Remington 1100 Shotgun Review, Top 8 Upgrades and Accessories

Remington has made gas-operated shotguns since the 1950s. Their very first one manufactured was the Model 58 semi-automatic shotgun. This shotgun line enjoyed a fair amount of success between 1956 and 1963. But then, they built a better gas-operated shotgun which reduced recoil a lot more. This model was called the Remington Model 1100. It was first introduced in 1963 and has been manufactured ever since. The three most common gauges manufactured for this shotgun are the 12-gauge, 28-gauge, .410 bore and 20-gauge.

The Remington 1100 is the first semi-automatic shotgun which had noticeably reduced recoil. It also weighed a lot less and had much better reliability than its predecessors. Critics credit the Remington 1100 for starting the era of autoloading gas-operated semi-automatic shotguns. In 1983, the Remington 1100 was the most purchased autoloading semi-automatic shotgun in the entire country. Years later, in 2011, the company reintroduced the shotgun with the Model 1100 Competition Synthetic version for only $1,305. In 2013, the company celebrated the 50th anniversary of the weapon with a special decorated version that costs about $1,999.

The classic Model 1100 is made with a walnut forend, walnut stock, a nickel receiver, and a gold trigger. This shotgun has been a favorite of competitive shooters who use it for shooting clay pigeons. In fact, some of the biggest champion clay shooters in the world have used the Model 1100 to win the competition. There are 4 choke tubes included with the shotgun, including M, Skeet, LM, and IC. Each one has a 2 ¾ inch chamber while the .410 bore has a 3-inch chamber. The classic model is priced at $1,682.

It doesn’t really matter which version of the Model 1100 you purchase because they’re all suitable for competitions. However, some people prefer the Competition Synthetic version because it is more comfortable to grip and carry around. Since it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper than the classic version, it is the perfect shotgun for anyone who is new to owning a shotgun and wants to save money.

Of course, don’t think you only have to be a competitive shooter to enjoy this shotgun. It is designed to be versatile enough to use in all types of situations, like home defense and hunting in the woods. For $1,254, you can purchase the Model 1100 Sporting Series which is designed for hunting and sporting. This is the cheapest version of the model that is available but it works just as well as all the rest.

Use

When the Remington 1100 was introduced, it was instantly successful. Skeet ranges everywhere were using this gun as their preferred weapon of choice. Hunters used the Model 1100 to hunt down virtually all kinds of game in the woods. The Magnum version that took 3-inch shells became the preferred waterfowling weapon. The Remington 1100 is used a lot in sporting clays, trap shooting, and skeet shooting. You can also find special versions of the Model 1100 which have Monte Carlo stocks and high ribs. In 2012, Remington introduced their Remington 1100 Competition Synthetic which featured a carbon fiber stock that is adjustable. Shooters also had the option to use a shell catcher to prevent used shells from flying out and hitting other people nearby. In three-gun tactical shooting situations, there was a lot of popularity amongst modified Remington 1100 versions too.

Introduction to the Remington 1100

The 12-gauge was introduced in 1963
The 16-gauge was introduced in 1964
The 20-gauge was introduced in 1964
The .410 bore was introduced in 1969
The .410 bore and 28-gauge were introduced in 1970
The 20-gauge LW (Lightweight) was introduced in 1970
The 20-gauge LT (Lightweight) was introduced in 1977

Over the years, many commemorative and limited-edition models have been released, including the Ducks Unlimited firearms.

Another custom Remington 1100 version is the Nighthawk Custom, which can be used for law enforcement purposes, competition shooting, and home defense.

Remington 1100 Upgrades and Accessories

Remington 870 / 1100 / 11-87 – Big Speed Safety

Anyone familiar with the Remington 870 pump-action shotgun knows that it has a factory installed safety button near the trigger of the weapon. However, a lot of Remington 870 owners complain that this safety button is too small to disengage the safety quickly. This could be a problem if you’re in a desperate situation that requires you to shoot as soon as possible.

Vang Oversized Safety for Remington 1100

Just imagine if you are in a combat situation where you must turn off your safety so that you can shoot the enemy without any delays. Well, if you are struggling to push the safety button so that you can shoot your weapon, it could end up getting you killed or injured. And if you are merely trying to hunt prey in the woods, you could miss the opportunity to shoot them if you cannot deactivate the safety.

Fortunately, you have the option to upgrade your factory installed safety button with the Tactical Response Jumbo Head Safety.

Vang Big Speed Safety for Remington 870	Get Oversized Vang Comp Systems safety on Brownells

Remington 1100 Magazine Extension

The more ammo you have the better.

This shotgun magazine extension lets you increase your weapon’s ammo capacity. It is easy to install the extension and to remove it. There is a threaded tube which is used in place of the magazine cap screw. If you are a law enforcement officer or wish to participate in competitive events, then this magazine extension will help. Remington models feature a sling swivel clamp which allows the extension to be secured to the barrel. This gives the user additional support. There is a front mounting point which makes it easy to attach a sling or strap. You can purchase the sling swivel clamp separately too. The construction of the extension is a steel blued matte finish. It is only available for 12-gauge models.

Remington 1100 Magazine extension by Choate.

Choate Magazine Extension for Remington 1100

	Get Remington 1100 Magazine extension by Choate on Brownells

Remington 1100 Magazine Extension by Scattergun Technologies

	Get Remington 1100 Magazine Extension by Scattergun Technologies on Brownells

Remington 1100 Follower

Remington 1100 follower by Brownells. Improves feeding.

	Get Remington 1100 follower on Brownells

Remington 1100 Barrel

Remington 1100 rifled barrel by Remington. For hunting or long distance shots.

	Get Remington 1100 rifled Barrel on Brownells

Remington 1100 Non-MIM Extractor

Non-MIM Extractor for Remington 1100. Improves extraction and reliability.

The machined extractor, or non-MIM extractor, can be used to upgrade your existing Remington 1100 or Remington 870 shotgun. It helps makes sure that used shotshells are extracted smoothly and properly so that problems do not arise. However, a lot of users complain that the MIM extractor is not working properly. That is why they want to replace it with the non-MIM extractor.

Remington 870/1100 owners will not have to spend much money if their MIM extractor breaks and they need to replace it with a non-MIM extractor. It only costs about $15 to purchase a non-MIM extractor and it is very easy to install. Afterward, there will be much more reliability when it comes to your shotshells being extracted.
Every modern Remington 870 Police shotgun has a non-MIM extractor because law enforcement officers depend on its reliability. If your Remington 870 still contains a MIM extractor, you know that you have a better option.You can get better extractor by spending $15 on a non-MIM extractor replacement. It is a cheap investment that will give your weapon the reliability and quality it deserves.

Non-MIM Extractor for Remington 1100

If you have a Remington 1100 or Remington 870, you must upgrade it with the machined extractor. Your fired shells will be extracted just fine with little chance of jamming issues. This is the same reason that the Remington 870 Police model uses a machined extractor.

Therefore, if your Remington 1100 or Remington 870 currently has extraction problems, you need to first upgrade the extractor. This upgrade is only about increasing your weapon’s reliability, not about giving it a cosmetic upgrade. The machined extractor will only cost you $14.99, so how can you miss this opportunity to enhance your weapon’s reliability for this price?

	Get Non-MIM Extractor for Remington 1100 on Brownells

Oversized, Combat or Tactical Bolt Handle for Remington 1100

There are several oversized bolt handles available for the Remington 1100. These bolt handles have a bigger size to it. You can use your “off” hand to operate it by reaching over the receiver. Your finger can still remain in a shooting position too. There is a lot of additional leverage with this handle which lets you take just a couple of seconds to empty a jammed chamber. They are is designed to provide gloved hands with a better grip.

There are three types of improved bold handles for Remington 1100:

1. Choate Combat Bolt Handle Remington 1100/11-87

Choate Combat Bolt Handle Remington 1100/11-87

Click here for more information and ordering.

2. Briley Remington 1100/11-87 Bolt Handle

Briley Remington 1100/11-87 Bolt Handle

Click here for more information and ordering.

3. Nordic Components Speed Bolt Handle for Remington 1100

Nordic Components Speed Bolt Handle for Remington 1100

Click here for more information and ordering.

Good choice for competitive shooters or for tactical/home defense shotgun.

Remington 1100 & Remington 11-87 – Easyloader

The Easyloader makes reloading your shotgun much easier and faster no matter which hand you use. This is due to the big ramp it makes which aligns the shotshell and magazine tube together. The tiny factory-made carrier release button can now be replaced. The Easyloader is constructed from tough stainless steel. When you go to install it, only a little bit of fitting is needed.

Remington 1100 & Remington 11-87 – Easyloader

It is made from 17-4 stainless steel. It is 6.3 centimeters in length and 19 millimeters in width. Also included with this component is installation instructions and roll pins. The Easy loader is only compatible with the Remington 11-87, Remington 1100, and the Sportsman 12. All these need to be 12-gauge.

Get Remington 1100 Easyloader on Brownells	Get Remington 1100 Easyloader on Brownells

Side Saddle Shell Holder – Compatible with the Remington 870/1100/1187 – 6 Rounds 12-gauge

The Side Saddle Shell Holder is made from a molded nylon material. Not only does this make it lightweight, it gives you quick access to extra firepower. There is an aluminum mounting plate which you connect to the receiver’s side. Screw holes and pins already exist for this attachment. You do not need to be a gunsmith or make alterations to the weapon. There are 6-round and 4-round shell holders available that are compatible with many reputable shotguns used by law enforcement.

Side Saddle Shell Holder – Compatible with the Remington 870/1100/1187 – 6 Rounds 12-gauge

The Remington 870, Remington 11-87 ESN, and Remington 1100 have mounting plates with a clear window in them. This window lets you see the serial number of the weapon after you’ve installed the shell holder. This shell holder is specifically made for law enforcement agencies and armorers who need to look at the serial number to track their weapons. This could be done for record keeping or inventory maintenance purposes.

The shell holder is black and made from nylon plastic. The mounting plate is aluminum and has a black matte finish. It is 17 centimeters long and weighs 152 grams. It holds 6 rounds and includes installation instructions and mounting screw pins.

Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier – Sidesaddle	Get Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier – Sidesaddle on Brownells

Remington 1100 & 11-87 – Gas Ring & Barrel Seal Kit

Remington 1100 & 11-87 – Gas Ring & Barrel Seal Kit

This steel barrel seal and piston seal are factory-made gas system components which are meant to be replacements for the ones in your Remington 11-87 and Remington 1100. You will receive installation instructions in this replacement kit too. It is compatible with 16-gauge and 12-gauge weapons. If you have a 20-gauge weapon which has an “N” or “X” serial number suffix, then it is compatible with that too.

Remington 1100 & 11-87 – Gas Ring & Barrel Seal Kit	Remington 1100 & 11-87 – Gas Ring & Barrel Seal Kit

Remington 870 Adjustable Combo Stock

You can quickly change the height of the cheek weld and offset it so that it will fit any type of shooter or shooting position. It is considered a drop in replacement for factory stocks, and they let you adjust left/right positions that provide a solid cheek weld to fit any shooter. The stock is
made of 30 percent fiberglass-reinforced polymer, which is impact resistant, and is impervious to water and resists scratches and chips.

Remington 870/1100/11-87 Adjustable Combo Stock Review

The stocks have a non-reflective surface. They come with one-inch thick recoil absorbing rubber butt plate as well. The Remington model 1100/11-87 comes with an adjustable recoil plate with an exclusive recoil system. There are eight different adjustments. They all are sold as a set with a
matching forearm with molded checkering. The 1100/11-87 models have an adjustable pull from 14 to 15 inches.

Shooters state that the stock installs easily without any needed adjustments and some have said they can add length by using shims if needed. The stock is ideal for shorter shooters or those with heavy clothing or armor on that would interfere with the pull.

Buyers have stated that the stocks are easily changed out and look good and are impressed with the ease of changing the cheek weld
positions.

What Is Cheek Weld and Why Is It Important

Cheek weld is where your cheek naturally meets the stock, where you eyes are lined up with the sights. Shooters that shoot often with the same weapon know instantly when they have failed to achieve the proper cheek weld. They can feel it is different and the sights will look different.

Having a strong cheek weld helps ride or recover from the recoil so you do not lose the sight picture. Each shooter will have a different cheek weld, and each time they pick up and aim any shotgun they will attempt to find their natural position. Having a stock that lets you adjust the

cheek weld is ideal. New shooters have made the mistake of resting their chin on the stock and have gotten a real jolt to the chin from the recoil. Having a height and angle adjustment helps stop anyone from resting his or her chin on the stock.

Each person has different sized necks and some shooters may not find it is a comfortable position even if it is their natural cheek weld. The Remington 870/1100/11-87 adjustable combo stock allows you to bring your natural cheek weld closer if the position is awkward because of an
injury or possibly because you have a shorter neck and so on.

The adjustable stocks are ideal for home defense weapons where more than one person will be using the weapon and because the stock reduces recoil as well it can be fitted for smaller persons in the home. This allows you to keep that 12-guage and stop using lighter loads because of the
recoil. People with shorter arms can still fire the weapon with accuracy and confidence if they have installed the Remington 870/1100/11-87 adjustable combination stock.

The stock combo receives 4.5 out of five stars. Many that have purchased the stock comb indicated they wanted to improve their sport shooting, clay pigeons and skeet. They stated there was a substantial improvement. Shooters from 6’4″ to 5’10” indicate the stocks work well with their heights.

Remington 870 Adjustable Combo Stock	You can get Remington 870/1100/11-87 Adjustable Combo Stock Brownells

Remington 1100/11-87 Combat Charging Handle

This is review of the Remington 1100/11-87 Combat Charging Handles from S&J Hardware and Daves Metal Works.

I don’t have a  Remington 1100/11-87. That is why I sent charging handle from S&J Hardware to Konstantin from Russia. He have ordered charging handle by Daves Metal Works for his Remington 11-87  and it was a good opportunity to compare two charging handles.

Charging Handles: Standard, S&J Hardware, Daves Metal Works

Here is review from Konstantin:
I was waiting for tactical charging handle from DAVES METAL WORKS which I ordered from Brownells.

It was interesting to compare handle from DAVES METAL WORKS company with handle from S&J Hardware which I received from Vitaly.

What I don’t like about stanard Remington 11-87 charging handle is that it is too small.

It is difficult to cock a shutter from the shotgun ready condition #2 (magazine filled (chamber empty and the action closed)).

Handle Daves Metal Works

And we know that new IPSC rules which were introduced on the last conference, prohibit the condition #3 (fixed magazine must be empty, chamber must be empty. The action/bolt may be open or closed) during the long stages.

That is why we are going to see a lot of stages with condition when we will have to cock a shutter after the signal of the timer. So I think that this review is going to be useful!

DAVES METAL WORKS is well known as manufacturer of easyloader for Remington 1100 and 11-87 and other high-quality products. Yesterday I received S&J Hardware charging handle and made visual inspection. I wasn’t happy with finish and how metal is machined. The quality of handle from DAVES METAL WORKS is better which you can see on the photo. It is smaller, thinner and more accurate. But remember that aesthetic side is not as important as practical one.

S&J Hardware Charging Handle

I have installed both charging handles and tried them during dry fire at home. After tests I think that charging handle from S&J Hardware is faster and more comfortable.
S&J Hardware charging handle is bigger and this can be useful on the beginning of the stage.

I decided to use charging handle from S&J Hardware.

Special thanks to S&J Hardware for charging handle for test and Konstantin for testing it.

Remington 1100/1187 Tactical Bolt Handle	Get Remington 1100/1187 Tactical Bolt Handle on Brownells