1100 20 gage auto reload problem

[jmmch]

This weekend I went target shooting with my 1100 20 gage, and for every shoot that I made, the shell got stuck and after removing it I had to reload manually. The load that I used was a 20 gage, 2 3/4 inch, 21/2 dram, 7/8 oz, 7 1/2 lead shot. I am thinking that maybe it was because of the low-pressure rounds. If that is the case, which is the right Dram-Oz, for this 1100 20 gage?, for me to don't have this problem repeated. Thanks for any advise.

[Virginian]

First, I assume this is a 2-3/4" only 20 gauge.
Give it a thorough cleaning from stem to stern, including the spring and tube in the buttstock and by running a small drill bit by hand thru the gas ports to make sure any grunge is removed. Make sure the 'O' ring is in good shape and the piston and piston seal are in the correct order. Then try it.
If you still have a problem come back.
There is a good disassembly thread at the top of the page and if you don't have an owner's manual, download one.

[jmmch]

Yes, is a 2 3/4 gage only. I think your answer is right, but I also noticed that at the end I switched to buck #3 ammo, and immediately my shotgun, began to shoot great. I readed the following article: that many semiautomatic shotguns are regulated internally to work with a certain power level of shell, and are therefore limited in ammunition selection. This is what I want to know. Which is the right ammunition for my 1100 20, 2 3/4 gage only shotgun?

[Virginian]

Your gun should shoot all resonable levels of 2-3/4" loads. I stuck the 'reasonable' in there because some people like to see just how small a mouse fart load they can develop, and then moan when their gun doesn't cycle it, but the loads you were shooting certainly should work. I have yet to run across a factory load that didn't work in any of mine. I have had four Model 1100 20s, including one Magnum, and with 2-3/4" barrels they all ran like typrwriters with anything 2-3/4" I fed them.
If something is dirty or sticky, heavier rounds are of course much more likely to still cycle the action.

[jmmch]

Thanks Virgininan, I will follow your advice