[Dionysusigma]

I know nothing about shotguns. Well, I know the various gauges and that some are pump, but for all intents and purposes let's assume that's all I know. I've fired a shotgun before, but that was years ago.

1) What are the differences between the 1100 and the 11-87?
2) Is an 870 with comparable mag and barrel length greater in weight than an 11-87?
3) Is an 11-87 blowback-operated, gas-operated, delayed roller... ? Which is it?
4) If one were to cut down the barrel to 18.25", would it affect the operation at all?
5) Are mag extensions available for these?

Basis for this is that I'm interested in a shotgun that everyone in my family would be able to use (esp. Mom). What I'd like, if possible, is a youth synth-stocked 11-87 in 20ga with a shortened barrel (see #4).

Any input on this?

P.S. I've long abandoned my abomination idea (See here) (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=127086) and the Mossberg 590 is long gone.

[Scoupe]

1. On current models the difference is that the 11-87 will handle 3" shells and the 1100 is strictly 2 /34". There are gas system differences and parts differences.

2. I'd have to look at the specs on www.remington.com for weight differences.

3. 1100s and 11087s are gas operated.

4. Barrel length shouldn't affect the gas operation in this case.

5. I'm not aware of extensions, but that doesn't mean there aren't.

How about a youth 870? They come with a 21" barrel which is handy enough around the house for me.

[Preacherman]

Remington's Web site lists the 11-87 Sportsman Youth Synthetic (http://www.remington.com/NR/exeres/0000169arnfegvfaieeznzvo/RemArms+Rich+Product.asp?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2ffirearms%2fyouth%2f1187sportsmanyth%2ehtm&NRNODEGUID=%7b692807E4-EE22-4AC4-97FE-0C1FAC8AB395%7d&NRQUERYTERMINATOR=1&cookie%5Ftest=1), which seems to be exactly what you want.

[berettashotgun]

A magazine extention is available for 11-87 models. Use one on snow geese.

[kudu]

If you cut a barrel on an 1100/11-87 it could effect the dwell time on the gas system and really screw things up. If you get one from the factory that is short, it should already be balanced for length/dwell time on the gas system.

[oh blanky]

check out the 1187police model.

It's parkerized with an 18.5 inch barrel and extended mag tube.

I have one and it has been totaly reliable.