Rem 1100 20 or Browning A5 16

[Furncliff]

I asked a question a few days ago about which gas guns to consider. Of the suggestions I received I focused on the Remington 1100 20 because these seemed to be the less expensive alternative.

I'm asking for help choosing between the Remington in excellent condition, an older one built on a 12 gauge frame. And the Browning in good condition from my gunsmith, who I have total faith in. The Browning is not a gas gun and it's a 16 ga., but I've heard such good things about them.

The gun is aimed at teaching my daughter the beginnings of shotguns. She is already a competent pistol and rifle shooter.

The Browning would be $500 and the Remington $600 (incl. shipping etc).

Your thoughts.

Thanks

Tom

Edit ; I Own a 16ga SXS now and getting shells is not an issue for me.

 

[ball3006]

The A5 is a timeless shotgun that will, with care, last several lifetimes. 16 ga ammo can be difficult, and expensive, to find. For your situation, go with the Remington. I have four copies of the A5, three Remington model 11s and one Savage 720. The 16 ga Remington that my grandfather gave me in 1957, is still going strong. My nephew has it now and he is trying to wear it out but it will never happen. Both shotguns you are looking at are good guns. One thing to consider, the Remington can shoot steel shot in case you ever need it for waterfowl hunting......chris3

 

[loose noose]

I happen to have all three, the Remington Model 11, the Remington Model 1100, and the Browning A-5, all in 12 GA. The two, Model 11, and A-5 are as was implied blowback; thus more recoil even in the 16 Ga. The Model 1100 is considerably less felt recoil especially in the 20 Ga. However the $600.00 price tag sounds like it might be a bit high. I'd shop around a bit. We had one come in about a month ago and it sold for $300.00 and it was really clean.

 

[Furncliff]

Thank you.

Tom

 

[Virginian]

The 20 gauge 1100s on the larger receiver tend to go for a premium in good shape because they are still in demand by target shooters. About the softest shooting gun you can buy for any price; extra weight plus that 1100 gas action, and some people who shoot a lot of rounds value that. But, they haven't made any for about 30 years now, and some of the specific parts are getting scarcer. Something to consider if the gun has been shot a lot. I have a 1963 12 gauge 1100 that has been shot an awful lot, and have only ever had to replace an extractor in about 1982, for reference. But things do happen.
I personally do not like the double shuffle of the recoil actuated shotguns like the Browning Auto 5 or the Remington 11-48 AT ALL, but you and you daughter may like them. The sight picture is different too with that hump. They are very reliable with the RIGHT ammunition, but they have to be adjusted for light and heavy loads, at least the Browning did. And a 16 gauge recoil operated Browning isn't going to be light either, and it's going to kick quite a bit more than an 1100.There are some people who love the 16 gauge, but it's a lot easier to find cheaper ammo for a 20.
I have taught several new shooters, including both of my daughters, with a Remington LT20 1100, which is lighter than the standard by a bit. Also, youth length stocks are easily available, and you can find excellent ones used for under $500 if you want to consider that route. Good luck.

 

[451 Detonics]

Finding an 1100 for her to try shouldn't be that difficult and your gunsmith should be willing to allow her to fire a few rounds from the Browning. I would suggest letting her try both and deciding for herself.