Remington Model 1100

26 November 2022    •    Greg    •    Shotguns

What is The Most Popular Autoloading Shotgun in U.S. History?

If you guessed the Browning Auto-5, you would be wrong.

Remington 1100
Remington 1100
Remington 1100
The Model 1100 was Affordable, Reliable and Boasted 55% Less Recoil

Greg | 26 November 2022

The Remington Model 1100 semi-automatic shotgun was designed by Wayne Leek and Robert Kelley and introduced by Remington in 1963. The gun was an immediate sucess. In 1963, the gun was produced in 12 gauge only, however, Remington quickly added 16 and 20 gauge versions in 1964 and finally a .410 in 1969.

To top it all off, the Remington Model 1100 was a beautiful gun to behold, especially considering that it was a mass produced gun. My son Chris has used this gun for more than twenty years. The gun was used when I purchased it for him all those years ago. We can attest to the quality of the Model 1100, if you find just the right gun.

From 1963 to 1972, Remington produced one million of these guns. By 1977, the company had reached two million in production. Then in 1983, the manufacturer announced that it had hit three million Model 1100 guns. Eventually, more than four million Model 1100's were produced.
guns standing at turkey shoot
Gas Operated

One of the new features of this gun was the unique gas operating system, which was designed to be self-cleaning. The Remington Model 1100 holds the world record for being fired the most times consecutively, without a misfire and without being cleaned. The gun fired more than 24,000 times during the test.

Of course this is not a suggestion to not clean your Model 1100. Proper care and maintenance are important aspects of keeping these old guns around for future generations to enjoy.


Model 1100 forearm closeup showing intricate carving

There were many variations of the Model 1100 over the years; Field, Lightweight, Trap, Skeet, Commemoratives, Special Editions and more. As I was writing this article I paused to perform a quick search of a popular gun auction website. I found approximately 100 Model 1100 guns being offered for sale, ranging in price from $400 to $7,000.

Chris won many competitions with this old 1100 over the years.
Model 1100 Pistol Grip with Inlay

To this day, the gun performs very well. The Remington Model 1100 is one of those guns that you will find yourself using if you add one to your collection. These guns were made to use!

Chris has done so well at competition events with this old Remington 1100, that he has never considered replacing it.
2022 Turkey Shoot Season
author
Macular Degeneration Diagnosis
The First Time I threw the Shotgun to my Shoulder and Aimed, I Realized...

The vision in my right eye was very blurry, and only became obvious when I closed my left eye to aim at the paper target.

Immediately, I scheduled an appointment with my eyeglass doctor. She gave me the bad news after some tests and sent me to a specialist for complete diagnosis. I had wet AMD in my right eye and dry AMD in my left eye. AMD is the acronym for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.


My 85 year-old father has Macular Degeneration. Now at age 62, so do I...

Today is December 9, 2022 and I just got my second injection in the eye yesterday. The first was four weeks ago. The injections are supposed to stop or slow leakage from my veins that are causing the accumulation of fluid behind my retina.

Final Word on the Model 1100

The Remington Model 1100 semiautomatic shotgun is renowned for its exceptional qualities, making it a beloved choice among shotgun enthusiasts. One of its standout features is its unmatched reliability. The Model 1100 is designed to cycle smoothly and consistently, whether you're shooting trap, skeet, hunting waterfowl, or engaging in any other shotgun-related activity. Its gas-operated action system minimizes recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots and increased accuracy. This reliability has earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the most dependable semiautomatic shotguns on the market.

The Illustrated Catalog of Rifles and Shotguns
Rifles and Shotguns

Another outstanding aspect of the Remington Model 1100 is its versatility. Available in various configurations and gauges, including 12, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as .410 bore, the Model 1100 can suit the needs of a wide range of shooters. Whether you're a competitive shooter, a hunter, or simply someone who enjoys recreational shooting, you can find a Model 1100 that meets your preferences and requirements. The shotgun's interchangeable choke tubes further enhance its adaptability, allowing for adjustments in shot pattern and range.

The Model 1100 is celebrated for its elegant design and craftsmanship. Remington's attention to detail is evident in the walnut or synthetic stock options, polished blued barrels, and checkered grips. The shotgun's classic look and refined finish make it a timeless piece of firearms artistry. Moreover, the gun's ergonomic design ensures a comfortable shooting experience, with its well-balanced weight distribution and comfortable handling.

Another notable aspect of the Remington Model 1100 is its rich history and widespread popularity. Introduced in 1963, it quickly gained acclaim and became a staple in the world of shotguns. Its long-standing presence in the market speaks volumes about its enduring appeal and performance. Many shooters have developed a deep connection with the Model 1100 over the years, and it has remained a symbol of excellence in the firearm industry.

Lastly, the Model 1100 offers an excellent value proposition. Despite its exceptional quality and features, it is often competitively priced compared to other semiautomatic shotguns of its class. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a reliable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing shotgun without breaking the bank. In summary, the Remington Model 1100 semiautomatic shotgun stands out for its reliability, versatility, craftsmanship, rich history, and value for money, making it a top choice for shotgun enthusiasts of all levels.

author
Greg

My MOS when I served in the United States Army was 76Y. For you non-military readers, the Military Occupational Specialty of 76 Yankee means that I was a Unit Armorer. While on REFORGER 85, I trained with German Paratroopers and qualified as "Expert" with the German G-3 rifle, the Israeli Uzi 9mm sub-machinegun and the 9mm handgun.

The Illustrated Catalog of Rifles and Shotguns: 500 Historical to Modern Long-Barreled Firearms Paperback – Illustrated, October 18, 2022