The great "O" ring mystery.

[Snarlingiron]

Ok, I am pretty much a factory parts type of guy. The folks at Remington, Winchester, whoever, spent a lot of money on finding, hiring and retaining talented engineers and designers. On the other hand, I have has a pretty long career working on some pretty sophisticated electro-mechanical equipment, and often I have found better materials or techniques than the manufacturer has. Not usually, but now and again, even a blind hog finds a nut.

So, my question is regarding Remington 1100 / 11-87 O rings. First of all I have been doing some research on the subject. There are several possibilities.

1. Viton
2. Silicon
3. Teflon
4. Teflon encapsulated viton
5 Teflon encapsulated silicon

Viton is a little bit harder than Silicon, but withstands slightly less temperature. Viton is rated at ~400 degrees F, and Silicon is rated at ~450 degrees F. Teflon is harder and has temperature rating of about the same as Viton. The encapsulated products combine the best of both worlds.

I have easily found Viton, Silicon, and Teflon rings of the proper dimensions. The Viton and Silicon I think will work fine, but I suspect that solid Teflon will be the most difficult to install, but will also be the toughest and longest lived in actual use. This can be a problem, because I strongly feel that most of the "O" ring damage that folks experience is due to disassembly and reassembly.

The encapsulated products are not as easy to come by as the others.

So, my question is this. Which does Remington use? I am convinced that it is the Viton, or the Teflon encapsulated Viton. Anybody know?

As far as "Factory Parts", let's face it folks, Remington, nor indeed any of the major gun manufacturers makes "O" rings. They buy them from someone. I know it is not a big deal, and that I can buy a lifetime supply from Remington for $40.00, but I am just really curious. Just made that way.

 

[Milkmaster]

My 1100's came with what I believe to be BUNA orings. I currently use a viton oring and have had no failures. I change it about once a year just cause i get them free at work.

 

[Savage3006]

I never spent too much time researching O-rings. I bought some some on E-bay. I am not sure what they are, but they work just fine. I probably change them once or twice a year depending how much shooting I do.

 

[chas08]

I'm no O-ring expert by any measure. But having worked in a field for 30 years that deals with a lot of them. I would say stay away from the teflon. They have little stretch or spring to them and are used mainly in high pressure applications where their loading is designed ito the piece of equipment. Viton, on the other hand is very tough, resists many chemicals and solvents and has little memory. I just bought a 100 pack at an industrial supply co. for $9 to go with my "brand new to me" 1187.

 

[foghornl]

Brother with an 1100 finally broke down and bought Viton o-ring about 5 years back. Hasn't had to replace since then. He installed a Rem factory fresh one about every year.

 

[Virginian]

My 12 gauge 1100, 1963 vintage, has a metal 'O' ring. It's original and still works fine. Wayne Leek was no dummy. I sat next to him on a long plane ride one time. Had a very enjoyable conversation.