot more attention to cleaning to keep them running. (I keep all my guns clean)

A lot of people shoot them and they are proven guns but I think there are better choices these days.

I'd also suggest you take a walk over to shotgunworld.com and do some background reading. There's a lot of knowledge collected over there that will help you make your decision and give you an idea what to expect, regardless of which choice you make.

PS



When it isn't jammed ;)

Didn't take you long to jump on the 391 bandwagon. ;)
 
the 11-87 replaced the 1100 as their general shot gun in 1987 ! Although they still make a few 1100 for special applications. So most 1100 's out there are 20 years old!
 
Didn't take you long to jump on the 391 bandwagon. ;)

Yup - take my advice with a grain of salt as I am new to my 391. I did my homework long before I got one, taking the plunge a little sooner than I thought I could due to an excellent opportunity presenting itself! I will feel more comfortable posting a report after a long summer of heavy shooting.

Don't listen to me - go to shotgunworld.com Read, ask questions, go to a store and try the guns for fit, go to a range if you can and shoot some. Shotguns are like women - different strokes for different folks, but you don't want to get on the wrong side of any of them!
 
1100 and 11-87 are essentially the same design, except the 11-87 has special valving to handle light to heavy loads; the 1100 is one OR the other.

1100's are good guns, and can be had for cheap. They shoot very soft, and seem to fit just about everybody. Keep them clean and put on a new O-ring every couple of years, and you'll have a great clays gun.
 
My 1100 trap must be about 30 years old. Stamped type checkering and weird design. It work flawlessly but I keep it clean. I have owned several and no problems with any, but a few of my hunting friends who still use them carry O rings and I have seen them needed to be replaced during a shoot. I remember some great trap shooters who just loved them. Nearly all stocked a bucket of parts and those who shot them for doubles cleaned them before each registered round. I think they are a good gun, but there is better out there. I shoot skeet with a guy who uses a 3 inch 11-87. Every time he trys my whimp loads his gun will not cycle. He claims he needs at least 3 dram. equiv.
 
I have an 1000-G3 ( 11-87) It's a beautiful gun and it has not jambed once in 3 or 4 flats of shells so far or Rem light game loads 2-3/4". The o-ring has not given me any trouble at all either.

It also cycle faster than i can pull the trigger for what thats worth.
 
Thanks for all the info. I will definitely check out the website MauserMike suggested. I initially chose the Remingtons due to budgetary reasons but if a few more dollars gets me alot more reliability I may have to start saving my pennies.
Thanks again.
Threemorewishes
 
I shot a Beretta AL Urika 391 Ko 3inch gun I also have a new 391 Extrema 2 KO it is a 3.5 inch gun.I have it for over a year and it is still in the box and I have never used it. I find my Urika KO will do everything the Extrema will.

As for the remingtons before you go that way take a look at the Baikal MP-153 SUPER MAGNUM SEMI-AUTO SHOTGUN Check it out on YouTube.I have used one myself late last fall and I just ordered a new one last wednesday for my Son to use this fall :) Paid $699.95

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--GbVKwDfNU

I think that the Baikal is one of the most under rated shotguns out there.


Good Luck
 
Thanks for all the info. I will definitely check out the website MauserMike suggested. I initially chose the Remingtons due to budgetary reasons but if a few more dollars gets me alot more reliability I may have to start saving my pennies.
Thanks again.
Threemorewishes

You will find that most of the folks that complain about reliability issues with 1100s and 11-87s have never owned one. They are as reliable as any other autoloader (better than many), and a joy to shoot.
 
You will find that most of the folks that complain about reliability issues with 1100s and 11-87s have never owned one. They are as reliable as any other autoloader (better than many), and a joy to shoot.

I own one even older.........the model 58, which was the predesessor to the 11's. It has never missed an auto load in over 12 years of me using it. The only diff is the manual adjust gas valve, used depending on your load.
 
You will find that most of the folks that complain about reliability issues with 1100s and 11-87s have never owned one. They are as reliable as any other autoloader (better than many), and a joy to shoot.

I concur Bernie. I have a 70's model 1100 magnum sporting a 3" modern steel barrel. My gun cycles everything from light trap load to heavy field 3" mags without a hiccup. With my old 3" lead barrel, my gun would cycle 2 3/4" heavyfield and 3" fine but would fail to eject target loads.
 
You will find that most of the folks that complain about reliability issues with 1100s and 11-87s have never owned one. They are as reliable as any other autoloader (better than many), and a joy to shoot.
Have you owned a 391 Beretta? I suspect not because if you had you probably wouldn't say that.

I've owned two 11-87s and an 1100. I've owned a Beretta 390 and currently have a 391. There is no comparison.

Beretta parts replaced: One. A cocking handle that sheared off. No idea why. It still worked until the replacement arrived a week later.

Remington parts replaced: Numerous. Multiple O-rings, action bars, link, ejector, cocking handle retention spring and detent.

The exception is in subgauges. Remington makes the very best gas-operated semi-automatic 28 gauge and .410 shotguns on the market today. That is because they make the ONLY gas-operated 28 and .410 gauge on the market today.

If and when Beretta makes the 391 in 28 gauge my Remington 1100 28 gauge will be on the EE.
 
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