Speed Loading a Remington 1100

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EvilBetty

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For now I'm using a Remington 1100 for 3-gun.

I'm having a hell of a time gaining any speed in loading it, no matter how much time I spend in front of the TV loading dummy rounds.

If you are familiar with the 1100, then you know of the button near the gate hinge that acts as both a bolt release and gate release.

Are there any trips or tricks for loading this gun correctly without modification?

If not, what modifications are necessary?
 
You can get an extended loading/bolt release that should make a world of difference. I haven't gotten one yet but I'm getting faster with loading it with the stock release.

Takes quite a bit of practice.
 
I've never tried to load an 1100 under stress/time constraints, but what I would do while hunting was to take the shell at a 45* angle where the very end of the shell is on the release, with one finger under the front half of the round and push up with that finger (tripping the release) while using my thumb to push the round forward into the mag.

Come to think of it, it may be easier to think of it as holding the round almost vertical in relation to the gun and putting the front end of the shell on the release and pushing upwards and just letting the round be guided by the loading gate into the magazine.

Now I haven't tried this and don't have my shotgun handy to give it a quick test, but what if you tripped the release for the first round but didn't push the shell all the way in? Maybe leave the rim of the shell sticking out just far enough to keep the load gate up. Then just push in the next few rounds being sure to leave the round far enough out to keep the gate up. Of course you'll want to push the last one all the way in, but that might speed up the process a bit if you don't have to release the gate each time you put a new round in. There's the chance that the spring will push the round out again (especially as you approach capacity) but I know I've had a few times when I first loaded an extra in the mag where I didn't seat the round fully and it just sat there half exposed.

Let me know how that last one works. If it helps I might want to play around with it next time I take my 1100 out shooting :D
 
I'm no 1100 expert, but I had one here for a year while its owner was deployed. A few shots here and there, no major use. I did play with speed loading a bit. Here's what I did....

With the weapon mounted, I grabbed two shells on my firing hand and positioned one with my thumb on the base. Pushing hard and close to vertically on the button, I slid the round into the mag until it clicked, then repeated with the second round.

I have big hands, but this oughta work for most.
 
I have two 1187s with the "EasyLoader". They work very well. Run dry, pull two, drop one in the loading gate, and as you insert the one in the tube the bolt slams home. Very quick.

It is a little picky to install. You need something like a Dremel and you should learn the workings of the trigger/elevator group. A knowledgeable gunsmith should not charge more than one hour hour shop time.
 
I should probably clarify. I'm using this gun in 3-Gun, Tactical Optic Division.

I've got a Nordic mag tube extension bringing me to 8+1 on a Special Field Remington 1100.

I've got the stock carrier assembly with the shorter chrome button.

The speed loader ramp and tubes would put me in Open class.

I currently load it as 1KPerDay described. It's very slow compared to the pump guns I have used.

After I posed the OP I remembered coming across some carrier add on. Dug back through my bookmarks and found the EasyLoader on Dave's Metal Works.
http://davesmetalworks.com/rem.html

Then found an excellent tutorial on how to install it, here:
http://www.micahschmidt.com/?guns/install-daves-metal-works-easyloader---remington-1100-12ga.html

I ordered it direct from Dave's, not realizing it was stocked other places. Hopefully I'll have it soon. Would like to try it out before the last 3-gun of the season on the 15th.

Any other tips / tricks with this gun?
 
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Get a reduced power mag tube spring. I have a 10 shot extender and I cut mine just above the tube end. My cowboy 97s are cut likewise. Kept free of "stuff" they will function very well. You really don't need more than 1/2 shell length protruding before you install the cap screw.

The tactical bolt handle is good. The bolt will simply pull out and insert the new one.

I use this one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=575180
 
Nice tip to try with the spring.

I had a bad experience with Choate, and Fred Choate specifically. I won't buy any of his products again.

I ponnyed up for the Noric bolt handle instead.

After seeing the barrel clamp I bought I may have to pony up for the Noric clamp too.
 
EvilBetty said:
Then found an excellent tutorial on how to install it, here:
http://www.micahschmidt.com/?guns/install-daves-metal-works-easyloader---remington-1100-12ga.html
Click to expand...
From the looks of the traffic it has generated, I guess it's a good thing I posted that tutorial. ;)

I need to update it, though. I've made one modification to the EasyLoader that helps keep the occaisional shell (or thumb, or finger) from getting caught in between the EasyLoader and receiver. I just shortened it, kind of like this (image borrowed from BE forums):

1100_LoadingPort50.jpg

It doesn't change the effectiveness of the EasyLoader at all, but it does eliminate one potential problem.

One of these days I'll take some pictures of mine and add it to the tutorial.
 
On the Tactical Model 1100s, they do have a longer one with a lighter spring. Unless that used Tactical 1100 was modifed.
 
Taurus44, please do. Also have you considered offering the service of installing the easyloader for people? I'd rather have someone do it who knew what he was doing. Can it be done properly without installing the trigger group into the receiver?
 
Tauras44, I use one of mine in clay games. When I load one with an open bolt I have developed a habit of palming the easyloader to close the bolt.

After you cut it, I doubt if it protrudes from the loading port.

I don't understand how you hang a finger or something. Are you sliding your hand back from the forearm?
 
Red Cent said:
Get a reduced power mag tube spring. I have a 10 shot extender and I cut mine just above the tube end. My cowboy 97s are cut likewise. Kept free of "stuff" they will function very well. You really don't need more than 1/2 shell length protruding before you install the cap screw.

The tactical bolt handle is good. The bolt will simply pull out and insert the new one.

I use this one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=575180
Click to expand...
Rarely. Never at Black Rifle matches.
 
Taurus44 said:
From the looks of the traffic it has generated, I guess it's a good thing I posted that tutorial. ;)

I need to update it, though. I've made one modification to the EasyLoader that helps keep the occaisional shell (or thumb, or finger) from getting caught in between the EasyLoader and receiver. I just shortened it, kind of like this (image borrowed from BE forums):

1100_LoadingPort50.jpg

It doesn't change the effectiveness of the EasyLoader at all, but it does eliminate one potential problem.

One of these days I'll take some pictures of mine and add it to the tutorial.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the problem the FN SLP Mark 1's have. Both times I've used one it bit the #### out of my thumb.

Interested to see your version of the loader shortening. If I could keep it from protruding out of the bottom of the gun that would be a plus too.
 
I`m thinking if you expend all available rounds. Speed loading would not be my first concern.

The reason you need to perfect"speed loading" is why? Just wondereing. :)
 
I`m thinking if you expend all available rounds. Speed loading would not be my first concern.

The reason you need to perfect"speed loading" is why? Just wondereing.
Click to expand...

Ease of loading in fun shooting and faster reloading in competition. If it was a life and death situation anyway, I would want any advantage I could get.
 
I have never considered installing the EasyLoader as a service. I guess I could do it locally, but it does require fitting in the gun and I don't have an FFL, so having people send me their shotguns wouldn't be a great idea. If you're that concerned about doing it yourself, I'd be willing to bet that you could find someone local who has done it, or can do it for you.

With the stock length EasyLoader, multiple people have reported getting shell rims wedged in between the tips of the fingers and the receiver/mag tube when they don't get the shell all the way into the mag tube before removing their finger. If you're loading quickly under stress, there is always a possibility of catching a finger or thumb the same way.

Shortening the "fingers" on the EasyLoader does not change the functionality of the EasyLoader at all. It still works as (well as) advertised, but it does allow a little more room for fingers, thumbs and shell rims.

Mine isn't trimmed back this far (I only took off about 1/4" or so), but here is a good side shot of a shortened EasyLoader.

ShortenedEZLoader.jpg
 
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