Remington 1100 Tac-2

minutemen1776 · Nov 7, 2012

I'm thinking of getting a semiauto 12 gauge suitable for defensive purposes. I have tried a few different defensive pump guns, but I've not found anything I really love so far. Basically, I find it hard to shoot the pump guns well because the combination of recoil and racking the action makes it hard to stay on target from shot to shot. I have the same issue with manually operated rifles, too, so this is nothing new to me. Essentially, I seem to like semiautos better. Despite this, I've never owned a semiauto defensive shotgun.

I was recently looking at a Remington 1100 Tac-2, and it really interests me. Can anyone comment on these? Are they solid performers? Reliable? Are they made with metal parts, or will I find loads of plastic in the safety, trigger guard, etc., like so many guns these days? Thanks in advance for all your input.

pikid89 · Nov 7, 2012

If you are still open to a pump gun, perhaps a 20 would be up your alley. From my experience, each sub model of the 1100's gas ports are optimized for its specific use. The trap guns run on light loads, the magnums only run well on high brass or 3" shells, and the regular guns work only ok with most shells

Now the younger brother of the 1100, the 11-87, has a self adjusting gas system that works pretty well.

Unfortunately ive yet to see any remington automatic that I would trust like I trust my 870. Now my buddies Benelli M2 is entirely another beast....that thing is unstoppable

Virginian · Nov 7, 2012

I would trust an 1100 with my life; in fact I have. An 1100 can be as reliable as anything going, but you need to know your gun, whatever it is, and make sure you have it in top running condition. An 1100 will not go as long as some newer designs between cleanings, but a quick 5 minutes spray and wipe after 200 to 500 rounds, depending on the shells, and she's ready to go another round. Unless you need to shoot 3" shells I would definitely recommend one. If you need the 3" capability, and 11-87 would suit you better.

USAF_Vet · Nov 7, 2012

Nothing wrong with an 1100. Not familiar with the Tac-2 model. Mu guess without googling is that is a tactical plastic fantastic. I'm trying to pry my dad's 1100 20 gauge from him, but he isn't letting go. Might try to go after his vintage Wingmaster to throw him off guard.

In any case, the 1100 is a fantastic shotgun, no matter the setup. If you are averse to the plastic in the guts, get a used one that is a little older that's all wood and steel. Buy an extra barrel and you'll still probably come out ahead, plus you'll have a decent field gun to boot.

AI&P Tactical · Nov 7, 2012

There is no way I would take any 1100 or 11-87 to a gun fight. But I know the weapons better then most. I love my 11-87P and it is my favorite shotgun to shoot, but it lives in my gun safe and is not fit for fighting.

USAF_Vet · Nov 7, 2012

AI&P Tactical said:
There is no way I would take any 1100 or 11-87 to a gun fight. But I know the weapons better then most. I love my 11-87P and it is my favorite shotgun to shoot, but it lives in my gun safe and is not fit for fighting.

I don't think he's taking it to Afghanistan. I would feel more than secure hunkered down behind an 1100 or 11-87 loaded up with 00 buck. There is a vast difference between a Defensive gun, as the OP stated, and a shotgun that is 'fit for fighting', which is more an offensive weapon.

And allow me to point out the irony of your sig line

If your [sic] going to a gun fight, take a shotgun. If you can't take a shotgun, don't go.

Last I checked, the 1100 and 11-87 are still both shotguns.

mnrivrat · Nov 8, 2012

My favorite shotgun is the Remington 1100 Standard weight 20ga. gun. 2&3/4" chamber - not the 3" magnum.

Properly maintained (and that is not critical or hard to do) the gun is very reliable. It is not made for a wide range of loadings as it does not have a metered gas system. That simply means you should stick within a power range of shells the gun is designed to shoot.

I have owned three different guns of this nature over the years and for home defense I use one with a 20" barrel and two round magazine extension. I can control and empty the gun in a short order and would never want to be on the wrong side of the firepower it produces. On target multiple round control is one of its greatest features. Recoil is hardly a facter with this set-up.

The 12ga model is nearly as nice and nearly as controlable . Forget the 3" magnum stuff , stick with 2&3/4" heavy field thru short magnum loadings.

I do not tacticool out my 1100 guns. They get the barrel cut back, the mag moderately extended and a good front bead. That's it. Other than I know every part in the gun and how it functions so I can keep it running well.

XTrooper · Nov 8, 2012

With an 1100 or 11-87 model, keep it clean and stick to full-power loads. I know some will tell you that "their" 1100 will shoot any and all loads and I don't doubt them, but, believe me, those guns are few and far between.

Honestly, the only reason to consider one of these guns today is their relatively low cost. The gas system they use dates to the early '60s and has real limitations. If you are interested in a semi-auto shotgun, there are much better choices available now including the Remington Versa Max.

CoRoMo · Nov 8, 2012

My 1100-TAC must be one of the few and far between ones. I haven't been able to induce any form of malfunction with any load ever. More than anything I bust clays with the Walmart target load bulk pack ammo. I've shot everything from the target cheapo's, field/hunting loads, buckshot and slugs. That doesn't fully cover the gambit of today's 12ga. ammo, but I have no interest in dragon's breath or anything other than what I've been putting through it.

Not one hiccup in all these many years.

Can anyone comment on these?

Just did. I can't say that there is any defense shotgun out there that you could trade me for my 1100. Sorry, it has proven itself time and again.

Are they solid performers?

Mine certainly has been 100%.

Reliable?

Relentlessly so.

Are they made with metal parts...

Yes.

...plastic in the safety, trigger guard

I'll have to look at the safety, but the trigger guard certainly is.

oneounceload · Nov 8, 2012

I do not tacticool out my 1100 guns. They get the barrel cut back, the mag moderately extended and a good front bead

Be careful cutting the barrel back on a gas gun - cut it TOO short, and you have a manually operated single shot. If there is a short factory barrel with the correct port size, get that

throdgrain · Nov 8, 2012

I shot an 1100 for a couple of years, at least once a week, at least 100 rounds per time. It was very very reliable, at least as reliable as the Benelli M2 that I owned before, arguably more reliable.

And bear in mind the 1100 was 30 or so years old, and the M2 was bought new by myself, less than 4 years old.

rugerdude · Nov 8, 2012

I have an 1100 Tac4. I bought it used and initially it would jam every 3rd round......and then I put it together the right way

Since I got it together properly it has been fairly reliable with the wal-mart bulk birdshot that I put through it. I think I had 2 failures to feed in 55 or so shells and this was completely un-lubed. I have no doubt that with any kind of buckshot that it would run like a sewing machine.

Also, where on Earth does the plastic trigger guard concern come from?!?! I see this everywhere! WHO IS OUT THERE BREAKING TRIGGER GUARDS ALL WILLY-NILLY!?!??!

Virginian · Nov 8, 2012

How old is the gas system on the M-16? Believe me, I felt better with an 1100 than I ever did with a 16.

XTrooper · Nov 9, 2012

Virginian said:
How old is the gas system on the M-16? Believe me, I felt better with an 1100 than I ever did with a 16.

I felt better with my M14 and cried the day they took it from me and handed me an M16. That wasn't my point.

My point was/is that there are better gas systems available now that weren't available when the 1100 system was designed. The Benelli gas system used in the M4 and cloned by Remington in their Versa Max guns is super reliable, self-cleaning, and virtually maintenance-free. In a word, it's better than the older gas system used in the 1100/11-87.

USAF_Vet · Nov 9, 2012

Better though it may be, it does not make every gas system before it completely irrelevant. If I had the option to choose either the 1100 or the M4 free of charge, I'd pick the M4. But if I was on a budget, the 1100 is what I would purchase.

Without a welfare program that gives poor folks free guns, I'll be happy with what I can afford. Be it an M4, an 1100, or a home made blunderbuss.

XTrooper · Nov 9, 2012

USAF_Vet said:
Better though it may be, it does not make every gas system before it completely irrelevant.

No one suggested anything like that and, the fact is, you're the only person in this thread who has even mentioned such a thing, so I'm not sure who it is you're trying to convince.

USAF_Vet · Nov 9, 2012

Why then are you pushing the Versa Max and the M4? Yes, the gas system is better for the reasons you mentioned, but the 1100 and 11-87 are still very functional gas systems. But is it really worth double or triple the cost? To me it isn't, and since the OP for input on the 1100, I gave it to him. Suggesting alternatives is fine but a $1500 M4 or Versa Max is not an alternative to the $500 1100. So, in a word, better[/] isnt what the OP asked for. Who is it you are trying to convince?

AI&P Tactical · Nov 9, 2012

Offensive, Defensive? What are you talking about? When you are being shot at it matters not what country you are in. A gun fight is a gun fight and these weapons won't cut it. They are fine for paper punching and putting meat on the table but in a fight you can't pick your stance. They will not cycle unless from a solid shoulder and that is not possible when in movement, shooting over or around cover and taking a fast snap shoot at a threat. Having knowledge of the weapons and how they will be deployed in a fight is the first step in coming out the winner. Picking an 11-87P or 1100 Tactical is not the right first step and if you ever get in the S**t with one of them it can be your last step.

USAF_Vet · Nov 9, 2012

Well, I don't know what your experience is, but we don't get to pick and choose where and when we get into a gun fight. Not all gun fights are created equal, and if I have a weapon that, in your opinion, just won't cut it, should I just give up?

I can run and gun with an 1100 pretty well, so while your experiences may be different, and while other weapons might serve the purpose better (there is that word again) the 1100 is still a solid weapon that is capable of doing all those things you just mentioned.

XTrooper · Nov 10, 2012

I find it kind of funny when you run into people who act like you insulted their firstborn child if you even hint at the idea that "their" weapon might not be the best choice. Funny and a little sad.

Have a great day, folks!

mnrivrat · Nov 10, 2012

Be careful cutting the barrel back on a gas gun - cut it TOO short, and you have a manually operated single shot. If there is a short factory barrel with the correct port size, get that

Absolutely correct ! You can modify the port to some degree to increase gas , but a minumum deration time is required, regulating the distance between the gas port and the end of the barrel. Too short and you can throw the barrel away. I stick with 22 inches on the 12ga and 20 inches on the 20ga. Some might get by OK at a little shorter barrel length, but there is not much room down from the lengths I use.

minutemen1776 · Nov 13, 2012

Thanks for all the input. I decided Friday to go ahead and get the Remington 1100 Tac-2. It appears Remington is no longer making the 18-inch version, so I thought a little hesitation might preclude getting one at all. I also looked at Benellis and the Versamax shotguns before deciding, and all were much more expensive and had longer barrels that I prefer. In the end, only the Tac-2 and the Mossberg 930 appealed to me. Since the Mossberg has the safety on top of the receiver, I felt it would not work well with the Speedfeed pistol-grip stock I like. That left only the Remington in contention.

FWIW, it was never my intention to make this gun a first-line, all-or-nothing defensive arm. I have other weapons that have proven to be very reliable that I will call upon first, that is unless this 1100 turns out to be every bit as reliable. I will also not be chopping the barrel or making anything "tacticool." This shotgun is purpose-built as a short semiauto with a Speedfeed stock. I might eventually experiment with different bolt handles, but that's about it. Anyway, I hope to have this one in hand in a week or so. I'll run a range of shells through it and see what it likes or dislikes.

Virginian · Nov 13, 2012

Not trying to pick a fight, but no way an 1100 has to be "backed up" to function. I shoot them one handed all the time when trying to show new shooters there is hardly any recoil to be afraid of. Inertia guns have to be backed up, and long recoil guns have to be backed up, but I have never seen a gas gun that had to be backed up firmly. I admit I have not seen them all.

Remington 1100 Tac-2

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