Rem 1100 Cleaning

[Mamertine]

I'm new to the Rem 1100. I borrowed one to shoot skeet this season. I've heard that I need to clean it every time I shoot it. Is this true?

By clean is that just the gas mechanism or should I pull and clean the action/ trigger assembly every time too?

Thanks

 

[Kp321]

There are lots of variables. If you have kept the receiver interior and trigger group dry, they will stay clean for a long time. Over oiling will allow dirt to collect, necessitating more frequent cleanings.
The gas system should be kept oil free for best results. The quality of ammo will make a lot of difference in how often you need to clean the gas system. Ten boxes of AA shells will leave the gun cleaner than two boxes of cheapo dove loads. That being said, it doesn't take but a minute to pull the barrel and gas rings and give the mag tube a quick wipe with solvent after each shooting session.
I have shot the same 1100 for 35 years, always with either AA factory loads or my Red Dot reloads. Never had a problem but I always run a minimum of lube on the slide bars.

 

[Virginian]

Every time, after firing one round or 500, I pull the barrel and spray the magazine tube, piston, piston seal, and the inside of the barrel gas ring with RemOil - used WD-40 for probably 20 to 25 years - and wipe off the excess. I don't get it "dry", just not really wet when I am done. Breakfree or 3-in-1 oil or anything will usually suffice in a pinch. I do this before I put the gun away. Next time, grab and go. If it gets wet, I pull everything down and dry and lightly lube. An old toothbrush is ideal for cleaning out the inside of the receiver. If you use a finger, it will cut you. I always wipe down the outside to get the oils from your hands off too. The whole thing takes less than 5 minutes when you get used to it. Be careful taking the 'O' ring on and off over the threads. That is what can get them, ham handedness. They don't move in service. On 12 1100s and 11-87s over 50 years I have never lost an 'O' ring in use, so when you hear about them, keep that in mind.
An 1100 will not go as long between cleanings as some of the newer designs, but in 50 years I have yet to run across anything more reliable if you clean it after shooting it. And I have had over 40 shotguns. Mine took me from the standing joke to skeet league high average (junior) all those years ago, and one went to Manitoba with me 3 years ago. That '63 is still my go to 12 gauge clays gun. Enjoy.

 

[oneounceload]

If you use lube/oil/solvent on the mag tube and do not wipe it clean, it WILL eat your O-ring - I learned that lesson
Yes you need to clean the barrel, gas ports every time; the trigger group - no

 

[MSgtEgress]

As mentioned before, dirty loads require more cleaning that being said I remove the barrel and clean the mag tube, rings, o-ring and gas ports every 100 rounds. I remove the bolt & trigger group about every 6 months, but I clean the receiver and trigger assy with a liberal dose of starting fluid about every 200 rounds. It desolves 99% of the power residue and crud without leaving excessive oil behind. It is mostly ether so don't use indoors or around open flames or sparks

 

[Skylerbone]

28 years without a blip from mine, excepting the time I inadvertently flipped one of the gas rings. All original parts in service including the O-ring, cleaned and oiled after every trip.

 

[WardenWolf]

You're supposed to take them apart for cleaning? Someone never told my father. Granted, he never field strips any of his guns. He just cleans and oils them as best he can when they're all together. I was the first person to ever take down most of his guns. Never did take down the 1100, though.

 

[Virginian]

If you use Viton 'O' rings like you are supposed to the oils or solvents won't bother them. Rubber - forget it. My '63 still has the 'O' ring I swapped in for the metal 'V' ring it came with about 1967 so I wouldn't lose the 'V' ring. Call it a test in progress.

 

[Mamertine]

Thanks for the input guys. As wiping off the mag tube is so simple I don't see why not to do so. Glad to hear I don't have to pull the trigger group every time, that was a bit more of a pain.

If you use a finger, it will cut you.

Yes it did.

 

[toivo]

A tip on cleaning the gas ports: find a drill bit that's exactly the right size, and use that. Just hold it in your fingers and spin it through the ports a couple of times. It will scrape off the gunk much better than a pipe cleaner. Just be careful not to scratch your nice shiny bore.

 

[Virginian]

Back when I used to shoot a lot of really dirty Blue Dot reloads, I would clean the gas ports around January first and then again in the Spring. Now I do it about once a year. Usually a round toothpick is all I need. But, a drill bit in the gun cleaning box is a good idea if anything ever does get stuck. If plugging gas ports were a big deal every gas auto would be having problems, not just 1100s.

 

[CajunBass]

Back when I had three 1100's all I ever did was just wipe 'em off with WD-40, clean the barrel and the gas ports. I used a pipe cleaner dipped in Hoppes to clean the port, but I was a pipe smoker back then and always had them handy.

 

[Mamertine]

Again, Thanks for the input. This week the gun cycled perfectly. Last week it didn't cycle at all.

I shot 2 rounds got a 16 and a 17. I'm pleased with that having only shot 3 or 4 rounds ever prior to this year.

 

[2@low8]

Mamertine - “I shot 2 rounds got a 16 and a 17.”

Way to go! That means that you are breaking just about 2 out of every three birds. Do that on a bird hunt and your buds will be slapping you on the back!

You are showing that you have a feel for this type of shooting. This would be a great time to get together with someone knowledgeable who has the ability to teach. He/she will correct your bad habits before they become much harder to break if they becomes ingrained in your shooting style.

He/she will check your gun fit and stance and give you hints on improving your scores. This sport can easily be for a lifetime of fun… jump in with both feet, the water‘s fine!

PS - I’ve been shooting 1100s since 1972 and I currently have 5. It would have been 6, but some thief got lucky. Give 'em some regular light housekeeping and an occasional full Spring cleaning (~200 - 300 rounds for me) and they will serve you well.