1187 Question

[herkyguy]

Howdy,

Just picked up an 1187 magnum turkey shotgun. On the barrel it says 2 3/4," 3," and 3.5" shells but then underneath that is "light loads not recommended" or something to that effect.

I understand that the magnum chamber probably needs a good deal of power to cycle, but what exactly constitutes a light load? I usually shoot some 2 3/4" target loads to stay proficient and keep the costs down. I am wondering if I can still do that.

I'm at work or else I'd post pics. It's a good looking gun.

 

[Virginian]

It means it probably won't function reliably with less than 1-1/8 ounce 1200+ FPS loads. If the gun is a 3-1/2" Super-Mag model it should have come with a barrel seal activator for use with 2-3/4" shells. Some of those will run okay with 1 ounce loads, but you won't know until you try. If it's a "regular" 3" 11-87, you can put a couple of dabs of silicone on the gas relief ports inside the gas cylinder and that usually lets it run light loads. Don't forget to remove it before going back to heavy stuff.
The Magnum chamber has nothing to do with what will and won't work function-wise. It's the gas system.

 

[va1911]

I shot some win AA xtra light and it did not go well. I like the silicone idea!

 

[AI&P Tactical]

You will have to stick to Game Loads and up. Target loads are not going to work. Also, avoid any of those "Bubba up your gun" recommendations you are getting. Also, the weapon will have to be fired from a solid shoulder or it will not cycle. The energy from the round fired has to all go into the action spring and compress it enough to bring the breech bolt forward to pick up the next round and lock in to battery. If you so much as rock back a little, that waste the inertia energy and the weapon does not have enough to cycle. Like limp wristing a 1911.

 

[Virginian]

Got to differ with you AI&P. I can shoot Remington gas autos one handed and they function just fine. Some autos do have to be backed up, but not the Remington gas autos I have shot. I like to do it when starting people out to show them there is no recoil monster to be afraid of. One might also be able to use a SuperMag barrel seal activator on a regular 3" 11-87, I just don't know, having never tried it. You are entitled to your opinion, but I do not consider putting a little silicone sealant over the relief ports as a temporary measure to allow light loads to be used to be "Bubbaing up" a gun. To me that's more the bayonet lugs, breacher attachments, and rails. To each their own.

 

[herkyguy]

Not familiar with the barrel seal activator. I picked up the gun yesterday from my FFL. It is a 3.5" chamber, but i didn't come across anything looking like the activator your describing.

I was surprised that it came with a padded sling, length of pull adjustments, and an optic rail with screws (the receiver is pre-drilled). Pretty spiffy compared to the 870s i am used to.

 

[jmr40]

I never was able to get the 11-87's I owned to fire from the hip and cycle, even with heavy loads. When fired from the shoulder they usually worked just fine. I have never owned one of the 3.5" versions so I cannot comment from personal experience.

 

[Virginian]

Is your gun a regular 11-87 or a SuperMag? It is my understanding that the 3-1/2" barrels will fit on the regular receiver, but without the elongated port the empties won't eject properly. I think you only get the barrel seal activator with the Super Mag. I have never personally checked to see if they will fit on a non SuperMag, but I would think they should. Might try that, too.

 

[herkyguy]

It is the supermag. I'll be home this afternoon and take another look.