1100 versus 11-87

[ChuckD]

I have a friend looking to buy a Remington auto-loading shotgun. He asked me which is better the M-1100 or M-11-87, or what is the difference between them. Being a collector not a shooter, I couldn't answer him.
I assume parts are readily available for both. Will 11-87 barrels interchange with the 1100?
He is looking to use it occasionally for sporting clays and possible home defense.
All comments appreciated.

ChuckD

[Virginian]

The only functional differences between an 1100 and an 11-87 are the gas cylinder collar, which is integral to the barrel, the stainless magazine tube on the 11-87, and the fore end, because the gas collar is different. An 11-87 will function with both 2-3/4" and 3" shells, but an 1100 is either 2-3/4" standard or 2-3/4" and 3" Magnum loads in the Magnum model. Many 1100 Magnums will function with lesser loads, but you cannot count on it.
If you want/need 3" capability, get an 11-87. I would look for a used "Premier" model with a "Light Contour" barrel. Almost all 11-87s come with RemChokes, but millions of 1100s were made before those appeared in 1986. Early 11-87s were barrel heavy, which forever put the nail in the coffin of the idea of having the 11-87 replace the 1100. Earlier model 11-87s did have a nice blued and polished walnut finish. In recent years Remington has targeted the 11-87 more at the low cost/hunting crowd.
The barrels will interchange and work, but an 1100 fore end will have to have some wood removed from the inside front to work with an 11-87 barrel, and an 1100 barrel will need a shim to work on an 11-87.
Practically any accessory made for any semi auto is available for either one.

[ChuckD]

Virginian, Thank You for your information.I'll pass it on to my friend Ken.

[Virginian]

Almost forgot, the 11-87 has a wider extractor, so if you swap on an 1100 barrel you will need to widen the slot on the barrel with a file.

[SpecialPurpose1985]

The Serial Numbers for both Model Lines Both Start with “PC” for Pressure Compensated? Or is that ONLY the 11-87?

[Virginian]

All 12 gauge 11-87s used to have the PC prefix. 20 gauge was TL. Last 1100 prefix before they apparently junked all the codes was R. I am not aware of any particular significance in any Remington pre- or suffixes.

[SpecialPurpose1985]

Always Greatly Appreciate talking to You Virginian. Your Knowledge about Remington is Encyclopedic.

The 11-87 Super Magnum Serial Number Lot always begins with “RS”?

Best,

Marc

[Virginian]

Unfortunately Remington dropped all the earlier coding on shotguns and went to RS on all. I have heard it stands for Remington shotgun. An acquaintance got a new 700 rifle with an RR designation.

[dhenzler]

Another model variant is the 1100G3 which is an 1187 Deluxe with added features. Like the Premier, and more. Has over bored barrel (12ga), lengthened forcing cone, nickel teflon coated internal parts and is a heck of a nice shooter. My 12ga weighs in at 8-1/2 lbs and I shoot Remington Gun Club with recoil like a 20ga gun.
My daughter gave me an 1187 Premier and I gave it back after getting the 1100G3's. I should have kept it but I have three of the G3's now... two 28", and one 26" barrel. I shoot them interchangeably... no difference. The Extended Skeet choke is made by Briley for Remington and breaks the targets like a MOD. Powders them. I believe all of the extended chokes were Briley. Those Pro-Bore chokes are a good deal on the Internet for a fraction of new Briley prices.
I put a 2lb sear spring in the trigger group for Skeet. Lovely change from the 5+ lb factory springs. They can be found at http://springs.ccskeet.com.
The 1187 is a great shotgun. But many including me still love the old original 1100's. I changed out the barrels on any I bought for a Target Contour barrel, which came with two beads, and an extended skeet choke. I sent one of them out to have the forcing cone lengthened and polished which makes cleaning with a tight patched mop much easier to get past the forcing cone area.
Enjoy them... great guns all.

[Virginian]

Agree with you about the older 1100s. All I have left now are a 1963 12 gauge - bought new in '63, a 1966 12 Magnum, and a 1978 LT 20 Magnum. I still have about 10 extra barrels and three extra stock sets. Over time I guess I have owned well over 20 1100s and 11-87s in every gauge but 16 and .410. I had an early 11-87 Premier with the heavy early barrel, sold it in the blind and never looked back. I really liked everything about the G3 but the looks. But, that's just personal taste, and they were very well made. I actually prefer early first gen impressed checkering on an 1100 so that tells you something about my tastes.