Anyone familiar with the Remington 1100 Sportsman 12?

[Streck-Fu]

There is one for sale locally and I am thinking about picking it up for trap, skeet, and sporting clays.

It is an 1100 rather than the plain Sportsman 12 of ~25 years ago.

Can anyone guide me on what to look for or what a fair value may be? It is hard to find much on this as any search including 'Sportsman' is dominated by the many variants of Sportsman models.

It has a 21" barrel if that helps identify it.

Thank you,

[Flatline49]

I have some familiarity with the 1100. Is it a 12 gauge or 20? Price really depends on condition is the bluing in good condition? I would cycle the action and dry fire it one time make sure all sounds well. Also take a flashlight and shine it down the barrel to check for pitting. Price for one is generally between $300 to $500 all depends on condition though. For Skeet and sporting clays I would recommend a 28" to 30" barrel length which you can pick up other barrels for around $200. I hope I could be helpful.

[Streck-Fu]

That does help. Thank you

He is a retired gentlemen that is wanting to sell several of his 1100s that are mostly configured for trap. Most are pretty custom to include trigger work and wood stock work. He no longer participates in the sport so is freeing up room, he claims. Most of his 1100s are out of price point.

This particular 1100 Sportsman 12 (as in 12g) is at the high end of the valuation as he is asking $550 while claiming it is in perfect condition, It may be or the price may be a refection of his pride in the gun. We'll see.

[BryanK]

After searching some online dealer sites, it looks like you're getting a deal. A NIB 1100 is going for around $900+. I'd buy a couple extra O-rings in case they deteriorate (which is pretty common among Remington auto-loaders IME). Also, I believe this model is 2 3/4 only, and may limit its effective range should you decide to take up upland game or waterfowl hunting. Here's a couple links for price comparison purposes:

Bud's (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/37_64_992/Semi-Auto+Shotguns/)

Gun Broker (http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=remington+1100)

[Streck-Fu]

If i pick it up, I plan to make it multi-purpose. I'll pick up a couple of barrels so it can serve HD purposes and then switch barrels to shoot some clays. Is there any reason I could not shoot 3" with just a barrel change?

I've been looking at the new prices and see some used 1100s going for $400-500 but they usually are not perfect.

If I can bring home for $500 and it is as good as claimed, I'll be pretty happy.

[BryanK]

I just saw a used 30" vented rib barrel with a 3" chamber on GB for $129 (starting bid). Link: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=364826250. Problem is, it has a fixed choke.

[Streck-Fu]

So the internals for the 12g 1100 models are not the same..... That is good information.

[BryanK]

I have seen it mentioned in other forums that a 3" will function in the 2 3/4 receiver with the "steel shot" barrel with no malfunctions, but yeah, it is the internet. The SAAMI max average pressure ratings for a 2 3/4 shotshell and 3" shotshell are the same (11,500 psi), so if the barrel is chambered for it, it should be good to go. The receiver has to meet those pressure ratings as well, so if the Max pressures are identical why not? On page 13 of the attached .pdf breaks down the pressure ratings for the different shotshell groups (shotshell, rifled slugs, sabot slugs).

Here is a snip from the description of a steel shot barrel for sale from Cheaper than dirt:

Model 1100 Steel Shot Barrels are designed for use with 2.75" or 3" Magnum steel or lead shot shells when used on Magnum receivers and 2.75" or 3" Magnum steel or 2.75" lead shotshells when used on non Magnum receivers CTD link (http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/7-R9509)

While a little pricey, it looks good and will fire 3" steel shot.

[Rob_Frey]

The Rem. 1100's were not made to interchange between 2 3/4 and 3" ammo. If you want a shotgun that shoots both, you should buy something else like a Rem. Model 11-87.

[Streck-Fu]

Since it followed me home.....