Need Help Dating a Remington Model 11

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1776J

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Hello fellas. I'm new here and still learning so bare with me. Been lurking around the forum for some time now and have been fairly impressed by the knowledge here about history of firearms and not just "armchair expert" types, but guys who know their stuff. So I figured I'd join up.

So here are my questions....

I picked up a very nice Remington Model 11 and am trying to date it.
It has no markings other than the usual Remington name and patent dates on top of the barrel, and "full" on one side of the barrel, and "r.p." in a small oval circle on the other side of the barrel.

What does that indicate other than the barrel having a "full" choke?
Is there a way to date it by the receiver instead? The number there begins, "111xxx"

I have heard and read that these are one of the the most indestructive shotguns ever made, so with a date of 1911, would this still be regarded as a good solid shooter to use as a target, clay pigeon, and hunting gun?


Lastly, I found two others I was thinking of picking up... or at least one of them.

One has a serial number of "89xxx" and looks like it only has a 5 digit serial number. Would this be earlier than the other from 1911 or just another run of numbers in a different sequence denoting a different time line? No other markings that I could see.

The other has the numbers, "241xxx" Choke looks to be marked "cyl"? There is also a "PE3" and what looks to be a "EH3" and an "RN" with a "B" in a circle stamped into the side of the barrel. Does this denote the date of the barrel?

Also, when did they start marking the serial numbers on the sides of the receivers?

Thanks a million in advance to any and all help! Looking forward to learning more!
 
The fewer the digits, the earlier the build. "cyl" means cylinder bore, basically no choke.

They were made under Browning patents, but there are slight differences between the Mod 11 and the A5.

I've owned a few, still own one, but don't pay a lot of attention to the markings- my concern is the condition.

Typical prices around here in SC are $250 to $350. If you are looking to buy, make sure there are no cracks in the forearm. Remove the forearm and make sure the brass friction rings are there- along with the spring.

I'm sure some one will be along to offer up more info.
 
"Oh, and they kick too.:uhoh:"

LOL!
Maybe that's why I keep running into them where the forearms are cracked and pinned or the stocks are split somewhere. I know the one I have now the stock was fixed, but I see there is a small crack now starting in the top of the stock...:confused:

I see Numrich doesn't have stocks under the Remington 11,... I didn't look yet, but if there are stocks under the Browning auto 5, would they interchange??

So, as a basic rule, even IF the shotgun has a 5 digit code, very early, it will still be a good shooter, with nothing to worry about?
 
800-243-9700 is Remington's customer service number. Give them a call and they can date your 11 for you.

Very few 11s have ever been worn out. I've seen old market hunter 11s with mag extensions and roached finishes over on the Shore with thousands of rounds (and waterfowl) behind them that run perfectly.

Very early ones may or may not be Cursed By The Demon of Short Chambers. I'd want a good smith to look it over before I fired Shot One.

I had a family 11, which didn't shoot worth darnit for me. I passed it on to one of my 11 first cousins and he'd rather give up his firstborn.It did run glitchless for me.

If I get another, and I may, I'll do a minor rebuild by putting in new springs and friction pieces. Did that with the above one.

HTH....
 
Very early ones may or may not be Cursed By The Demon of Short Chambers. I'd want a good smith to look it over before I fired Shot One.
Click to expand...

You bring up a good point, mine was made in 42 and have a supply of old ammo lots of it in paper shells. I have often wondered if when I am through shooting up the old stuff if it would safely handle the newer shells.
 
A lot of the cracking and splitting comes from shooting magnum/heavy loads in them. I've seen Brownings in the same condition.

It's a recoil operated shotgun, you can imagine the extra stress put on it with heavy loads.

When you tighten the magazine cap, tighten it to snug fit, not a tight fit.
 
So, for self defense with an old beater model 11, cut down for home defense, a Federal buck shot load would be acceptable then?
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Eh... don't bother. Get something like an 1100 or riot gun for that. Heck, get a Benelli M2, if you feel like something extreme. I just don't think that a Model 11 would be good for home defense... heavy recoil would make an accurate second shot slower. Plus, other members of your family might be intimidated by the recoil it produces if they were to be forced to use it, which is a reality if something were to happen to you if someone were to break into your house, or you were to be out of town. If it's all you have, and you can't afford anything else, I guess it'd work, but otherwise, I'd get something else, then leave the Model 11 for sporting.
 
Eh... don't bother. Get something like an 1100 or riot gun for that. Heck, get a Benelli M2, if you feel like something extreme. I just don't think that a Model 11 would be good for home defense... heavy recoil would make an accurate second shot slower. Plus, other members of your family might be intimidated by the recoil it produces if they were to be forced to use it, which is a reality if something were to happen to you if someone were to break into your house, or you were to be out of town. If it's all you have, and you can't afford anything else, I guess it'd work, but otherwise, I'd get something else, then leave the Model 11 for sporting.
Click to expand...

Well, the fact is, I'm much to in love with everything from the 1920s-1930s, so for me a "whippet" styled Model 11 is much more appealing, not to mention I'm pretty sure my wife can handle it. Either that, or any intruders might just laugh to death after she goes wailing through the air after the first round! lol!
 
Eh... don't bother. Get something like an 1100 or riot gun for that.
Click to expand...

I will take a gun that I know will never misfire or jam no matter how long it sits there and deal with the recoil with a pad and new springs. The A5 is a perfect HD shotgun IMO.
 
An 11 for defense?

Sure. Just run a couple hundred rounds through it (The Ayoob 200 Round Reliability Test) and if it makes it, pattern to find the best 00 load.
 
As for the "00" buck loads, I'd stay away from the 12-pellet loads. Shoot either 9-pellet or 8-pellet reduced recoil.
Click to expand...

Yes I'm pretty sure the Federal buck shot I picked up is a lighter load for less recoil... I'll have to double-check that.

I'm looking to have to of these 11's in the end. One for hunting, clay shooting, etc. and one cut down for HD.
 
My Remington 11 is over at the gunsmith and I just spoke to them there. They said that they checked it out, everything looks good and they test fired it also. They said it doesn't seem to want to cycle correctly with a lighter load, but does well with a regular to higher load. Something like a target load it does fine with.

Said the spring inside is, "as heavy as hell!" and that's why it doesn't want to cycle correctly.

Does this sound correct?

He said other than that it looks great and fires very well.
 
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