1100 Classic Field or 11-87 Premier?

[556A2]

I am in dire need of a skeet shotgun. My 870P and 870 Express both sport 18.5" barrels with a single bead. At the skeet range, I usually borrow the Rangemaster's old Remington 1100 LW 20 Gauge with a skeet choke. I can't really find any good deals around here for a used 1100 or 11-87.

My specs I am wanting are as follows:

20 Gauge
26" LW Barrel
Rem Choke Capability (Going to toss in a Skeet Choke)
Ivory Bead with metal mid-bead
Ability to use the cheap & light 7/8oz loads.

Is either one bettter than the other? This shotgun will ONLY be used on the skeet field. The only other time it may be used is in 5 Stand, but my range hasn't finished it yet.

Which would be the better buy? I know that 11-87s tend to be a bit more finicky when it comes to ammo. Just want to know if one has more merit than the other.

Thanks!

ETA: Would I be better off just buying a 20 gauge 1100 Tournament Skeet?

 

[kudu]

Do the 1100 Classic Field, or get an 1100 Skeet or Sporting clay model. You may want to look into a Beretta 391 in 20 gauge as well, they have a very large following anymore. I plan on having one in 12ga one of these days and I have a full selection of 1100's to choose from.

 

[GRP]

If you are just going to use this piece on the skeet field, than I would recomend an old " standard weight" 1100. These are 20 ga guns built on the 12 gauge frame. These tend to swing better and aid in follow through better than the light weight frame of the new tournament 20 ga 1100. There are many around and can be found on GunsAmerica or Gunbroker.

 

[ArmedBear]

The only caveat re the standard weight 20: it's harder to get barrels; I don't think Remington makes them any more. The advice is good, though.

The 1100 is a slightly simpler gun and slightly heavier than the 11-87 even in the LT-20 version (that's the current version AFAIK, has been for almost 30 years). That would suggest that the 1100 might be the best choice. Skeet parts abound for it, too.

The 12 Gauge 1100 is a nice gun, too, and even easier to come by, used.

Still, if you were to stroll into a shop, get an 11-87 20/26, and toss in a skeet choke, you wouldn't be disappointed. It's a tough call.

Note that the Beretta 3901 (current production American-made 390) is cheaper than the 391, and many people still prefer the 390 to the 391. Easier to clean or something. I don't know; ask around.

 

[jman74]

I known that my 12g 11-87 won't feed the cheap low brass all that well. Just something to think about as I don't know if the same applies to the 20g.

Jay