My dad has had a Remington 1100 since 1967 and 10 years ago replaced the recoil spring as it was broke (it had broke into 3 pieces but all 3 pieces had bound on itself and it still functioned). To be honest you couldn't tell by firing the shotgun that anything was broke, but it cycled slow at times. My dad took it to a local gunsmith (who is also a Remington authorized service center) to go through the entire thing and replace anything worn. The buffer pad ( I think that is what it was called) was originally aluminum and had a recall in the late 60's to have that part replaced. What was happening is that part would get hammered flat and squeeze shut on the tang off the back of the bolt, the recall replaced it with a steel one. However my dad was in Vietnam at the time so it didn't get done and like I said 10 years ago it was all gone through and these two parts were replaced, as well as the firing pin spring which had also broke and bound on itself and still functioned.
He has always kept the shotgun clean, the blueing is worn off in several spots but there is no rust anywhere. He stored it in safe, hammer cocked and maybe action open or action shut, didn't really bother him as it was stored unloaded, on safe in a gun cabinet.
ALWAYS WENT BANG!
So to answer your question I think it matters not.
