Remington 11-87 Sportsman and light loads?

[Frog48]

Does the basic 11-87 Sportsman cycle reliably with light loads?

I would be using the gun primarily for duck hunting, but would also like to use it occasionally for dove and clays. I've heard that some autoloader dont do well with some lighter 2 3/4 shells.

 

[Virginian]

Define "light". You may have a problem with specially handloaded extremely low pressure 3/4 ounce shells, which some people are determined to shoot in an autoloader. If you are talking store bought, you may have to experiment a little to find the cheapest thing it will shoot reliably. This is second hand information. I only had an 11-87 for about 3 months back in '87. Never had any issues, just liked my 1100s better and didn't need both.

 

[DKA]

My 11-87 cycles through any type of load that I put through it. Have bought the cheapest load offered @ Wal Mart and it cycled great, believe they were listed as target load.

 

[Lady with a Gun]

I am shooting a Remington 11-87 turkey gun with a 21" barrel. I have found the Peters Blue Heavy Trap Loads work the gun reliably. They are 1 and a 1/4 oz, 3 1/4 dram equivalent, 2 3/4 inch loads. I did have some trouble with 2 3/4 dram equivalent loads.

It does pay to test the loads to see if they work in your gun.

 

[Frog48]

Define "light".

I have a large stock of Wallyworld "value packs", and it would be nice to be able to use them. I think they're 1 oz, 2 3/4" shells.

 

[Titan6]

I have had problems with the cheap Remington bird loads in the 2 3/4" in a 3" chamber in the 11/87. Changing rings did not help. I think the load is just too light for the gun.

 

[Der Verge]

Your 11-87 will cycle anything you feed it.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Your 11-87 will cycle anything you feed it.

A true optimist.

That should read "MY 11-87 will cycle anything I feed it."

My experience was different.

 

[rantingredneck]

21" barreled versions don't generate enough gas pressure before the shot leaves the chamber to cycle the value pack loads from WM. 26" and 28" versions should. Key word being should.

 

[jmr40]

The barrels shorter than 26" are designed for heavy loads only. I had minor problems with one several years ago with a 26" barrel and when I called Remington was told the 28" barrels were usually slightly more reliable when new. They advised me to shoot a bit more and see if it started cycling better. It did.

 

[Virginian]

I don't like short barrels, but my stepson has a 20 gauge 1100 youth model with the 21" barrel, and that thing eats anything with no problems at all.

 

[DKA]

Have an 11-87 Super Magnum, and when shooting low powered shells, must put Barrel Seal Activator. It is a black ring that goes between the gas rings and the rubber seal. On regular 11-87, it has a seal cap, if gets missing, will not cycle as should.