Newbie question on Remington 11-87

[Deb15]

I have been scouting for a 20 ga autoloader, because I'd like to get a shotgun with recoil dampening since I'm sensitive to recoil.  The search has narrowed to 2 guns:  the Rem 1100 and the Rem 11-87, but I have a question about the Rem 11-87 based on what is said in the Rem catalog. In the catalog it says, "WHen shooting lighter field loads, an integral pressure relief valve remains closed, using all of the shell's pressure to operate the action.  When shooting heavier 3" loads, the valve opens proportionately to bleed off unneeded pressure."  My question, which the customer service person at Remington could not understand and so couldn't answer :evil: , is:  does this statement mean that the gas-operated recoil dampening is SHUT OFF and NOT HAPPENING for the 2 3/4" loads, or does this statement refer to something else, and the 11-87 still provides recoil dampening for BOTH 2 3/4" and 3" size shotshells?
The 11-87 in a few ways seems a nicer gun than the 1100, so I am hoping that the answer is that the gas recoil dampening works in it regardless what type load is used.


Deb

[Bob_K]

The 11-87 does not have "gas operated recoil dampening," and neither does the 1100.  The recoil dampening effect is due to the action design, and that is essentially the same for both guns.  The laws of physics say the recoil is the same for the same shotshell load whether fired in a fixed breech gun, or fired in a gas operated gun.  The gas operated gun spreads the recoil energy out for the time the action is operating, giving the impression of less recoil.

The main advantage of the 11-87 20 ga is the capability of shooting 3" shells.  Think you ever go duck hunting?  (HeviShot 20 ga 3" is an effective duck load.)  If duck hunting is not on your agenda, then perhaps you have no need for a 3" chambered gun.

I'm not sure the 11-87 is any nicer than the 1100 20 ga Sporting Clays, or the 1100 20 ga Tournament Skeet guns.