Remington 1100 20 guage question

[RickA]

Hello everyone,
I'm a long time Remington shotgun fan and am currently looking for some information on a future purchase.
I am looking for a good semi-auto 20 gauge shotgun that will be used for skeet shooting a some upland bird hunting (quail and chukar). I'm looking for a gun that has nice wood (if it needs refinishing I can handle that problem easy) and although I'd like a 20ga a 12 is not out of the question. I was told that I should look for a 20 that was built on the 12 frame but that the person who gave me this info didn't know how to identify this trait. Can anyone give me some insight into this?
The only other criteria I have for this gun is that I keep the cost under $700 so obviously used is in order.
I currently own a 1967 field grade wingmaster in 12ga that I dearly love and shoot very well at trap. I also just purchased a 1969 Wingmaster TC trap that will be my new trap gun. I need to retire an off brand over/under that I just can't shoot anymore for skeet because of some neck problems because I shoot skeet unmounted gun to keep me in shape for bird season.
I would love to have some input and direction on what to look for from you guys. I just seem to keep coming back to the Remingtons for form and fit so to speak.
Let me know your thoughts.
Rick

[Virginian]

If you like the feel of the Wingmasters, you will like an 1100, however I don't think that is necessarliy good advice to get a standard model built on the 12 gauge receiver. A lot of people like the old standard size 20s for target work. You can tell them for sure if the serial number ends in 'X' or 'N' (Magnum). But, they are heavier - which is no big deal target shooting, in fact it can help lessen recoil effect over 200 rounds, but hunting with it it is just less lively, and they were never made with RemChokes, they haven't been made for more than 25 years, and accessories and extra barrels are harder to find and more expensive. Plus, because of the popularity with target shooters, the odds are if you find one it may have seen a lot of rounds.
I would recommend you get a Remington Model 1100 LT-20 20 gauge, or a 20 gauge 11-87, but since it doesn't sound like you really need the 3" capability of the 11-87, you might want to lean towards the 1100. There are plenty of them in excellent shape on the used market, and even the real good ones are usually under $600. You can get the old fixed choke barrels or RemChoke barrel(s) easily, and they are still making them the same way since 1977 because they are so good. The 1977 and '78 Models will match your 1967 & 69 guns styling wise, and the later ones are only slightly different.
I have had an LT-20 for 28 years, and I have shot a lot of skeet with it, and a lot of doves and quail, and I just think it handles wonderfully. If you get a standard I am sure it will serve you well, there is nothing in the world wrong with them, I just prefer the LTs for the reasons given. Good luck.

[RickA]

Thanks, I am also wondering about the 12ga models. I was discussing this purchase with my wife the other night at dinner (god love her for humoring me so much ) and she mentioned that if I got a 12ga model 1100 or 11-87 I could shoot International and doubles with it and then still use it for skeet and hunting. As you said I could care less if the gun shoots 3" shells but it must shoot 2 3/4" 1175-1200fps reloads. How much less recoil is there from say the Wingmaster to one of the semi's. in a 1oz trap or skeet load?
This area of guns is all new to me because I've always owned pumps so any indication of what I might be looking to get or stay away from helps me put the puzzle together.
Thanks
Rick

[Virginian]

The difference in felt recoil is greater with heavier loads, but you can still feel it even with the light stuff. I shoot a lot of informal trap at the club and I use my 870 so it doesn't fling shells, and I just like to shoot it. But, if I turn right around and go dove hunting I can definitely feel the difference shooting the LT20 even with stiffer loads, and if I shoot my 12 gauge 1100 at the range too it is also very noticable. A 12 gauge 1100 with light loads recoils about as softly as anything ever made before or since in my opinion. And you can find them used in excellent condition a lot cheaper.