Remington 1100

The Remington 1100 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun. The Model 1100 established a new standard for reliability and performance in auto-loading arena. It was introduced in the year 1963 and it was the first modern, successful, autoloader to combine repeat-shot versatility of earlier guns with the sleek, handling features of revered double barrels. In the 1970s and 1980s, it dominated skeet ranges in terms of numbers and wins. From its inception, it changed the American shooters perspective on auto-loading shotguns.

It had been choice of hunters and skeet shooters. Its deft balance, handling, soft recoil and durability from the gas action laid the foundation for Remington reputation. A large number of skeet records have been set with 1100 than with any other shotgun. Hunters who prefer high brass and magnum loads appreciate its recoil attenuating operation.

Its innovative gas system is credited for 1100's success. The gas piston is a ring situated around rather than inside, the magazine tube enabled removing of excess gas and residue. The placement of two gas ports closer to the chamber increased the reliability. The introduction of gas piston ring in lieu of conventional gas piston opened up the system for self-cleaning, extra space in the magazine tube for four round capacity. Near the chamber the pressures are less variable due to being higher; the increased pressure helps in venting out the residual carbon deposits away from the gas piston.

The gas system can be easily cleaned by simply disassembling the magazine cap, forend and barrel. The piston and action bar sleeve are comparatively heavy and light loads cause the piston to move slower which results more pressure to build up. With this system 1100 can accommodate any shell of the appropriate chamber length and gauge. To transform from 2-3/4' to 3' shells or vice versa requires a change of barrels and a change in the size of the gas ports.

The rearward movement of the gas piston and the attached mechanism, as well as the compression of the action spring assists to absorb some of the recoil. At the same time, the remaining recoil pulse is weakened over the time interval it takes for the rearward motion of the mechanism. This results in an estimated 40% less recoil than the competitors' autoloaders and 50% less recoil than non-autoloaders. This reduction improves long shooting session, and lessens flinching and fatigue. The novice shooters who switch to 1100 are found to increase their shooting scores, and the pros do not abandon the 1100.

At present, the Model 1100 is available in several variations for field and competitive shooting. The widely seen model is the Classic Field, which comes in 16- and 20-guage with a walnut stock, ventilated rib barrel, and polished bluish metal finish.