Went out shouldering guns the other day for overall fit and reach. Have been loking for a general purpose 12g 3" off and on for a few months, and have been following all the post here checking dependability and quaility. Hefted Bennellis, Berettas, Winchesters and the dreaded boat anchor Remington. Yup, Remmy fit me the best. Now I know you can tune a stock to fit you with a good gunsmith ( none around that I would trust) so I'm wondering; "is the Rem as big a POS as everyone says" . Would I be sorry for getting a 11-87? Any help would be great
But the 11-87 fits so well Dad...
- Thread starter mcwt247
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Smoke
Member
Doubt you'll be disappointed...especially if it fits.
11-87 is a durable gun that will last you a long time. It requires a little more maintenance and cleaning than an 870, but do does any auto.
Shoot it, enjoy it. Pass it to you kids.
Smoke
11-87 is a durable gun that will last you a long time. It requires a little more maintenance and cleaning than an 870, but do does any auto.
Shoot it, enjoy it. Pass it to you kids.
Smoke
TrapperReady
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For what it's worth... I've heard lots of anecdotes of 1187s having problems... on the Internet. I know several people who use them, and a couple who use them a LOT, and haven't experienced any significant issues. Certainly not enough to be labelled a POS.
I've shot them, and they go bang when you pull the trigger. I prefer other autos, but based mostly on feel. If the 1187 felt better to me, I might get one. FWIW, the only two shotguns I've ever had fail in the field have been an 870 and an 1100 -- neither of which are considered to be "problem guns" in any way... and both of which were fixed easily (if not quickly).
The only thing I would say is that if you are going to get the 1187, please get rid of the "dreaded boat anchor" and "POS" mentality about it first. Otherwise, it will be tough for you to trust the gun, and believe me... the mental aspect of shotgun shooting is HUGE. If you really think you are getting an inferior product, then don't buy it.
Personally, I think you are highly likely to be well-served by an 1187.
I've shot them, and they go bang when you pull the trigger. I prefer other autos, but based mostly on feel. If the 1187 felt better to me, I might get one. FWIW, the only two shotguns I've ever had fail in the field have been an 870 and an 1100 -- neither of which are considered to be "problem guns" in any way... and both of which were fixed easily (if not quickly).
The only thing I would say is that if you are going to get the 1187, please get rid of the "dreaded boat anchor" and "POS" mentality about it first. Otherwise, it will be tough for you to trust the gun, and believe me... the mental aspect of shotgun shooting is HUGE. If you really think you are getting an inferior product, then don't buy it.
Personally, I think you are highly likely to be well-served by an 1187.
I've owned a couple field models and they were POS. Plain and simple, no way to tell it different and still tell the truth. I do know of several 11-87's that run well in limited shooting, but they are the minority. NONE run as well as a SuperX2 or a Beretta 390/391. Even the Browning Gold leaves the 11-87 in it's dust, as does the trusty Remington 1100.
I can't in good concience recommend the 11-87 to anyone. I've owned 3 different 11-87's, so it isn't like I am guessing. In all honesty I'd try some of the cheap imports before buying another 11-87.
I have bought and sold almost 30 shotguns in the last 10 years. I have shot somewhere around a quarter of a million shotshells over that timespan and through those shotguns. I've tried almost everything there is to try and my honest advise to you is to take another look at the Beretta 390/391 and the Super X2. IMO they are the only 12 guage autoloading shotguns that you could buy and be certain of getting a first rate dead reliable shogun that you can trust day in and day out.
Opinions vary, and some are without basis in experience. Hopefully you get enough good info to make a sound decision.
I can't in good concience recommend the 11-87 to anyone. I've owned 3 different 11-87's, so it isn't like I am guessing. In all honesty I'd try some of the cheap imports before buying another 11-87.
I have bought and sold almost 30 shotguns in the last 10 years. I have shot somewhere around a quarter of a million shotshells over that timespan and through those shotguns. I've tried almost everything there is to try and my honest advise to you is to take another look at the Beretta 390/391 and the Super X2. IMO they are the only 12 guage autoloading shotguns that you could buy and be certain of getting a first rate dead reliable shogun that you can trust day in and day out.
Opinions vary, and some are without basis in experience. Hopefully you get enough good info to make a sound decision.
TrapperReady
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HSMITH - Just curious, but what were the specific problems you encountered with your 11-87s?
I have an 11-87 that has been wonderful. In the past 14 years I have used it to hunt (deer, dove, duck, geese, squirle, rabbit, ect) and recently used it for 3 gun matches. It has never let me down. I've carried with me on tractors, in a combine, grain trucks and drug it through the nastiest of swaps, no problem. Needless to say I trust it.
I personaly have never had problems with my 11-87. It's had close to 25,000 rounds through it. It will occasionaly not pick up a shell when using ultralight shells through it(7/8oz) if it hasn't been cleaned for 1000 or so rounds. I rarely shoot 3" shells through it, probably had only about 20 or so through it of steel waterfowl loads, so I can't say if it is as reliable with those.
I have three barrels for it a 30", 26" and a rifled slug barrel, all work with out problems.
If I were to do it again I would get another, but the Beretta 391's feel mighty good to me now, but they weren't an option when I got the Remington.
I have three barrels for it a 30", 26" and a rifled slug barrel, all work with out problems.
If I were to do it again I would get another, but the Beretta 391's feel mighty good to me now, but they weren't an option when I got the Remington.
ysr_racer
Member
Agreed, I have an 1187 SC and it works fine. If it fits, buy it.
sm
member
Well my experience mirrors HSMITH's. 
Quite a few friends bought these to compete with and they wouldn't run. Wouldn't run for me either.
Factory loads of 2/3/4 dr , 1 1/8 oz and gun would not always cycle...not good for doubles. So bumped up to the 3 dr 1 1/8 oz that didn't work either. Some went back to Rem, two came back worse than sent in, one came back that worked. Well it did until yours truly ran slugs through it...back to Green Country...fixed it - again. Wouldn't tell us what the dealie was.
I still think it is in the chamber, gas system, port size- dwell thingy.
I would have bet money the chamber was to blame on a few, 'cause I measured a cross section and they differed. some in diameter, some in length some both Even with factory ammo ( green shells wouldn't work, red ones did better
I tried to tell 'em...
That one I ...err...didn't like slugs... had different chamber dimensions when returned and never missed a beat afterwards. Maybe all the ones I saw were the beta and we did the cussing...testing.
Forget even trying to use Activ brand shotshells...object lesson in futility.
Always liked the 1100 better and these always ran - So my buds sold the 1187's and went back to 1100's ,Beretta 303's or came over to the wild side where I had been all along and got a SX1
[ some folks "skeered" of us rebels I guess]
Hey what do I know, I shot a brand new Kreigoff and the Sear breaks on my 3rd shot...what are the odds on that?
I dunno, if it fits, runs, you like it - buy it.
Shotguns ...maybe like women...either they like you or they don't.
Quite a few friends bought these to compete with and they wouldn't run. Wouldn't run for me either.
Factory loads of 2/3/4 dr , 1 1/8 oz and gun would not always cycle...not good for doubles. So bumped up to the 3 dr 1 1/8 oz that didn't work either. Some went back to Rem, two came back worse than sent in, one came back that worked. Well it did until yours truly ran slugs through it...back to Green Country...fixed it - again. Wouldn't tell us what the dealie was.
I still think it is in the chamber, gas system, port size- dwell thingy.
I would have bet money the chamber was to blame on a few, 'cause I measured a cross section and they differed. some in diameter, some in length some both Even with factory ammo ( green shells wouldn't work, red ones did better
I tried to tell 'em...That one I ...err...didn't like slugs... had different chamber dimensions when returned and never missed a beat afterwards. Maybe all the ones I saw were the beta and we did the cussing...testing.
Forget even trying to use Activ brand shotshells...object lesson in futility.
Always liked the 1100 better and these always ran - So my buds sold the 1187's and went back to 1100's ,Beretta 303's or came over to the wild side where I had been all along and got a SX1
[ some folks "skeered" of us rebels I guess
] Hey what do I know, I shot a brand new Kreigoff and the Sear breaks on my 3rd shot...what are the odds on that?
I dunno, if it fits, runs, you like it - buy it.
Shotguns ...maybe like women...either they like you or they don't.
Trapper, I had cycling troubles with both field guns. Ammo mattered not, from 2 3/4 dram 1 1/8 ounce to 3" megaboomers it would hang up. FORGET any sort of reliability at all with 1 ounce loads. Cleanliness and lubrication was more closely kept than any other shotguns I have had and did not help. I even bought Remington products to clean and lube with. They both ran best bone dry, but neither would stay running for more than a box or two without a jam of some sort.
I also had an 11-87SC, nickle plated reciever and some of the prettiest wood you have ever seen on a shotgun this side of $3000. It ran well, no problems with it as long as clean and dry other than normal parts breakage for the gun like the action bar clamp and firing pin. Those were readily and easily fixed out of the spare parts kit I had.
My 1100 runs like a swiss watch. The only hitch with it was the action bar clamp broke, but not a big deal. The 1100 runs with very minimal attention also, it just likes to shoot.
I like the 1100 and the 11-87 SC a lot, but the standard 11-87's just don't cut it. The fact that they are almost non-existant on the competition fields (above local levels anyway) is another strong testament to how they are regarded.
I also had an 11-87SC, nickle plated reciever and some of the prettiest wood you have ever seen on a shotgun this side of $3000. It ran well, no problems with it as long as clean and dry other than normal parts breakage for the gun like the action bar clamp and firing pin. Those were readily and easily fixed out of the spare parts kit I had.
My 1100 runs like a swiss watch. The only hitch with it was the action bar clamp broke, but not a big deal. The 1100 runs with very minimal attention also, it just likes to shoot.
I like the 1100 and the 11-87 SC a lot, but the standard 11-87's just don't cut it. The fact that they are almost non-existant on the competition fields (above local levels anyway) is another strong testament to how they are regarded.
sm
member
HSMITH makes a pertinent point...
Never in a million years guess what lube the 1187 ran best with back then.
Like H folks tried everything, hey even the Factory lubes didn't work.
I cleaned one like I had never cleaned a gun that well before ( ok I probably hadn't) I used Dextron ATF fluid <gasp> That is what kept the few that ran - running. NO Joke. Psst...guess what still is good stuff for a self shucker - the Mobil syn ATF...seriously.
Not many stayed in the competitive circles as H said either in my area.
Never in a million years guess what lube the 1187 ran best with back then.
Like H folks tried everything, hey even the Factory lubes didn't work.
I cleaned one like I had never cleaned a gun that well before ( ok I probably hadn't) I used Dextron ATF fluid <gasp> That is what kept the few that ran - running. NO Joke. Psst...guess what still is good stuff for a self shucker - the Mobil syn ATF...seriously.
Not many stayed in the competitive circles as H said either in my area.
ysr_racer
Member
They work fine in my 1187 SC. I don't know about other models though.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
I've heard and seen too many bad bones about the 11-87s to discount the reports, but others have little to no probs with them.
IMO, getting an 11-87 is even more a crapshoot than other new Remington stuff.
Try looking around for an 1100 Maggie Numb. Buy a separate 2 3/4" barrel set up for tubes and go have fun trying to wear it out. The stock's dimensions are identical to the 11-87, so it should feel similar.
IMO, getting an 11-87 is even more a crapshoot than other new Remington stuff.
Try looking around for an 1100 Maggie Numb. Buy a separate 2 3/4" barrel set up for tubes and go have fun trying to wear it out. The stock's dimensions are identical to the 11-87, so it should feel similar.
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Thanks to all. I must say that my feelings are that guns are like everything. Buy a car and it may be trouble free or a PIA. Still on the fence about it and will go back for another go round. Will say that the Beretta was a strong second in the comfort scale, but seemed to lack a little in the acc. barrel selection. Maybe that would be enough reason to get two guns.
JNewell
Member
Among ourselves, my boys and I are currently shooting one 11-87 20 ga, one AL390 20 ga and one AL390 12 ga.
We are mostly shooting target loads, but have shot some heavier loads for T&E.
The 11-87 has been as functional as the390s since we got the piston and related parts put together correctly. It was a (slightly) used gun and had been reassembled incorrectly.
I slightly prefer the stock fit of the 11-87, but it's really personal. One excellent feature of the Berettas is the ability to change drop and cast with shims. I also think the gas system is more robust in the Beretta...fewer, larger parts that seem less likely to get stalled by carbon buildup, but that's a guess because we've never tested to failure. BTW, I intentionally sought out the 12 ga 390 used because I've heard to many complaints about stripping the 391 gas system. The 20 ga 390 came from WallyWord for under $500 new, too good a deal to pass up.
We are mostly shooting target loads, but have shot some heavier loads for T&E.
The 11-87 has been as functional as the390s since we got the piston and related parts put together correctly. It was a (slightly) used gun and had been reassembled incorrectly.
I slightly prefer the stock fit of the 11-87, but it's really personal. One excellent feature of the Berettas is the ability to change drop and cast with shims. I also think the gas system is more robust in the Beretta...fewer, larger parts that seem less likely to get stalled by carbon buildup, but that's a guess because we've never tested to failure. BTW, I intentionally sought out the 12 ga 390 used because I've heard to many complaints about stripping the 391 gas system. The 20 ga 390 came from WallyWord for under $500 new, too good a deal to pass up.
I might as well toss in my standard two cents. Look around for a used Beretta 390 super sporting with the raised rib barrel. I love mine, everybody that shoots it loves it, and I have yet to see someone who couldn't shoot it well. I too heard have heard way too many complaints about the 11-87 risk putting money into. Field grade 390s are great guns as well but I feel the sporting model has much better balance.
Matt
Matt
BIGBORESNUB
Member
Me and a buddy of mine put many slugs and shells through ours no problem.You gotta have the right barrel for the rounds your shootin.The gas ports are not the same with longer and shorter barrels.
We shot them in the heat ,the cold, and the rain.I sold mine,my bud still has his.But no problems and would buy another 11-87 if thats what i was lookin to buy.
We shot them in the heat ,the cold, and the rain.I sold mine,my bud still has his.But no problems and would buy another 11-87 if thats what i was lookin to buy.
txgolfer45
Member
Get the 11-87
The 11-87 is an excellent shotgun. I haven't had any of the problems heard here at all. Mine is the Premier (field grade) model. I would buy one again, if I needed another semiauto. It has a nice looking stock and handles well in the field or at the skeet range.
YMMV,
Scott
The 11-87 is an excellent shotgun. I haven't had any of the problems heard here at all. Mine is the Premier (field grade) model. I would buy one again, if I needed another semiauto. It has a nice looking stock and handles well in the field or at the skeet range.
YMMV,
Scott
ThreadKiller
Member
I've been using an 11-87 for trap for about 4 years now. (I used an 1100 trap for about 20 years before that.) The only problem I've experienced with it is the choke tube won't stay tight in it. It gets a little finicky shooting doubles after 400 or 500 rounds, but if I clean the carbon soot off the mag tube, I'm back in business.
I like the way 1100/11-87's point. They smash clay targets all day long IF I do my part.
Tim
I like the way 1100/11-87's point. They smash clay targets all day long IF I do my part.
Tim
sm
member
Well I firmly believe in gun fit to shooter as most of you know by now.
I really really do not wish to speak negative any firearm. If there is a safety problem , design flaw that causes a reliabilty or safety concern - well I feel it is my responsibilty to speak up, share or ask questions.
I would appreciate - I do appreciate it when folks share experiences , give suggestions or voice concerns.
The fact is some guns don't like me. I keep trying, but they refuse to cooperate. Hey I touch a perfectly fine Glock NIB and I open box and the sights have fallen off. I watch a guy shoot 4 mags through his Glock, and asked to shoot it...it breaks. Ok, I can take a hint.
So maybe I keep getting to beta 1187's or they as a whole hate me.
I watch a guy shoot an 1187, I mean weak sided, limp wristed, ever which way and the gun runs. I watch his wife run the gun, no problem. My gunsmith runs the gun no problem. The lady asks if I want to shoot it. I politely decline. Husband insists...gunsmith buddy cringes...He inspects the gun, everthing looks good.
I run 8 rds and the extractor breaks. Gunsmith is keeping a list of guns I ain't supposed to touch, shoot, or look at.
I take the 1100 which is grungy, has rust, left in a storage bldg, he needs to fix...wouldn't fire for him. He tried to load one and bolt barely closed, he helped it along and pulled trigger - nada.
I grab this rusty, grungy with fouling, mold on stock gun rack bolt 3 times, load mag, one in breech hit it and I keep shooting with stuff and rust working loose.
If all hell breaks loose, don't toss me a 1187 or Glock...unless you don't like me.
Now if trying to convince signifigant other you need another set of guns besides Glocks and 1187's , let me shoot them...she will let you buy that Beretta or 1911, or...or whatever it is you want.
Beretta Shotguns I like, nice guns and they run for me. I've great sucess with all starting with the 302 and 303 model years. I really like these oldies..new ones are great guns and they fit me.
Yeah well...got folks that don't like me either, regular folks, family, politicians you name it...includes some women folk...oh well...
Maybe that old gal nicknamed me Lobo for a reason so many years ago...she just didn't realize it at the time.
I really really do not wish to speak negative any firearm. If there is a safety problem , design flaw that causes a reliabilty or safety concern - well I feel it is my responsibilty to speak up, share or ask questions.
I would appreciate - I do appreciate it when folks share experiences , give suggestions or voice concerns.
The fact is some guns don't like me. I keep trying, but they refuse to cooperate. Hey I touch a perfectly fine Glock NIB and I open box and the sights have fallen off. I watch a guy shoot 4 mags through his Glock, and asked to shoot it...it breaks. Ok, I can take a hint.
So maybe I keep getting to beta 1187's or they as a whole hate me.
I watch a guy shoot an 1187, I mean weak sided, limp wristed, ever which way and the gun runs. I watch his wife run the gun, no problem. My gunsmith runs the gun no problem. The lady asks if I want to shoot it. I politely decline. Husband insists...gunsmith buddy cringes...He inspects the gun, everthing looks good.
I run 8 rds and the extractor breaks. Gunsmith is keeping a list of guns I ain't supposed to touch, shoot, or look at.
I take the 1100 which is grungy, has rust, left in a storage bldg, he needs to fix...wouldn't fire for him. He tried to load one and bolt barely closed, he helped it along and pulled trigger - nada.
I grab this rusty, grungy with fouling, mold on stock gun rack bolt 3 times, load mag, one in breech hit it and I keep shooting with stuff and rust working loose.
If all hell breaks loose, don't toss me a 1187 or Glock...unless you don't like me.
Now if trying to convince signifigant other you need another set of guns besides Glocks and 1187's , let me shoot them...she will let you buy that Beretta or 1911, or...or whatever it is you want.
Beretta Shotguns I like, nice guns and they run for me. I've great sucess with all starting with the 302 and 303 model years. I really like these oldies..new ones are great guns and they fit me.
Yeah well...got folks that don't like me either, regular folks, family, politicians you name it...includes some women folk...oh well...
Maybe that old gal nicknamed me Lobo for a reason so many years ago...she just didn't realize it at the time.
sm
member
Lobo I'm positive. [ Brunette , hazel eyes...oh yeah real positve]
Loco was what the anti English Lit Lady instructor called me after I pulled my "trigger lock on the fire extinguisher stunt." I was called other stuff by her, as well. Ever seen a person from the UK that has only been in US 14 yrs , start stuttering , stammering, eyes bulge, hair get wild, spewing spittle and all?
She called me "loco" [heavy UK accent]. Hell - reminded me of scene from
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - I was the sane Pro-Gun student..."she" is the one that needed a straight jacket, Thorazin, and rubber room.
I just have that affect on some folks I guess...
I was just exercising my right of Free Speech to prove a point about 2A and to provide rebuttle in regard to her 'opinion' in how the UK's method of gun control was "civilized" and we Americans were "barbaric".
Should have heard what "she" was called afterwards by the fellow classmates.
See it there is a lot more to responsible firearm ownership than firearms. In the big scheme of things, the make model, caliber, gauge,platform, wood or syn,capacity, bullet design, ballasitics... etc... not really that a big of a deal. - huh?
Silly Little Tribes -[tm] - Tamara
Loco was what the anti English Lit Lady instructor called me after I pulled my "trigger lock on the fire extinguisher stunt." I was called other stuff by her, as well. Ever seen a person from the UK that has only been in US 14 yrs , start stuttering , stammering, eyes bulge, hair get wild, spewing spittle and all?
She called me "loco" [heavy UK accent]. Hell - reminded me of scene from
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - I was the sane Pro-Gun student..."she" is the one that needed a straight jacket, Thorazin, and rubber room.
I just have that affect on some folks I guess...
I was just exercising my right of Free Speech to prove a point about 2A and to provide rebuttle in regard to her 'opinion' in how the UK's method of gun control was "civilized" and we Americans were "barbaric".
Should have heard what "she" was called afterwards by the fellow classmates.
See it there is a lot more to responsible firearm ownership than firearms. In the big scheme of things, the make model, caliber, gauge,platform, wood or syn,capacity, bullet design, ballasitics... etc... not really that a big of a deal. - huh?
Silly Little Tribes -[tm] - Tamara
I shot a used 11-87 Premier Trap for trap this year and liked it a lot. Since I was transitioning from an 870 I was already kind of familiar with the platform. It has run great for trapshooting, and all the failures I've had can be directly attributed to my reloads (I could call which ones would short-stroke the bolt my reloads are so bad).
My Main gripe is the size and location of the gas ports. They become a problem if you are shooting in heavy rain, as they will allow water to collect in the forearm and then spit in your face the next time you shoot.
Compared to a lot of the semi-autos I'd seen on our team over the years, I was impressed with the 11-87s reliabilty. I've seen enough messed up and broken semis at trap that I didn't want much to do with them until my dad surprised me with the 11-87.
My Main gripe is the size and location of the gas ports. They become a problem if you are shooting in heavy rain, as they will allow water to collect in the forearm and then spit in your face the next time you shoot.
Compared to a lot of the semi-autos I'd seen on our team over the years, I was impressed with the 11-87s reliabilty. I've seen enough messed up and broken semis at trap that I didn't want much to do with them until my dad surprised me with the 11-87.
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