16 gauge Model 11 action dimensional change

[Dave Erickson]

Hello and thank you for reading my question.

I have a 16 gauge Model 11 that dates to 1933 (I think) #1502xxx and I have noticed that the receiver is slimmer than the later guns. I first noticed this when I had a Browning Sweet 16. It was just easier to wrap my hand around the action of the Rem 11. I then checked them with a vernier caliper and my old 11 was indeed slimmer than the 1950's era SW16's. Both top to bottom and side to side on the 11 are noticeably slimmer when held side by side. Also, when you look at the back of the "hump" the diameter of the bolt raceway is noticeably smaller.

I then compared this old 11 to my friend's 1950's era Remington 11 (16 gauge) and it was again slimmer in the action by about the same amount (about 1/10 inch). Doesn't sound like much, but you feel it. The grips are also much slimmer.

Between my 1933 gun and the 50's guns there must have been some new tooling made resulting in a slightly "thicker" action. The guns are the same, but different!

Does anyone have any knowledge of this?

Thanks!

Dave

[Dave Erickson]

Still wondering about this!

Anyone?

[35Rem]

The model 11 wasn't made after 1948.

I don't know why (or if) there was a dimesional change to the receiver in the 16 ga. Doesn't make sense.

[Dave Erickson]

The model 11 wasn't made after 1948.

I don't know why (or if) there was a dimesional change to the receiver in the 16 ga. Doesn't make sense.

You may be right about the end date for production, but if you looked at, felt, and measured my gun vs. a later gun you would understand what I am talking about.

[Researcher]

I can't really address your question, but I went down to the gun room with calipers and the receiver of my 1938 16-gauge Sportsman is about 1/16 inch thicker then the receiver of my 1948 20-gauge Sportsman.

[Dave Erickson]

Well, let's compare then. Tell me where you would like a measurement and I'll measure with my dial calipers. Width near the back of the "Hump" for lack of a better term is where I can see a difference between my 1933 gun and my friend's newer 11. Also the height from top to bottom could also be compared. I actually took some pictures of this once.....I'll see if I can dig them up.