The 1100 magnum

[9mmMike]

In another thread one of our learned contributors suggested that the Remington 1100 magnum was probably a poor choice as a fun/clay gun.
Rather than muck up that thread, I thought I'd start another one, to muck up.
Is it true that 1100's (magnums) are sub-par performers on anything other than magnum loads?
I bought this gun on impulse without any of my usual due diligence.
Since I was more interested in getting a shotgun for my sweetie (this 1100 magnum was part of the two-gun deal that I made), I did not do the research that I would normally do prior to purchasing any gun.
It shot OK for me in the rain yesterday. Granted I only put about 100 2.75" shells though it so far. They were all Federal multi purpose 1 1/8 of 7 1/2 shot with 3 dr. of powder. Other than the weird sensation of all the mechanical movement while shooting, it functioned fine.
Is the 1100 magnum that much of a dog that I should consider replacing it?
This thing is pretty well used so maybe it is broken in enough to deal with the light loads.
I had plans to convert the stocks (which are not so nice) over to the same style that are on my bride's Special Field 1100 20 ga. That is to say the straight grip "English" stocks.
The bluing on this 1100 is pretty good and with some decent wood it will make a good looking piece.
Do the magnum receivers take different stocks than the normal 12 ga. 1100's? That would be a bummer.
Do they use different o-rings and seals?
I am not so fond of this thing that I would cry about ditching it for something else but if it will work OK, then I'd just as soon keep it.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[9mmMike]

Those are some great questions Mike!
I have done a little data-mining and found the following.
1. The stocks are the same.
2. The use of a 2 3/4 only barrel readily converts a magnum to non-magnum.
3. The seals are the same in the 1100 12 ga. "normals".
I sure hope that helps and good luck with that new 1100!
Mike

 

[HSMITH]

Keep it, with your new-found shotgun habit you will be loading for them soon enough. Slow powders work wonders on the " 3" only" gas guns, Green Dot and slower will usually produce a 1 oz load that works even!!

All that crunching and ticking and banging and clanging and tinking that goes on when you shoot an 1100 is not a comforting sound, but hey they work and work pretty darn good. My first shotgun was an 1100, still have it and still shoot it although a lot of them have come and gone since I bought it.

 

[PJR]

Mike:

Notwithstanding my advice in the other thread, if it works for you with those loads I wouldn't be too concerned. It is also possible those 1100 Magnums that I saw were not properly cleaned which could lead to malfunctions.

About the your spouse's Special Field, as I recall they have a shorter foreend and magazine than the standard 1100. Is this the case with her gun? And if it is working for her again, that's what counts. Not whatever opinion any of us might post.

When I first got into shotgunning I owned an 11/87 SC (Sporting Clays). You get used to the clanking and clunking. The Remington was sold years ago and it is one of the few guns that I really regret selling.

Paul