Remington 31...I had to do it

[chas08]

I ran across a Remington Model 31 in 16 gauge, 28 ", Mod choke, on an auction site last week. I tried my best to talk myself out of putting a bid on it but I just wouldn't listen. So now I have a model 31 on it's way to join my Winchester Model 12 & Ithaca 37 16 gauges. I hope I didn't screw up. I'll know soon enough it ships tomorrow.

 

[ArmedBear]

Cool!

I'd love to see a compare-and-contrast of the 12, 37 and 31.

 

[jlv08]

I almost bought one a while back but bought a newer gun instead,

I recently picked up a J.C. Higgins model 20 that's at least 42 years old.

There is something about theses older guns that make them special and the most evident aspect is quality and machining.

The Remington model 31 is a well made shotgun.

I wonder if Remington could even manufacture a shotgun like that today.

Nice buy and congrats!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Enjoy. That's a fine gun.

 

[Gordon]

Allmost all the 31 16gauges have a 2 3/4 chamber +1 , The modified choke lets you shoot steel very well if you have to. The 31 is the best sporting pump ever made IMHO. I have two 12ga ones;, one is a beater with a poly choke and the other a deluxe with raised rib and nicer checkering. I have a 16 ga just like yours and I love it! I also have a lightweight 20 ga with an aluminum receiver that is a real nice desert quail gun. These guns take down instantly and into a small package like a Model 12 Winchester. They are slicker shucking than any other pump I've seen , other than maybe a Valtro.

 

[reckless carolinian]

Chas, you must do a 16ga shootoff. 31vs.12vs.37 in the ultimate 16 gauge grudgematch!!

For what it's worth, my money would be on the Ithaca.

 

[ArmedBear]

All of those guns should point really well, particularly in 16. I'd love a chance to swing them all and find out which is best.

 

[chas08]

Chas, you must do a 16ga shootoff. 31vs.12vs.37 in the ultimate 16 gauge grudgematch!!

All of those guns should point really well, particularly in 16. I'd love a chance to swing them all and find out which is best.

I have an affinity for the 16ga. Not because I think it superior in any way over a 12 or a 20. I just like it, especially when they are scaled to gauge as the Model 12 & 37 are. I'm told the 31 is also. I hope so, I've never had one in my hands. These guns are getting harder to come by. They are all shooters, not collector quality. I feel fortunate to have (or about to have) three American legends in the stable. Opening day of Dove season I plan to shoot 5 birds with each if the limit is still 15. It should be a close race, they are all 28 inch modified chokes. I'll post a pic of all three together when the 31 arrives.

 

[ArmedBear]

There are often discussions about the 16 Gauge, as if the gauge mattered. It doesn't. What matters is how the GUNS feel in the gauge. There's really nothing you can do upland hunting that can't be done with a 12, a 20, or a 16, just about equally. It's all about that elusive perfect "feel." In some guns, the 16 is just right.

 

[chas08]

It's all about that elusive perfect "feel." In some guns, the 16 is just right.

I agree completely. The model 12 & 37 certainly represent that "feel" well. I'm hoping that the 31 does the same.

Allmost all the 31 16gauges have a 2 3/4 chamber +1 , The modified choke lets you shoot steel very well if you have to.

Gordon, have you had any personal experience shooting steel in a 31. I know with the advancements in shotcups that a lot of the old rules don't really apply anymore. I know folks who shoot steel in their model 12's with no obvious ill effects. Would the 31 be in the same category?

 

[Old Shooter]

Nice looking Remington.

Something about the older shotguns, they seem to be in a class by themselves.

Sounds like a nice collection you've got going there, enjoy.

 

[chas08]

Something about the older shotguns, they seem to be in a class by themselves.

I agree. I inherited two model 12's a 12ga. & a 16ga. That started it all. Whats next? Maybe a Flight King. I don't know if they were ever made in 16. I may have to settle for a 12 if the right gun comes along.

 

[reckless carolinian]

Sweet Sixteen perhaps?

 

[Gordon]

I have shot Win. Expert Steel 6s in my 31 at Dove. No obvious damage to gun barrel and it worked OK. Monterey county is mandated steel shot for upland game now , dang brn it!

 

[chas08]

Monterey county is mandated steel shot for upland game now , dang brn it!

Thanks for the reply. I fear that it may go that way nation wide someday if the tree huggers and whale savers have their way. It's good to hear from someone that has actually done it. There's a lot of conjecture out there based on how steel performed 25 years ago, and the truth is, it's a lot better nowadays. I've been shooting Kent Impact and Bismuth in my model 12 on a limited basis because of cost. But it's an heirloom. My 37 and the 31 were bought to shoot, and they may very well see some steel this coming Duck season.

 

[SwampWolf]

You got yourself a real American classic there, chas08; great company for your other two classics. All you need now is a Mossberg 500 to complete your collection of timeless pump shotguns!-Just kidding.

I only have two negative concerns re shotguns chambered in sixteen gauge (neither of which is of any reflection on the gauge size itself): The sixteen is limited in its load variations (as compared to the twelve or the twenty) and is harder to find sometimes at the big department stores-and is seldom on "sale" when you do. Secondly, I have no use whatsoever for shotguns with sixteen gauge barrels hung on twelve gauge frames. Sixteen gauge shotguns are sweet only when everything stays in scale, imo.

 

[chas08]

have no use whatsoever for shotguns with sixteen gauge barrels hung on twelve gauge frames. Sixteen gauge shotguns are sweet only when everything stays in scale, imo.

I agree completely. And as I understand it the the model 31 is scaled to gauge, as is the model 12 and 37. And while loadings are limited, they are adequate, and there is always reloading. But with the internet, ammo is at your fingertips. I have about 1500 rounds of 16 ga in various loadings on hand, all delivered to my front door.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Remington 31...I had to do it

I feel your pain:

 

[35Rem]

ALL Remington 16 gauges have a 2 3/4" chamber. They were smart enough to chamber them right from the start.

Remington says no steel in guns made before 1950. CYA and all that...

 

[chas08]

Remington says no steel in guns made before 1950. CYA and all that...

I took two limits of duck with steel and hevi-shot this year with mine. No barrel scoring or choke bulges occurred.

I think for the most part the shells of today are so much better than the earlier ones, particularly in the shotcup department that a lot of old steel axioms are no longer valid.

I shoot it in my Ithaca model 37 also with no ill effects. And with somewhere between 50 and 75 rounds of steel and hevishot through each over the last couple of seasons.I think any problems would have presented itself already. As a bynote, both are choked modified. But to each his own, It's my choice alone!