Rem 1100 VS Rem 1187

[oo_buck]

Okay, I'm sure this has been discussed to death at one time or another. I however, missed it.

Which one to buy? I have found new an 1100 "sportsman" for about $450.00, and an 11/87 "sportsman" new for about $480.00.

What are the Pros and Cons with each?

[JPSaxMan]

The 11-87 is simply a more updated version of the 1100, with more technological features than the 1100. I don't own either, but have shot the 1100 (12 ga) and I thought it was a real nice gun. Just to shed some light on the technicals, if you look into the magnum line of 11-87's, you'll find that extra seals and springs have been added to it just to make it function easier. But basically, it's the same gun.

For the extra $30, I'd go with the 11-87. I can't find an 1100 Sportsman on Remington.com, but the 11-87 is the more up to date semi auto of the two, and I'd just go with the 11-87.  

[Graybeard]

Internally they are "almost" identical. But the 11-87 does have a stainless steel mag tube where the gas flows and is somewhat easier to care for. They are not completely identical but the differences are too small to matter in the real world. If you want to be able to shoot mild target loads and 3" magnums get the 11-87 as the gas ports are different to allow this.

[NYH1]

With the 1100 you can only shot one size shell in it. If its a 2 3/4" chamber, you have to shoot 2 3/4" shell (obviously). It gos the other way too, if its a 3" which there are some 3" 1100's out there, you have to shoot 3" shells in it even though the shorter 2 3/4" shells we fit, the gas system is setup for the 3" shell and the shorter shell won't work reliably, they'll jam up more then likely.

The 11-87 has a build in compensator so you can shoot both 2 3/4" and 3" shells interchangeably. If you get a 12 ga. with 3 1/2" chambers you can shoot 3" and 3 1/2" shells  interchangeably. If you want to shoot 2 3/4" shells you have to change an "O-ring" in the gas system then you'll be all set. The fit and feel of the two are identical to one another!

I went through this last year when I was shopping for my 20 ga. I ended up getting the 11-87 Premier. In my opinion the 11-87 is more versatile, but I'd take an 1100 any day if the price was right, I really like them too!

[Graybeard]

Yeah well in theory. But in practice most 3" guns will shoot most 2-3/4" field loads OK as long as you keep it clean. They won't shoot the light target loads or the cheap promo loads most often tho.

[tscott]

I bought my 1100 20 years ago. I had read someplace that the 1100,
was the only production shotgun to shoot a perfect round of clays....
out of the box! Over the years I have acquired 4 barrels, and have shot NC quail, to even a deer in Dutchess Co. NY. My favorite barrel is modified.
I have been delighted, particularly on all day hunts. Best gun I've held
while swinging in balance!