1100 vs. 1187

[Val]

I'm looking at getting a semi-auto 20 gauge for teaching my grandsons to shoot. Can anyone tell me the differences between an 1100 and a 1187 shotgun? Thanks .

[Graybeard]

Too little difference to concern yourself about really. The 11-87 has a SS Mag tube which does help some but is no big deal. They both have the same gas parts set up but the 11-87 is valved a bit different for better feeding of both light and heavy loads. In a 20 ga both will easily fire any factory load you buy or equivalent reloads. If the gun is marked for 3" as most all 20s are these days it will shoot from 7/8 oz to 1-1/4 oz with no hitches.

[35Rem]

graybeard missed one point.  The 1100 is chambered for 2 3/4" shells ONLY

The 11-87 will handle all 2 3/4 AND 3 inch shells, interchangably.

I have an 1187 in 12ga and LOVE it.  Have wanted one in 20 since I heard they were gonna make em.  Just haven't broken down and done it, yet...

I would go with the 11-87 for versatility.  Everything else is basically equal.