[M.A.]

I have a new 1100, and need to constantly tighten the front handguard cap. It's starting to really get annoying. This shotgun has had less than 300 rds thru it, and there is no wear on any of the parts that I can see. After 5 shots, or so, the front handguard cap can be tightened 1 or 2 clicks, or, after 10 shots, if the cap is not tightened, the front handguard gets pretty wobbly. Anyone else ever have this problem?

[Dave McCracken]

New one on me. Try using Channelocks with well padded jaws to tighten it up ONE more click past handtight and see if that cures it.

HTH...

[HSMITH]

The channel locks might work, but I have also seen that twist the action and bind the gun up causing cycling problems. Even a guy with strong fingers can cause problems with an autoloader. Two fingers is all it should get and that is all it should need. The forearm SHOULD wobble just a little, if it doesn't you have the cap way too tight. The cap should however stay tight and you should be able to shoot a box of shells without needing to tighten it. Tightening the cap is not what keeps it in place, the plunger that is making the clicking sound is what keeps it there. Tighten until contact is made with the barrel band and maybe one or two clicks more, that is all. Shoot it some and see if it stays there, if you have it too tight it WILL loosen up when you shoot it and should stop loosening at the right tension.

Does your 1100 have the plunger in the barrel band that pushes against dimples cut in the cap or does it have the mag spring retainer that has ridges on it that index on ridges inside the cap? I have seen both on 1100's. Let us know what type you have and maybe we can find out if it is loosening beyond where it should be.

[M.A.]

It has the mag retainer spring with the ridges. Maybe I am trying to tighten it up too much. The ridges on the mag retainer are not worn, or deformed, and look brand new. I thought about tightening it up with padded pliers or Vicegrips, but I'll just snug it up handtite, and give that a try first. Really appreciate the advice you guys provided. I'm new to shotgunning, have always shot hi-power matches, and recently a buddy just got me into shooting skeet, and what a blast!