I am considering to buy a Remington 1100 special field model with 21" barrel in 12 guage, for upland game like partridge and quail. It has straight grip stock.

Anyone having used this model kindly post opinions on handling characteristics and performance. How about 21" barrel? What maximum range of shots to be taken with short barrel?

Thanks

Saad

Saad;I had an 870 and 1100 special field several years ago and sometimes wish I hadnt got rid of them they were great guns.As far as barrel length with modern shot shells and plastic shot cups I think barrel length is important only with respect to sighting plane.With the proper choice of choke tube I dont think barrel length is all that important with respect to barrel length.I made some shots at distances that even surprised me with those guns using imp/cyl choke tubes on pheasant and quail I cant give you specific distances but I was hunting in open country in central Nebraska.w/regards

Nothing wrong with the special fields, either in 870 or 1100. They are pretty "whippy" but some people like that and they are lighter.

The only drawback I see is they are only in 2 3/4 inch chambers but for most upland hunting that is not a big problem and I suspect that 3 inch shells are tough to come by in Pakistan.

If you are buying this new from a dealer try to get him to throw an extractor in. Very common part to break on 1100s and you're pretty much out of business without one. But, they are easy to fix (replace), even in the field with minimal tools. Also not a bad idea to keep an extra o ring around, but they don't go bad very often.

1100s are good guns, keep the chamber clean (don't let it sit up and rust after shooting, happens pretty rapidly in humid climates) and keep the gas tube clean, it should function well for thousands of shots.

Thanks for replies.

Gophershooter,
Do you think that I can use it for ducks with full choke.

Gatogordo,

Seller is not a dealer so anything extra is not included, beside chock tubes and wrench.

2 3/4 chamber is ok because our local brand of shells are 2 1/2", which suits the 2-3/4 chambered guns. 3" chambered guns sometime do not cycle with these shells.

3" shells by Federal, Remington and Viri are available here.

Saad

[ 01-15-2003, 14:54: Message edited by: Saad ]

Saad;I think it would be fine with a full choke and something like #4 shot.I would pattern it at different distances to see what is most effective.w/regards

Saad:

I am not sure where you live, but the extractor is a pretty simple part and I understand that Pakistanis can build whole guns out of spare steel so that should not be a problem. I haven't priced on lately, but they cost maybe $5 over here and, you may never break one so it is not a big problem. Even if you do, you can still shoot single shot, but you will have to have a stick or something like a piece of lead or steel to drop down the barrel and pop the shot hull out.

Sure, more ducks have been killed with 2 3/4 inch shells with lead shot than all the others combined. Try a full choke, 4s, 5s, or 6s, depending on whether they are decoying or whatever. The limiting factor will really be the quality of shot(lead) in the shells. Soft, no added antimony, will certainly limit you to about 40 yards or less for good killing shots unless you go up, meaning larger, several shot sizes. If the ducks are decoying or coming to bait (not sure of your laws)then I might try 6s and either an improved cylinder or modified choke.

Doesn't matter what shell or choke you use, you still have to be on them, that is the hard part.

If you want an extractor and can't find one over there and think I can send it to you without creating customs problems for you, I'll check into it if you wish and if you buy the gun.

BTW, I don't know how set you are on a semi-automatic, but the 870 is a much more reliable and tougher gun than the 1100. This is a fact, not an opinion.

Saad - I noticed the muzzle blast was quite loud on the shorter barrel. My hearing is already damaged somewhat and the extra noise bothered me. Something to consider. Other than that , the 1100 was a great gun. Dittoes on keeping the gas tube lubed and spare parts on hand.

Gatogordo,

Thanks for offer about extractor. Lets hope that seller agrees on my offer.

Not all Pakistanis can build guns from spare steel, but there are areas where this is a local craft. However, I am sure that our local gunsmiths could build the extractor easily.

You are right about No. 6 on decoying ducks. I use No. 6 lead 2-1/2" shells for ducks over decoys and it is quite successful.

I dont know why but pump guns are less attractive to me. How do you compare 1100 with 11-87?

How much a spare 1100 28" barrel costs? I hope they are available.

Saad

Saad;There are lots of 1100 barrels available but the special field barrel is not the same configuration it is shorter from the chamber to the barrel band,I hope this is clear as to my explanation they are not interchangeable but you might be able to find a special field barrel.I went through the same thing several years ago but I was able to find a used special field barrel.The magazine lengths are different shorter on the special field, good luck w/regards