Remington M1100 vs. M11-87

[Lone Star]

When Remington introduced the M11-87, it was supposedly an upgrade/improvement of their M1100.

From what I've read here and elsewhere, I gather that there was a slip or two, and many shooters prefer the older M1100, especially in 20 gauge. There seem to be a lot of posts about ka-booms in M11-87's...

If I get a 12 ga., I don't really need more than a 2.75" chamber.

Any thoughts on whether I should look for a really clean M1100 or buy a new M11-87? And, why?

Would I be better off buying an M870 slide-action? I've read that both the Remington autos tend to break their operating rods pretty often.

Is the Beretta M391 Urika definitely a better gun than the Remington autos? It costs more, but maybe I could hold off and save more if the Beretta is really substantially better.

Lone Star

[ksnecktieman]

I have three remington 1100s, two are 12 ga, and one is 20 ga, they have been reliable to the extreme over the last ten years... I do not shoot trap often, so with all three I am speaking of 1,000 rounds total.

If I understand correctly, the 11-87 is lighter, a totally different design, and is only capable of holding three rounds do to the design (gas system at the front of the mag tube? I think?). My 1100s all hold five, and it is possible to use an extended magazine tube.

I have not heard about any kabooms, I know that remington is involved in a lawsuit that is returning money to some consumers, I think due to defective barrels(some 1100s, verified by serial number). In my opinion it is just some lawyers getting rich.

I think any scattergun remington has their name on will serve you well.

[kudu]

Some of the 11-87s are a bit finicky, mine has over 30,000 rounds through it with very little problems. I use light loads almost exclusively. It will hold 4 in the mag just like an 1100. Some of the sporting models or light contour models may only old three but I'm not sure. I also have 3 1100s in the 20, 28, and .410. They have had a few thousand rounds through each gun with no problems. The 20ga is oldest and has had 4 O-rings replaced.

Most shooters that are shooting autos are going to the Beretta 391, a fine gun and worth the money. Several folks here have had ill luck with the 11-87, could be quality contol at Remington, mine is an early model. An older 1100 would still be a fine choice, about the only thing you would have to replace is a worn out O-ring.

[Dave McCracken]

Opinions on 1100s and their longevity range from OK to superb. Old 1100s that are worn razor sharp inside are still grinding targets into powder every day.

Early 11-87s had some probs, the rep they earned carries over to the whole line, exacerbated by QC glitches and The Bozo Factor.

If I ever decide to try something else in repeaters than 870s, the 1100 would be first to get a try, the Winchester X2 next, the Beretta 391 next, and then the 11-87.

[sm]

Lone Star,
A couple of questions always come to mind, so forgive me.
-Purpose of gun.
-Experience of shooter.
-Gun fit to shooter.
- Budget

A good pump that FITS the shooter from Rem/Win/Ithaca/Mossy will do HD, clay games and Hunt.

As you know with the amoutn of rounds competiton shooters run thru many go semi, semis are chosen for other reasons as well. That said,...

I will always recommend the 1100 over the 11-87. I really like the Old Beretta 303 better than the 11-87 as well.

Win SX2 and Beretta 391 are great guns, Both guns fit me , I lean toward the SX2 because I grew up with Win,and having used a SX1 ,for so many rounds, sentimental perhaps. Just seems to fit me better.

I have run in testing the SX2 Hard, put up wet and run hard again...nary a problem.

Now that 391 I have done the same, just not quite as much...

Never hurts to have an old pump like an 870 , it always be there for you, and do the task if you do yours.

[HSMITH]

The 11-87's I have seen that run OK are as kudu said, early guns. The one I had all the trouble with was a mid '90's edition and it was JUNK. Most others I have seen are junk too.

In my opinion the 11-87 is too large a gamble unless you can get one you KNOW runs from someone you shoot with. You could buy kudu's gun and have a good one, or you could get one somewhere else and have a piece of junk that kills you on resale value. Nobody else wants them either.

The 1100 is far better in my experience, with very few problematic guns. Mine runs well and is still here after a couple 11-87's have come and gone.

I would really recommend you take a look at the SuperX2. Field guns with 3" chambers are selling for right at $500 around here, come with 3 chokes and run like a swiss watch. If it fits you it would be better money spent than paying nearly as much for a new anything else or a used gun that doesn't have choke tubes and an unknown history. If you don't mind spending a bit more the Beretta 391 is a fantastic gun too.