Remington 1100 12 gauge questions.

[hometheaterman]

I've got in my mind I want a Remington 1100 12 gauge before hunting season. I want one that will shoot the 3" Magnum shells which seems to be rare. A buddy has one with a 30" barrel that shoots 3" shells. I love that gun. It's exactly what I want. The only one I've found really has a barrel that's been cut down to 23". I do not want this for hunting deer. I'd like the 30" barrel but the 28" would work. However, like I said I want it to shoot 3" shells. I'd also like it to be in very good condition. It either needs to have screw in chokes or must have a full choke if it's a fixed choke. I'm fine with a fixed choke as long as it's a full choke. What should I look for here? Seems like most models only shoot 2 3/4" shells. Is it a certain model to look for that shoots 3" ones? What should I expect to pay for one in nice shape?

I've been looking online too but I'm not fond of buying online as I'm just afraid I will get something that's no where near the quality it looks in the pictures.

 

[Ditchtiger]

Get the 23" and then buy a spare barrel

 

[rbernie]

Seems like most models only shoot 2 3/4" shells. Is it a certain model to look for that shoots 3" ones?

Most 1100's are 2 3/4" guns; you need the 'Magnum' version. They are relatively hard to find, but they are out there.

 

[hometheaterman]

Well, I found one on Gunbroker ending soon. I'm trying to decide if I should buy it or not. I really don't want to buy it without seeing it first but I'm having no luck finding ones at local gun shops.

 

[oneounceload]

Have you tried your local shotgun clubs? Many times there are lots of guns posted on the clubhouse walls with no shipping, FFL, or other PITA's to deal with.....AND you can see the gun, feel the gun, and most importantly, SHOOT the gun before you buy

 

[hometheaterman]

That's exactly what I want. I don't mind the FFL part but I do not want to buy it without seeing it and I don't think shipping would be too fun to deal with. However, I'm not sure of how to go about checking shotgun clubs. Do I just call them to ask or how do I find out about them? Honestly, I've never been a member of a gun club and don't know too many people that are around here.

 

[Virginian]

I bought a 3" Magnum last summer, excellent condition - $450. 28" Full barrel, that will never see steel shot. I bought it to retire my 1963 2-3/4" 12 gauge 1100, fitted with the 3" chambered 30" Remington "Steel Shot" barrel with RemChokes, from waterfowling service where it served faithfully for about 25 years total. I would not use the fixed choke barrels unless you plan to pay for the premium non-steel waterfowl loads.
I have 5 1100s. If I was only going to have one, and it was a 12 gauge, I think I would go with an 11-87 rather than a 3" 1100, because an 11-87 is likely to handle 2-3/4" and 3" shells more reliably. I have had a 3" 1100 that handled field loads fine, but I also had another one that would only shoot 2-3/4" and 3" Magnum shells reliably.
You will be getting an excellent gun in either event.
P.S. I have shot everything thru my "Steel Shot" barrel with no problems, but your result may differ.

 

[oneounceload]

That's exactly what I want. I don't mind the FFL part but I do not want to buy it without seeing it and I don't think shipping would be too fun to deal with. However, I'm not sure of how to go about checking shotgun clubs. Do I just call them to ask or how do I find out about them? Honestly, I've never been a member of a gun club and don't know too many people that are around here.

You COULD just call them, but IMO, it would be better to go and spend a little time getting to know the folks in person - ya never know, you might make some new hunting buddies as well.........