[Mantis]

I recently bought a used Remington 11-87 Special Purpose 12 ga turkey gun, max load 3" magnums. Is there any way to get this thing to cycle using target loads? Unless I use very heavy hunting loads, it is basically a one shot firearm. The spent rounds don't even come close to ejecting with target loads. Any ideas?

[jmr40]

Any Remington 11-87 with a barrel shorter than 26" is designed to be used with heavy loads only. I have heard that the gas ports can be drilled out to make them work with lighter loads, but don't think I would advise it. I do not know how it would perform with heavy loads after a modification.

[Sauer Grapes]

Gas guns require cleaning often. Guys tell me they clean the gas ports on a regular basis.
I don't have one so I can't tell you how to do it. Get a manual if you don't have one or talk to some one that is familiar with them. A good gun shop guy can help you.
The gun should cycle target loads. Some "low recoil" ammo will not cycle in an automatic.

[Virginian]

Make sure everything is clean, and if it has the new style gas piston and seal replace them with the old style. Other than that, I think jmr40 pretty well nailed it. You could get a different barrel. I do not have two in front of me to double check it, but I think a standard 1100 barrel will fit and work okay; they're about the same as a non-compensated 11-87 target barrel. The reverse is not true.

[Mantis]

Thanks for the replies. I gave it very thorough cleaning before I shot it. It was very dirty. I'm just going to use it for hunting, so I guess I won't worry about it too much.