I just bought a used Rem 1100 in mint shape only to find that it won't cycle trap loads worth a hoot! Turns out this was what I should have expected but I'm more of a rifle guy and pretty much a neophyte when it come to shotguns. What I really want is an autoloader that I can shoot trap with and once in a while pot a few birds. I can get a Berreta Pintail (24" pipe), synthetic stock, new in the box (but a couple of years old). I understand they don't market this one anymore, but that it is inertia rather than gas operated. Any comments on this shotgun? Approximately, what would it be worth?
Berretta Pintail - Reviews
- Thread starter Bluffton Bill
- Start date
There's a couple things to check on the 1100. First of all, if it's a Magnum model, you're not going to cycle trap loads. It must be a standard 2-3/4" model. Check that the O-ring on the magazine tube is in good condition. What the hell, put a replacement on - they're cheap. Next, make sure the metal rings are oriented correctly, and that the whole setup and magazine tube is clean. Steel wool and carb cleaner will work here. Finally, make sure the gas port in the barrel is also clear. Run a wire through it, or CAREFULLY twist a slightly-undersized drill bit by hand through it. You dont' want to remove metal, just carbon.
Make sure the trigger group and bits are also thoroughly cleaned and lubed lightly. I would also recommend you inspect the bolt return spring, that runs through the butt stock. It could also be filthy and not return properly.
These are simple, reliable, and durable guns with a little maintenance. The O-rings last a long time, but area cheap and common if they fail. They also have great fit and balance.
Make sure the trigger group and bits are also thoroughly cleaned and lubed lightly. I would also recommend you inspect the bolt return spring, that runs through the butt stock. It could also be filthy and not return properly.
These are simple, reliable, and durable guns with a little maintenance. The O-rings last a long time, but area cheap and common if they fail. They also have great fit and balance.
Thanks for the info folks. It is a 3" mag. I took it for granted that it would cycle 2 3/4 as well. Like I said I'm no expert on shotguns. I've been using grampa's old model 12 for the last 20 years! Looks like I'm gonna have to return the 1100. Too bad because it is just about the best feeling gun I've tried.
I believe, and others can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you just need to get a 2-3/4" barrel. Your receiver can cycle 2-3/4" magnums, so all you need is the standard barrel for the correct gas ports.
And finding a 30" Full choke vent rib 1100 barrel in 2-3/4" should be pretty easy and cheap.
And finding a 30" Full choke vent rib 1100 barrel in 2-3/4" should be pretty easy and cheap.
- Location
- Lloydminster SK
2 3/4" bbls are not real common, but they are around. It's a straight swap from a 3" mag bbl to a 2 3/4" bbl. The magnum receiver has stronger action bars, and the rest of the receiver is identical. ( plus Mag receivers usually have nicer engraving and a recoil pad!)
The other option is to have the gas port bored out to an equivalent size to simulate the dual gas ports on a 2 3/4" bbl. Some gunsmiths are hesitant to perform this operation, for fear that someone will load 3" shells in the future and blow her to bits. It would put tremendous strain on the receiver to absorb the full brunt of gas from a 3" shell. You should ensure that if this change is done, the barrel stamp is changed to reflect this modification.
YMMV,
Bill
The other option is to have the gas port bored out to an equivalent size to simulate the dual gas ports on a 2 3/4" bbl. Some gunsmiths are hesitant to perform this operation, for fear that someone will load 3" shells in the future and blow her to bits. It would put tremendous strain on the receiver to absorb the full brunt of gas from a 3" shell. You should ensure that if this change is done, the barrel stamp is changed to reflect this modification.
YMMV,
Bill
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
Epps has a mod choked 12 ga 2 3/4" 1100 barrel for abot 100.00 (used) I see lot's of 1100 barrels on this forum and around shops. parts are easy to find and the gun itself is very easy to work on once to get used to how it works. A forum called shotgun world will make you a 1100 mechanic in about two nights of reading. Love mine!
cheers Darryl
cheers Darryl
Thanks for all the info folks. It looks like I'm in the market for a 2 3/4 inch barrel. That is , once the the gun works right. I just tried it with 3" mags and it wouldn't cyle them either
The shop I bought it from has sent it on to a smith to get it working.
The shop I bought it from has sent it on to a smith to get it working.Glad to hear you're not giving up on the 1100,my wife bought me one in 1979 ,trap model, won the champion of champions in 86 plus howver many turkey shoots,gave it to my 15 year old daughter and she won the non registered trophy last year,: keep em clean and they work great.Now a new generation is using dads old gun,,
