Basic 1100 vs 11-87 question

[esq_stu]

I've had 870s for a few years, and was thinking about a semi-auto.

I'm considering a semi-auto for dual use- SD and clays, and would buy two barrels, one for each purpose. Why would I consider one model over the other (Remington 1100 vs Remington 11-87)?

I was in a really big gun shop yesterday where 5 different clerks were not able to tell me what the main difference is.

 

[Red Tornado]

I can't tell you, I just want to get subscribed to this thread for when somebody does. I'd like to know, too.
RT

 

[Charles S]

The main difference is that the 1100 is designed to handle either 2 3/4 inch shells or 3 inch shells, not both.

The 1187 depending upon model can handle 2 3/4 and 3 inch and some can also handle the 3 1/2 inch loadings. The 1187 does this with a self adjusting gas system and requires no adjustment by the shooter.

For the purposes you describe the 1100 will serve you well. My 1100 is my favorite shotgun in 12 gauge, but I really don't feel the need to shoot the 3 1/2 inch loadings and I prefer a pump gun for duck hunting.

I have both and both are great. I think the 1187 is a touch more versatile and is favored by hunters who need to switch between loads for different types of game.

 

[zinj]

The 1100 shoots 2.75" only, the 11-87 shoots both 2.75" and 3". I'd go for the 1100 over the 11-87 if you want to use the gun for clays, as 11-87s often have trouble cycling target loads. 2.75" is also all you need for SD anyway, 3" shells just give you more recoil and longer follow-up shots for a marginal increase in payload or velocity.

 

[esq_stu]

I've seen many used 3" magnum 1100s for sale (check the auction sites) and a good friend of mine has one as well. Did they stop making them?

Is the 11-87 more versatile simply because it takes both size shells?

Is that the ONLY reason they make two different self-loaders (yet there are 1100s out there that also take 3" shells)?

I'm missing something.

 

[zinj]

I've seen many used 3" magnum 1100s for sale (check the auction sites) and a good friend of mine has one as well. Did they stop making them?

The 3" 1100 was produced before the introduction of the 11-87, and only cycles 3" and heavy 2.75" ammunition.

Is that the ONLY reason they make two different self-loaders (yet there are 1100s out there that also take 3" shells)?

Yes. Many parts will even interchange between an 11-87 and 1100.

Is the 11-87 more versatile simply because it takes both size shells?

Essentially, yes. However the 11-87's self compensating gas system is rather primitive compared to other modern gas operated automatics, and will sometimes balk at the lighter target loads. The 11-87 is built as a hunting shotgun, not a target gun (though some 2.75in only target models were produced in the 90s when the 1100 was discontinued for a short time).

It also needs to be cleaned more frequently than, say, a Beretta 391 or Browning Gold. The 1100 also shares this trait.

The whole issue of 1100 vs. 11-87 is very convoluted. Basically the 11-87 was an 1100 upgraded with a self compensating gas system. The 1100 was gradually phased out of production in the 90s, but brought back when the 11-87 started losing market share in clay sports to guns like the Beretta 390 and 391.

Now 11-87 production has been cut back to just a few rough duty field models (marketed towards waterfowlers for the most part), while the 1100 remains Remington's target gun and has been worked into a tactical version too. To muddy up the waters further it looks like Remington is marketing their 105 auto as an upland gun and have cut the upland style guns from both the 1100 and 11-87 lines.

Clear as mud?

 

[Charles S]

I've seen many used 3" magnum 1100s for sale (check the auction sites) and a good friend of mine has one as well. Did they stop making them?

As I stated there are 3 inch magnum 1100's but they are not designed to shoot the 2 3/4 inch loads and they generally do not function reliably with the 2 3/4 inch shells. (Actually some will shoot the hotter 2 3/4 inch shells, but not all will, and Remington does not make that claim).

Remington is still making the 3 inch 1100, but I would bet you a nice dinner you won't find one that will function with clay loads.

Is the 11-87 more versatile simply because it takes both size shells?

Yes.

Is that the ONLY reason they make two different self-loaders (yet there are 1100s out there that also take 3" shells)?

Kind of....but there are a couple of more subtle reasons. The 1100 has a cult following, Remington actually at one point had planned to discontinue the 1100, but sales continue to be so good they changed their mind. A lot of people feel that the 1100 just handles better than that the 1187 due to being a little lighter and in the 2 3/4 inch action shorter overall with the same barrel length.

 

[zinj]

Wait, I almost forgot the 1100 G3!

Since Reminton apparently enjoys making their customers go cross-eyed they have introduced an 1100 with a more advanced self compensating gas system than the 11-87 and have labeled in the "1100 G3" (the original 1100 being G1 and the 11-87 being G2). This new gas system apparently stay cleaner than the old one (and IIRC doesn't use an O-Ring) and can cycle everything from powderpuff target loads to 3" magnums reliably. It is set up in the standard field gun style.

A lot of people feel that the 1100 just handles better than that the 1187 due to being a little lighter and in the 2 3/4 inch action shorter overall with the same barrel length.

IIRC the 11-87 has the same dimensions as the 1100. Rather, the 11-87's sketchy performance with target loads hindered sales of the gun to clay shooters. 1100 nolstalgia did play a large role, though.

Remington is still making the 3 inch 1100, but I would bet you a nice dinner you won't find one that will function with clay loads.

Remington no longer produces uncompensated 3" guns, but they still make uncompensated 3" barrels.

 

[Charles S]

Don't forget the newer and very impressive Remington Model 105CTi light with a gas system that is supposed to produce up to a 48% reduction in recoil and will handle the 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_105CTi.asp

 

[45auto]

Good recap Zinj.

When I picked up the 1187 when it first came out I thought it was more barrel heavy than the 1100, at least the one I owned...but!

So, they now have 3 gas systems in 1100 "type" guns?

Well, if the G3 gas system is truly "Beretta-like", then perhaps they'll slim down to one system at some point. Although I wouldn't discontinue the 1100 again until the "consumers" decide the G3 is better.

 

[Milkmaster]

Pretty simple for my advice. If you shoot clays and/or 2 3/4" shells, then go with the 1100. If you shoot 3" heavy loads then go with the 1187.