A Foundation of Innovation: The History of the Remington 11-87
For hunters and shooters seeking a versatile and reliable shotgun, the Remington 11-87 in 20-gauge remains a popular choice, a testament to its enduring design and performance. This article will explore the features, history, uses, and pros and cons of the 20-gauge Remington 11-87, providing a comprehensive overview of this popular shotgun.
The story of the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 is intrinsically linked to its predecessor, the renowned Remington 1100. The 1100, introduced in the early nineteen sixties, quickly became a benchmark in semi-automatic shotguns. Its gas-operated action and smooth cycling earned it a reputation for reliability and comfortable shooting. Building upon this success, Remington sought to improve the design and address some of the limitations of the 1100, and to offer a shotgun for the widest possible range of shooting pursuits.
The development of the Remington 11-87 saw the introduction of a key innovation: the self-adjusting gas system. This system was designed to handle a wider variety of ammunition loads, from light target loads to heavy hunting loads, without requiring manual adjustments. This “Self-Compensating Gas System” reduced the amount of gas vented into the action for lighter loads while ensuring sufficient gas for reliable cycling of heavier loads. This system made the 11-87 more versatile and user-friendly than its predecessor. The introduction was greeted with interest from both hunters and those in the world of competitive shooting.
Over its production run, the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 has been offered in a variety of configurations. Different finishes, stock materials, and barrel lengths have been available, catering to diverse needs and aesthetic preferences. Variants like the Premier, with its upgraded wood and finish, exemplify the premium offerings, while the Sportsman models provided more economical options. These variations made the 11-87 adaptable to a wide spectrum of applications, from hunting to recreational shooting.
Examining the Specifications: Key Features of the Twenty-Gauge Model
The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 is chambered, as the name implies, for the versatile twenty-gauge shell, an ideal choice for many hunting situations and recreational shooting. The design of the 11-87 itself typically incorporates chambers that are two and three quarter inches, and three inches. These chambers provide a good balance between performance and weight, offering shooters a powerful option without the heavy recoil associated with the twelve gauge.
The heart of the Remington 11-87 is its gas-operated action. This system, refined from the 1100 design, uses the pressure of the expanding gases generated by the fired shell to cycle the action. When a shell is fired, a portion of the expanding gases is diverted through a port in the barrel. This gas then acts on a piston, which in turn moves the action, ejecting the spent shell and loading a fresh round from the magazine. This design contributes to the shotgun’s relatively soft recoil and rapid cycling.
Barrel lengths commonly found on the twenty-gauge models are designed to offer versatility. Shorter barrels are often preferred for upland bird hunting and maneuverability, while longer barrels provide a longer sighting plane for target shooting and are preferred for waterfowling. The choke system is another crucial element. The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 typically uses the Rem Choke system, which allows for the easy interchange of choke tubes. These tubes regulate the spread of the shot, allowing shooters to tailor their pattern to the specific quarry or shooting discipline.
The stock and finish options further enhance the Remington 11-87’s appeal. Synthetic stocks, typically made of durable polymer, are popular for their weather resistance and low maintenance. They’re ideally suited for hunting in inclement conditions or for recreational shooting where durability is a priority. Wood stocks, often crafted from walnut, offer a more classic aesthetic. These stocks are found in various finishes, from matte to high-gloss, to meet individual preferences. The finish on the receiver and barrel complements the stock, giving a refined look.
Weight and dimensions are also critical considerations. The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 is typically lighter than its twelve-gauge counterpart, making it comfortable to carry in the field. The overall length varies depending on the barrel length. These factors contribute to the shotgun’s ease of handling and maneuverability, essential for quick target acquisition and accurate shooting.
The capacity of the magazine tube is another crucial detail. The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 has a magazine tube that can hold up to four shells, plus one in the chamber, which brings the total capacity to five shells. This is sufficient for most hunting situations and recreational shooting activities.
Performance in Action: Functionality and Shooting Experience
The Remington 11-87, in its twenty-gauge configuration, often boasts a well-deserved reputation for reliability. The gas system and the build quality contributes to its ability to function consistently under various conditions. Proper cleaning and maintenance, as described below, are important to keep this reliability. The self-adjusting gas system is key to this performance, as it mitigates potential malfunctions caused by varied ammunition types.
Recoil management is another notable strength. The gas-operated action absorbs a significant amount of recoil energy, resulting in a more comfortable shooting experience. This makes the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 enjoyable to shoot for extended periods, which is essential in any shooting discipline.
Accuracy is naturally dependent on the skill of the shooter and the quality of the ammunition, but the design of the Remington 11-87 contributes to it. A well-fitting stock, a consistent trigger pull, and the option to use various choke tubes contribute to the ability to place shots accurately at various distances.
Cycling performance is a hallmark of the design. The self-adjusting gas system is engineered to cycle reliably with different ammunition. This means that the shotgun can cycle smoothly and reliably, from light target loads to heavy hunting loads. This ability is particularly valuable for those who engage in diverse shooting activities.
Versatile Applications: Hunting, Target Shooting, and Beyond
The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 shines as a hunting companion. Its manageable recoil, effective range, and ease of handling make it well-suited for a variety of game. For bird hunting, especially upland game like quail, grouse, and woodcock, the twenty gauge provides an optimal balance of shot density and range, making it an effective choice. The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 is a good choice for waterfowl hunters when they need a smaller gauge.
In target shooting disciplines, the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 also finds a home. Skeet, trap, and sporting clays shooters will appreciate its handling and performance. The manageable recoil is particularly beneficial, allowing for more comfortable practice and competition, while the available choke options allow for customized shot patterns.
While not the primary use of this shotgun, the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 can also be considered as a potential tool for home defense or personal protection, although with proper considerations and training. However, any discussion about using shotguns in these situations should be accompanied by essential safety guidelines and an emphasis on the need for responsible gun ownership. The user must be thoroughly aware of the legal requirements and obligations in the relevant jurisdiction.
Balancing the Equation: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The advantages of the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 are numerous. The reliability, the manageable recoil, its versatility, and its availability of parts and accessories are all major selling points. The value for money it offers is another attractive feature, giving a lot of performance for the price.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to be aware of. The weight is a point to consider, as some competing shotguns in the same gauge might be lighter. Some owners might also experience specific problems with the function when using specific ammunition types, and keeping up with routine maintenance is necessary.
Comparisons and Contrasts: Position in the Shotgun Landscape
When compared to the Remington 1100, the Remington 11-87 offers a self-adjusting gas system, which gives it more versatility in ammunition compatibility. The gas system of the 1100 is set for a specific range of loads. The 11-87 represents a step forward in terms of ease of use and adaptability.
Comparing the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 to other twenty-gauge shotguns reveals its competitive position. For example, in comparison to some lighter-weight designs that are available, the 11-87 can be a bit heavier, and may not provide the same ease of carry.
The advantages of a 20-gauge shotgun over a 12-gauge can be significant. The twenty gauge generally offers less recoil, a lighter weight, and may be easier for some shooters, particularly beginners, to handle.
Keeping it Running: Maintenance and Care
Proper care of the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 is crucial for extending its life and maintaining its reliability. Regular cleaning is essential to remove powder residue, lead fouling, and other debris that can accumulate inside the barrel and action. A quality gun cleaning kit with appropriate solvents, brushes, and patches is a worthwhile investment.
Lubrication is another important aspect of maintenance. Applying a quality gun oil or lubricant to the moving parts will ensure smooth operation and protect against wear and tear. Pay particular attention to the action bars, bolt, and gas system components.
While designed to be reliable, the Remington 11-87 may occasionally experience problems. Identifying these issues, such as failure to feed, failure to eject, or jamming, and knowing how to address them can save time and frustration.
Proper storage also contributes to the longevity of the shotgun. When not in use, the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 should be stored unloaded in a secure location, away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
Customization and Enhancements: Accessories and Modifications
The 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 can be further customized with a range of accessories. Interchangeable choke tubes allow shooters to fine-tune the shot pattern for their specific needs, whether it’s tight patterns for longer-range shots or wider patterns for closer targets.
Stock and forend options offer opportunities for improving the look and feel of the shotgun. Replacement stocks, made of different materials, can provide a more comfortable fit, while upgraded forends may give a more ergonomic grip.
Adding sights or optics can further enhance the shotgun’s versatility. A red dot sight can be a great option for quick target acquisition, while a scope may give better accuracy at a longer range.
Other accessories, such as shell carriers and slings, can improve comfort and convenience. These features are useful for both hunting and recreational shooting.
A Lasting Recommendation
In conclusion, the 20 Gauge Remington 11-87 stands as a solid and reliable choice for those seeking a versatile semi-automatic shotgun. Its enduring popularity is due to its reliability, manageable recoil, and the fact that it is well-made. From its origins to the present day, this firearm has earned its place in the hearts and gun cabinets of countless shooters. It is a good option for those who enjoy a wide range of shooting pursuits. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or personal protection, the Remington 11-87 in 20-gauge continues to be a respected and sought-after shotgun.
