My new Remington 1100 Tac II

[SIGShooter]

Okay no pictures yet. I'll have them in a couple of weeks.

I'm sending it out to Wilson for a new coating and Ghost Ring sights.

I have to say it is a nice shotgun. One down side I see to it is the extra little pieces and parts. However, from everything I've read it is on par with the Bennelli M4 series shotguns.

[Glockster_James]

Good move on sending off for new finish. Thats really the only complaint I have about the Tac2's. And mine doesn't care for reduced recoil buckshot or slugs...which is actually fine since the recoil is very minimal anyways. :) Post some pictures when you get it back.

[JohnJak]

Heres a sneak preview of one.




http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/1613/pix790451281aq4.th.jpg (http://img365.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pix790451281aq4.jpg)

[Jeff82]

18 or 22"?

I absolutely love my 1100 Tactical!! Doesn't like club loads*. Runs great on everything else.

Couple pics here http://glocktalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=518
and:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/Jeff82/Newtoys001.jpg

Got a Tac Shottie match coming up. I'm gonna try and get some hatcam vid of it if I can find the cam...

*needs to be >1250fps or 3 1/4 dram equ. and >1 ounce loads.

[SIGShooter]

It is an 18" barrel.

I didn't care too much for the finish either.

I will have it back in a couple of weeks. Nighthawk received it a couple days ago.

I decided to go all out on it. I figured it was there I mine as well go for it.


Side sling mount (Clamp style with weaver mount on right side)
Stock sling mount
LPA Ghost Ring sights (Tritium front standard rear)---I did some research on these sights. They were the same sights that benelli uses on their M4 ****guns. They were also the sights requested by the USMC during trials of their shotguns)
Weaver mount on upper receiver
Jumbo head safety
Black Perma coat finish


I will defintely have pictures as soon as I get it back.


EDITED TO ADD: I read the manual on the 1100. I didn't see anything that said not to use low/reduced recoil ammo. However, I have heard from many people that their semi auto shotty's don't like the reduced rounds. I'll stick with the Remington '00 and the "Slugger" slugs. I'll keep the reduced stuff for the pump.

[Jeff82]

EDITED TO ADD: I read the manual on the 1100. I didn't see anything that said not to use low/reduced recoil ammo. However, I have heard from many people that their semi auto shotty's don't like the reduced rounds. I'll stick with the Remington '00 and the "Slugger" slugs. I'll keep the reduced stuff for the pump.

When I got mine I went to the range with a 100 round carton of the "club" or "range" loads. The first box of 25 went through like crap through a goose but after that it started choking. I went home cleaned it (again), found some Remington advice on the internet explaining the diff between their low power guns and the high power ones (# and size of gas ports is diff, IIRC). I went back out with slugs and Buck shot and it ran fine. Some of the old timers say that after it's good and broken in I might be able to shoot low powered rounds again. As soon as I find ref to it I'll post...


Great stuff but not what I'm looking for:
http://users.dls.net/~rdouglas/Rem1100Notes-Revised.doc
www.remingtonsociety.com/images/Rem_1100_Notes__Rev_with_Pix_of_Disassembly.pdf (Same but in PDF)

[Jeff82]

Found on The High Road, Part 1:

"This article was cut & pasted from USRAC website. It has great info about "practical" shotgunning...

Speed Shotgun
by Patrick Kelley
© 2001, Patrick Kelley
Taken from the November 2001 issue of Front Sight magazine, official journal of the United States Practical Shooting Association.
In our world of action shooting, the 3-gun format is taking hold. With the improved success of the 3-Gun Nationals (thanks USPSA) and the well-established Mystery Mountain 3-Gun, your opportunities to get in some quality long gun time are growing. Outside USPSA you will find other venues to scratch your long gun itch, such as the SOF and World Championship Tactical 3-gun competitions.

Becoming a USPSA member in 1990 after having spent some time in the slow pursuit of Metallic Handgun Silhouettes and NRA bull's-eyes, I was immediately hooked on our game of speed, power and accuracy. With some exposure to high-speed shotgunning via bowling pin shooting, my fascination with ever-faster shotguns has become deep-seated. In the years between then and now I have used most of the popular (and one unpopular) self-loading shotguns. I've used them with barrels from 19.75 to 28 inches, capacities from 8 to 15 rounds, rigged as tactical or open, with optics, ports, side saddles, Tec loaders, trigger jobs, tuning, and mercury recoil reduction.

Remington 1100/11-87
Early on my list of tools was the 1100 Remington. Most of you are probably familiar with this arm. It possesses the attributes of low recoil (due to gas operation), good ergonomics, high cyclic rate, easy maintenance, and reasonable affordability. With many aftermarket parts available, it is the top choice of many 3-gunners. Except for one thing, we could conclude the article right here.

Unfortunately, the shotgun that seems perfect is not, as RELIABILITY, (especially long-term reliability), is a problem. Practical shooters tend to shoot more than the average wingshooter, and they shoot long strings of heavy loads. This is the downfall of the 1100/11-87 platform.

The 1100's problems relate to the interceptor latch and magazine tube.

We cause the problems with the magazine tube. For capacity purposes, we hang extension tubes on the end of the factory tube. If this transition isn't smooth, you have problems. Consider that the shells, follower, and spring must pass by it in two directions. On my 1100's, I use the factory steel follower or one of my own spun out on the lathe to help glide over any such problems. If you must use a plastic follower, keep it clean and smooth.

The larger problems surround the magazine spring. We pay close attention to our pistol recoil and magazine springs (sometimes too much), but we neglect our shotguns. In the 1100, this is a serious mistake. As a rule of thumb the spring should be 8" to 10" longer than the assembled length of your shotgun and extension.

The 1100 trigger group contains a part called the carrier release. The carrier release is operated solely by the force of the shell leaving the magazine tube. Really! The thing that allows your shotgun to close and feed a live round is dependent upon the force of the shell leaving the magazine tube! How often have you seen 1100's lock open, with a round sitting in the action? Nothing looks wrong, but the bolt has stuck back? Any trouble with feeding rounds out of the magazine tube can cause the carrier release to "stick" on the carrier stud.

When all goes well, dropping the hammer, activating the disconnect and interceptor latch, feeding the next round, tripping the carrier release, plus loading the round and re-setting the trigger takes about 14 hundredths of a second. Yes, this is the cyclic rate of the 1100 Remington. Shot-to-shot speed stops at 14 hundredths. While it is possible to pull the trigger faster, the disconnect will not reset until the bolt is fully closed.

This tidbit of information came to me via my 1100's, and the aforementioned quest for speed. While not known in the big circles, I was, for a period of time, (here in my little neck of the woods) referred to as "Machine gun Kelley." During a bowling pin shoot I noticed I was either trigger-freezing or somehow stutter-stepping around pins. With the attendant five second penalty per pin left on the table, this would never do. Only a poor sportsman blames his equipment, but I had to know whether I suffered from trigger freeze or if the gun was at fault. Having multiple 1100's on hand, a video camera, and an operator, I soon found out more than I wanted. A cool November afternoon found my buddy Hunter and me out testing one of my 1100's. Hunter was picked because he did not immediately suggest it was pure folly to think I could outrun a self-loading gun. Careful examination of slow motion footage clearly showed my trigger finger pulling the trigger a second time before the action closed. Now what?

More testing with more 1100's with a wider selection of ammunition brought the same results. Thoughts of cutting, grinding, lightening and springing came and went. There was nothing actually wrong with any of the 1100's tested, only a built-in finite cyclic rate. What next? I know, I'll just sell a couple of 1100's and buy the "world's fastest shotgun." A few weeks passed and one of our local gun shops (in this case davesguns.com) called me with the good news. My new no-excuses, super-duper, wham-bam, special-operations-team-approved Benelli M1 Super 90 was waiting for me, yee haw!

Benelli M1 Super 90
To many, the Benelli is the be-all and end-all of shotguns. Known for its reliability, durability and speed, I purchased the "world's fastest cycling shotgun" after a years-long affair with the 1100. Finally, I had found MY shotgun and for a time the Benelli and I got along very well. This particular Benelli was the M1 Super 90 slug model, complete with eight-shot tube extension, side saddle shell carrier, and barrel-mounted rifle sights. This set-up served me well for nearly two years. In 1997, the quest for speed again lifted its ugly head.

This time the challenge was steel.

The American Handgunner World Shoot-off Championships set the stage for the Benelli's downfall: more precisely, the man vs. man auto shotgun side shoot. Here I am, trying to qualify for the final four with Jerry Miculek and Bill Vance setting the pace. Both were averaging about two seconds for five poppers.

In this format, if memory serves, we made four passes on five poppers with the best three runs totaled for score. My first run came in at two seconds and change. I'd better speed up if I want to play with the big boys! On the second pass, the buzzer sounds and the Benelli snaps to my shoulder. The first shell is out the ejection port, and we are cooking now! As the second target is acquired, disaster strikes. My Benelli fails to fire. Yes, I remembered to load the thing and to both release and pull the trigger! As you know, in the heat of competition you don't take time to figure out much. Just get the thing running! So I apply the Benelli equivalent of "tap rack bang."

Needless to say, I didn't make the cut on that run.

Going into run three I thought: "I am not out of this yet; I just need two more good runs." This same scenario played out again on my third and fourth runs. Since I was out of the running, I took a little time to see what was happening on the fourth run. It looked like the hammer was following the bolt down on a live round. Must be something wrong with the fire control components, I thought, so I'll just borrow another M1 Super 90 from my buddy Jim Wall. Jim warns me not to "put any stupid in his gun" and with that I plunk down my re-entry fee for another chance at Jerry and Bill. I am ready now; I have in my hands a veteran shotgun that has seen the ranges of Gunsite and top finishes at SOF. If any gun can make the difference, I now posses it. Victory is mine (or at least I will make the cut). Not so fast, powderhead! Again the hammer follows the bolt down on a live round. Sorry Jim, I guess I did "put some stupid" into your gun.

Back home, I was determined to find out why. Can I be the cause of THIS malfunction? Other types of malfunctions, sure, but THIS one? With the help of a half a dozen M1 Super 90 owners and hundreds of rounds of shot shells I set to work finding out. Could it be the cyclic rate? Benelli's trick shooter had set a record shooting more hand-thrown clays than anyone else, so their gun had to be fast, right?

Over a year's time, using any M1 S90 that I could borrow (usually at matches), I learned that the Benelli was indeed faster than the 1100, but that I could out-run the Benelli's cyclic rate on demand.

Using the same videographic techniques that we applied to the 1100, we found the limit for the Benelli: 13 hundredths of a second. That's it. Any faster, and the hammer follows the bolt. Some of the testing I have on video tape documents 11 of the aforementioned hammer follows in 50 rounds fired. For all that fanfare, "the world's fastest shotgun" is one lousy hundredth faster than the Remington 1100.

If the 13/14 hundredths cyclic rate is virtually the same for both Benelli and Remington, why the difference in the malfunction? Simple, the Benelli disconnect resets before the bolt is closed. The Remington does not. At speeds below .13 second, the hammer follows the bolt down without firing on the Benelli. The Remington just makes you pull the trigger again when the disconnect resets.

(Editor's note: I asked Jim Wall about his experiences with the Benelli. His ideas reflect Kelley's, but he adds a warning about cocking handles. "I've got timers that will show the minimum cyclic rate as high as .14, especially if you have one of those big cocking handles on. I had one of those, and that's about the time I started having trouble with the cyclic rate. . . Now I'm back to using the little pin that Benelli supplies.")

The initial reaction of many shooters to this information is, "Who cares? Who really goes that fast?" or "Where would I use that speed?" Practical shooters (and some tactical shooters) are different. This is why I penned my "on the range" experiences. If you KNEW that your pistol stopped working at .13 seconds and your ability exceeded that, you would be at the gunsmith getting it fixed. Why should you expect less from your shotgun? If you worked on a SWAT team, and the Benelli was your main shotgun, wouldn't knowing that you were carrying a gun guaranteed to fail at under .13 second splits give you pause?

So now what? How do I fix the "world's fastest cycling shotgun?" After much thought, I chose not to. If I were to try, I would start with weight reduction in the reciprocating parts. Springs work in both directions, so changes there don't really help (if a strong spring makes the action close faster, it also makes it open slower). A company called SRM makes an improved cycling kit that may be worth a try.

So what now? Do I settle for less? How about Browning? What do they have to offer?

[Jeff82]

Part 2:

Browning Auto 5
Way back when, everybody had a Browning Auto 5 for their waterfowl gun. Does it meet the criteria for our games? Let's see: Reliability is job one. This gun is VERY reliable. Much of its reputation came from waterfowl hunting. Stories of freezing cold wet guns being dropped in the muck still coming up shooting are told to this day. Does it possess the attributes of low recoil, good ergonomics, ease of maintenance and reasonable affordability? How about after-market accessories? The Auto 5 scores three out of six. It is reliable, ergonomics are okay, and maintenance? What maintenance? Oil and shoot. Nothing breaks; nearly every part is cut from cast, billet or forged steel. Like the Benelli, it is recoil operated (although the Auto 5 is a long recoil action unlike the Benelli) and does not mitigate recoil as well as a gas-operated gun. With the discontinuance of the Auto 5, prices have gone way up, and accessories are next to non-existent. Nada, zip. Even Choate is discontinuing their magazine extension tube for the Auto 5. Why even talk about it? Because even with the obstacles involved, Auto-5's are faster than and at LEAST as reliable as the Benelli - particularly at top speed.

The Auto 5 positively re-sets the first half of the trigger return stroke using a pair of opposing hooks - one on the hammer, one on the trigger. Instead of waiting for the fairly passive action of a re-set spring, that hook on the hammer claws the trigger ahead as the hammer re-sets, slapping your finger out of the way if you're too slow letting go. You still need to let go of the trigger for it to fully re-set, but the first half of the process is done mechanically. (Think of it like using solid lifters instead of spring lifters on a car engine.)

Until I ran across the next shotgun on my list, the Browning Auto 5 proved itself to be faster than the "world's fastest cycling shotgun," leaving the Benelli buried in its empty hulls.

The New Brownings
Okay, drum roll please. Will the real world's fastest cycling shotgun please stand up? What? We have two guns standing? How can this be? We can thank the people at Winchester and Browning for this situation. They have unwittingly given us a choice between two "world's fastest cycling shotguns." The Browning Gold and the Winchester Super X2 are both built on the same basic platform, and these guns haul!

Okay, they go fast, WAY FAST. Do they meet the criteria we have established? Low recoil? Oh yeah! They're gas operated. Good ergonomics? Yes, they feel quick in the hands. Ease of maintenance? So far so good. I have no long-term data, but the gas system was designed with this very thing in mind. As far as gas guns go, these are as simple as you could hope for, at least in terms of number of parts. This goes for the fire control system too. Reasonable affordability? Costs no more than a Benelli. Aftermarket parts? 3gungear.com will make you a slick side saddle for them. Mag extensions are a little harder to come by. Check the websites of Briley.com or Defensiveedge.net.

Did I mention RELIABILITY??? In addition to my own limited testing, reports from Bennie Cooley indicate that this platform IS reliable. Cooley has won one 3-Gun nationals with it, plus a couple of wins at the North Carolina tactical 3 gun, and the MGM 3 gun.

Browning Gold
The Browning Gold is the only "new" self-loader available with speed loading. Here is what that means as described in Browning literature - "with the action open, any load inserted into the magazine is sent directly to the chamber, ready to be fired."

Like some kind of mechanical magic trick, the moment you let go of the first round stuffed into the magazine tube, the Browning Gold feeds it all the way to the chamber. No messing around loading the chamber, pushing a button, and then flipping the gun to load the mag tube - just load the magazine tube and the gun loads itself! This feature was originally designed for the Browning "Double Automatic" and was quickly applied to the Auto 5; it has been on nearly all Browning self-loaders since.

Winchester Super X2
Unbeknownst to many, Browning and Winchester are owned by the same holding company. As a result, the two firms are sharing a lot of information with each other and with FN.

Winchester's Super X2 is essentially the same gun as the Browning Gold, only with a different set of features. The Winchester does not have the speed-loading feature of the Browning, otherwise the price point would be substantially higher.

What the Winchester does offer is a ready-to-rock "Practical" configuration! Somebody at Winchester must be a 3 gunner, as this gun is built with us in mind. Sporting a 22" barrel for good handling (complete with Invector chokes) and a factory-installed magazine extension bringing capacity to 8 and 1, this gun is good to go. Standard features also include a synthetic stock and cantilever scope mount. Not leaving the Limited division gunners out, Winchester has fitted an excellent set of rifle sights. The rear one folds down and is dovetailed to the scope mount. The front sight is dovetailed into a nice-looking serrated ramp and has the very popular fiber optic tube or "light pipe" nestled inside. The only thing I would add is a side saddle, and again, 3gungear.com can handle that for you.

I got a chance to spend a little time (very little) with the Winchester Super X2 and found what may pull me away from my beloved Auto 5. After a few speed drills on three pepper poppers, I was already well pleased with this self-loader's performance. Using 00 Buck loads (does this thing smooth out recoil or what?) I ran a three-popper course with each popper a yard apart and 12 yards down range. From the port arms position I was able to "draw" and knock down all three in just under one second. Considering a reaction and first engagement time of .68, split times between the next two poppers were 12 and 13 hundredths respectively. This is as fast as my Auto 5! At this speed, the Benelli's hammer follows the bolt!

Idaho state police officer David Neth was kind enough to let me perform this test with his personal Winchester SX2 Practical. He also demonstrated this shotgun's true capability by pulling off some 11 hundredths splits along with a handful of 12's. To top that, he beat my personal record for the fastest five shots. This is a little thing I have been doing since the speed bug hit me. With the timer running you let loose of five rounds as fast as you can, counting the first shot as zero and totaling the remaining four split intervals. My best to date has been 56 hundredths. David amazed the small gathering at a 3 gun match in Winchester, Idaho by firing those five shots in 51 hundredths! The splits were three .13's and one .12. This gun is full auto fast! By the way, this was with Federal 00 buck. No, not the low recoil stuff, this was Federal MAX 2 3/4 Classic.

So there you have it, a quick overview of a short list of practical self-loading shotguns. All will do the job nicely. Some may fit your needs better than others. Each has its high points and all have their problems. As much as I thought I would not draw any conclusions for you I would like to leave you with this;

My quest for speed grew out of a desire for reliability. While speed is not everything, you can have that and a reliable shotgun to boot. No matter what gun you use, our game will uncover its weaknesses and shine its attributes. So get out there and see how fast you can go. Go 3 gunning!"

[racine]

Thanks for sharing that info Jeff. That 1100 looks sweet. I have a modified 1100 as well that I use primarily for 3gun and it has never let me down. It was initially configured for unlimited with a 10+1 tube, speed loaders but it has since been converted to an 8 +1, minus the speed loader, Choate pistol grip, added a sidesaddle and 2x2, fiber optic front and larger gas ports to handle lighter loads and low recoil slugs. I've had mine since 1998 and it has run flawlessly. I like your pistol grip stock better. Is that a Speedfeed?
Thanks,
Racine

[Jeff82]

Thanks for sharing that info Jeff. That 1100 looks sweet. I have a modified 1100 as well that I use primarily for 3gun and it has never let me down. It was initially configured for unlimited with a 10+1 tube, speed loaders but it has since been converted to an 8 +1, minus the speed loader, Choate pistol grip, added a sidesaddle and 2x2, fiber optic front and larger gas ports to handle lighter loads and low recoil slugs. I've had mine since 1998 and it has run flawlessly. I like your pistol grip stock better. Is that a Speedfeed?
Thanks,
Racine

You're welcome, I found it pretty interesting too. I sent an email to a FFL friend of mine looking to see what I could find a Win SX2 Prac for and seems they are rare as hen's teeth. If you find one it'll be $850+ and probably closer to $1000. Whew. Glad I'm happy with my 1100!! Didn't realize the Benelli's could be "over-driven" though. And to think the Troopers here carry them! I hope one of them never learns that the hard way!

Yep. Speedfeed IV. Came stock (no pun intended but we'll take what we can get!! :) ) on the gun.

[SIGShooter]

Jeff,


I read that same article about 3 weeks ago. I quess everyone has their own perception of good, better, best.

[SIGShooter]

I'm hoping about another week for it to get done!!!

I can't frickin wait!!!

It's almost like Christmas, only I actually get something that I want!!!!!!!!!!!

:tree:

[USMC06]

You're welcome, I found it pretty interesting too. I sent an email to a FFL friend of mine looking to see what I could find a Win SX2 Prac for and seems they are rare as hen's teeth. If you find one it'll be $850+ and probably closer to $1000. Whew. Glad I'm happy with my 1100!! Didn't realize the Benelli's could be "over-driven" though. And to think the Troopers here carry them! I hope one of them never learns that the hard way!

Yep. Speedfeed IV. Came stock (no pun intended but we'll take what we can get!! :) ) on the gun.

I just got a Remington 1100 Tactical 4 for 3-Gun matches. Did significant research prior to deciding on the 1100. Tired of getting beat using a pump going against the semi-autos. Trying to get more serious. Trying to learn from those with experience using the 1100 about the "must add" items. Trying to decide on sights. I have had good luck with the TruGlo Fiber Optics clamp-on on my 870. Prefer the GRS on my 590. I know I will get a side saddle immediately. Any tips from experienced 3-gunners would be welcome.

[Jeff82]

I just got a Remington 1100 Tactical 4 for 3-Gun matches. Did significant research prior to deciding on the 1100. Tired of getting beat using a pump going against the semi-autos. Trying to get more serious. Trying to learn from those with experience using the 1100 about the "must add" items. Trying to decide on sights. I have had good luck with the TruGlo Fiber Optics clamp-on on my 870. Prefer the GRS on my 590. I know I will get a side saddle immediately. Any tips from experienced 3-gunners would be welcome.

So far I've been using the factory bead. I did go get some "Mango Orange" fingernail polish and painted my side of the bead. I believe I'd be better served with rifle style though. Prob is then I can't put my rail on it if I want to put "glass" on it as the rear sight would interfere (receiver mount "ghost ring". It would work with a barrel mounted rear). But, since I'm not going to go "open" class (with glass) until I also go to a speedloader kit, I'm really just hurting myself by not going to rifle type sights... (Did I just answer my own question?) Either way to be competitive in "Open" I'd need to get the 22" with 8+1 cap, the speedloader, and J-Point or similar, and barrel comp cuts would be a "good thing!" :) As it is, I've got the 18" (6+1) and no amount of hot-rodding will get me close to "real" Open guns, so I'll just stick with "semi-auto" or "Tactical" division.

Second, I put a hard 6-shot side saddle on the receiver. I've since learned that the soft ones using Velcro may be a more functional option as you can keep several different ones loaded with different loads. It's getting tiresome pulling my #1Buck HD rounds out one by one and reloading my "game" 7 1/2's, one by one, or getting to a slug stage and then having to switch again (1 by 1!). It'd be much easier to rip one off (set of six rounds) and stick another back on, each loaded what what I need at that time. The downside is you'll have to use some type of glue to get the bottom part of the Velcro to stick on the side of the receiver, it's probably already on the backing, just the thought of glue on my receiver :( . Couple more pluses for the Velcro: the screws used to attach the hard saddle replace your trigger assembly pins and must use Locktite or they'll come loose when you shoot. That also means anytime you want to break down your gun it's more than just "push out two pins". Also I think the speedloader guide needs to use those same pin holes as the hard side saddle so your choice is one or the other. And, when you don't want anything sticking out on the left side you can simply take it off (leaving the glued back piece but it's flat). This is my cursory foray into this, YMMV.

[racine]

I can't shoot fast enough for my 1100 which I built up for 3gun. I'm convinced that weapons training and familiarity wins over weapons platform(staying in the 20th century). Case in point l learned 20 yrs ago that a hicap modern semiauto in the hands of a rookie(me) was no match for a polished and seasoned wheel gunner with moon clips. Fast forward to today, going neck and neck with a polished 870 pumper and my 1100 was still eyeopening when the clock showed him faster than I was( I'm not a rookie with my semiauto). Again the phrase " it's not the arrow but the indian..." applies.
My best offering to you is to practice your reloading techniques on the 1100 using 2-4 rounds per hand. Find the best reloading setup for yourself and avoid getting too carried away with the abundance of side saddles, etc... Mine carried 10+1, an 8 round side saddle and a double round saddle near the ejection port. The gun weighed near 12lbs with all that stuff. I changed back to lim. class, an 8 round tube, 6 round side saddle, fiber optic front in back of my big dot tritium front. Best move-practice.

[USMC06]

So far I've been using the factory bead. I did go get some "Mango Orange" fingernail polish and painted my side of the bead. I believe I'd be better served with rifle style though. Prob is then I can't put my rail on it if I want to put "glass" on it as the rear sight would interfere (receiver mount "ghost ring". It would work with a barrel mounted rear). But, since I'm not going to go "open" class (with glass) until I also go to a speedloader kit, I'm really just hurting myself by not going to rifle type sights... (Did I just answer my own question?)

Second, I put a hard 6-shot side saddle on the receiver. I've since learned that the soft ones using Velcro may be a more functional option as you can keep several different ones loaded with different loads. It's getting tiresome pulling my #1Buck HD rounds out and reloading my "game" 7 1/2's or getting to a slug stage and then having to switch again. It'd be much easier to rip one off (set of six rounds) and stick another one back on, each loaded what what I need at that time. The downside is you'll have to use some type of glue to get the bottom part of the Velcro to stick on the side of the receiver, it's probably already on the backing, just the thought of glue on my receiver :( . Couple more pluses for the Velcro: the screws used to attach the hard saddle replace your trigger assembly pins and must use Locktite or they'll come loose when you shoot. That also means anytime you want to break down your gun it's more than just "push out two pins". Also I think the speedloader guide needs to use those same pin holes as the hard side saddle so your choice is one or the other. And, when you don't want anything sticking out on the left side you can simply take it off (leaving the back piece but it's flat). This is my cursory foray into this, nothing is verified, YMMV.

Great response. Thanks! I use the Mango orange finger nail polish on other sights with great success so I may start out using it on the 1100 also. I will also experiment with one of my magnetic clamp-on Fiber Optics. I have always had attached side saddles on all of my shotguns. I have no experience with the velcro type saddles. I may consider the velcro type. I won't go open so I'm not considering optics. I may consider GRS at some point.

[USMC06]

I can't shoot fast enough for my 1100 which I built up for 3gun. I'm convinced that weapons training and familiarity wins over weapons platform(staying in the 20th century). Case in point l learned 20 yrs ago that a hicap modern semiauto in the hands of a rookie(me) was no match for a polished and seasoned wheel gunner with moon clips. Fast forward to today, going neck and neck with a polished 870 pumper and my 1100 was still eyeopening when the clock showed him faster than I was( I'm not a rookie with my semiauto). Again the phrase " it's not the arrow but the indian..." applies.
My best offering to you is to practice your reloading techniques on the 1100 using 2-4 rounds per hand. Find the best reloading setup for yourself and avoid getting too carried away with the abundance of side saddles, etc... Mine carried 10+1, an 8 round side saddle and a double round saddle near the ejection port. The gun weighed near 12lbs with all that stuff. I changed back to lim. class, an 8 round tube, 6 round side saddle, fiber optic front in back of my big dot tritium front. Best move-practice.

Good advice. What do you consider the shortcomings, if any, of the 1100? If you were in the market for a 3-Gunner shotgun today, would you purchase an 1100 again? Can you explain the two front sight system you use?

[Jeff82]

(FYI, I retyped the response above.)

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU5dsnBsxXs&feature=related

Then go to MyOutdoorsTV.com and search for "Army Pro Tips". (I know, that might be hard for a Marine! :) )

http://www.myoutdoortv.com/search-videos.html

The one on rifle/shotgun setup is really good too.

Enjoy!

[SIGShooter]

I got my 1100 back from Nighthawk!

It is awesome!!!

You have my word that I will post pics of it when I get home this weekend.

It was worth every penny!!!

[Jeff82]

I got my 1100 back from Nighthawk!

It is awesome!!!

You have my word that I will post pics of it when I get home this weekend.

It was worth every penny!!!

You durn tootin'!! Because, you know:

:needspics:

[Robalero]

I have got to get me one of those!

Rob

[MAX100]

The older 1100 shotguns have 18" barrels. The new 1100 shotguns have 18.5" barrels and are capable of 7+1 capacity with the right tube extension that is even with the muzzle. The factory tube extension limits the capacity to 6+1 because of the indented ring stops the follower. That is why you see some of the 1100, 870 and 11-87 shotguns the factory tube ext extends past the bbl a half inch and some the factory tube ext is even with the muzzle. Some have the older 18" bbl and some have the newer 18.5" bbl.

I make a +3 (7+1) capacity tube ext for the new 18.5" bbl 1100, 870 and 11-87 shotguns. It is even with the muzzle. You can easily fit 7 in the tube with a little room to spare. The extra round would help out in a 3 gun match. Hear is a picture of one on a new Remington 870.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/MAX100/REM870MC-5.jpg


GC


.

[SIGShooter]

Mind you, I'm not the best photographer...

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08014.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08015.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08016.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08017.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08018.jpg


LPA Ghost Ring sights. Tritium front. Picatinnay top rail mount. Picatinnay side rail mount.

[SIGShooter]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08019.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08021.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/davidjinks/GunDownload16Aug08020.jpg

For the forward mount, it is a clamp style set up. Very nice. Very easy to use. The only downside to it, you have to remove it to take the extension tube off.

[Jeff82]

Sweet!!

Now get it out there and heat it up!

[WellArmedSheep]

Looks great...now let us know how she shoots!

[SIGShooter]

That's going to be a few weeks before I can get out and shoot it. My schedule is jammed right now. Hell, I've got 2 new Glocks that need to be shot.

[Jeff82]

That's going to be a few weeks before I can get out and shoot it. My schedule is jammed right now. Hell, I've got 2 new Glocks that need to be shot.

Am I gonna havta drive up there?!

:supergrin: (I will ya know. Anything for a good time shooting!)

[SIGShooter]

Am I gonna havta drive up there?!

:supergrin: (I will ya know. Anything for a good time shooting!)


You sure can if you'd like! The more the merrier!

My schedule is still jammed...

And no, you can't take it out, just the two of you!

:supergrin:

[USMC06]

Looking for feedback from those who have experience with a Remington 1100 Tactical T4. I have a brand new 1100 T4 (22" barrel with a 4-shot factory installed tube ext) I purchased for 3-Gun matches. I have normally used an 870 or a 590. I'm experiencing mag tube spring binding during every other loading. I have taken it apart, cleaned the tube, lightly oil it, but still experience same. One time I can get all 8 shells in the tube, the next time I can only get 5 shells in the tube. I have been looking for a Scattergun Technology tube spring, but can't find one for the 1100 T4. I have a Scattergun Technology tube spring in my 870 and it works great.

I have sent communication to the factory, but have not heard back yet. I am wondering whether others have had similar experiences with the 1100 and what the solution was.

[MAX100]

I'm experiencing mag tube spring binding during every other loading.

Check and see if you have the tube screw into the tube ext base to far. On the Remington factory tube ext, if you screw the tube into the base too tight it will cause reliability problems.


GC

[USMC06]

Check and see if you have the tube screw into the tube ext base to far. On the Remington factory tube ext, if you screw the tube into the base too tight it will cause reliability problems.


GC

Thanks! I will check.

[USMC06]

Looking for feedback from those who have experience with a Remington 1100 Tactical T4. I have a brand new 1100 T4 (22" barrel with a 4-shot factory installed tube ext) I purchased for 3-Gun matches. I have normally used an 870 or a 590. I'm experiencing mag tube spring binding during every other loading. I have taken it apart, cleaned the tube, lightly oil it, but still experience same. One time I can get all 8 shells in the tube, the next time I can only get 5 shells in the tube. I have been looking for a Scattergun Technology tube spring, but can't find one for the 1100 T4. I have a Scattergun Technology tube spring in my 870 and it works great.

I have sent communication to the factory, but have not heard back yet. I am wondering whether others have had similar experiences with the 1100 and what the solution was.

I thought I had the problem fixed by dropping in the Scattergun Technologies mag tube spring from my 870, but I spoke too soon. It worked in dry practice - loading, feeding, but not at the range.

[USMC06]

For those with 1100 Tactical T4s, does your Remy prefer a certain type of ammo or a certain power factor from the ammo? I've had less than stellar performance with Wally World/Academy standard Winchester Super X in 2.3/4" shells in 7.5 shot. It turns the 1100 into a single shot part of the time. The Win Super X does not appear to have enough power to cycle the action every time. Has anyone had a different experience with Win Super X out of a Rem 1100T? Is there recommended ammo for the 1100 for 3-Gun competition?

[Jeff82]

For those with 1100 Tactical T4s, does your Remy prefer a certain type of ammo or a certain power factor from the ammo? I've had less than stellar performance with Wally World/Academy standard Winchester Super X in 2.3/4" shells in 7.5 shot. It turns the 1100 into a single shot part of the time. The Win Super X does not appear to have enough power to cycle the action every time. Has anyone had a different experience with Win Super X out of a Rem 1100T? Is there recommended ammo for the 1100 for 3-Gun competition?

"Field" (Tac or hunting) guns need ~1300 fps or higher, or ~3 1/4 dram or higher. "Game" (skeet, trap) guns need that or lower. They are ported differently depending on intended use.

I use Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays (1300fps, AASC127) 7 1/2, 1 1/8 ounce loads with zero problems for tac shottie matches and #1 Buck and slugs for 'real world'.


(Sporting Clays courses have longer range shots to replicate hunting situations so you'd probably use hunting type loads for that.)

[USMC06]

"Field" (Tac or hunting) guns need ~1300 fps or higher, or ~3 1/4 dram or higher. "Game" (skeet, trap) guns need that or lower. They are ported differently depending on intended use.

I use Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays (1300fps, AASC127) 7 1/2, 1 1/8 ounce loads with zero problems for tac shottie matches and #1 Buck and slugs for 'real world'.


(Sporting Clays courses have longer range shots to replicate hunting situations so you'd probably use hunting type loads for that.)

Thanks!

[racine]

Good advice. What do you consider the shortcomings, if any, of the 1100? If you were in the market for a 3-Gunner shotgun today, would you purchase an 1100 again? Can you explain the two front sight system you use?

I bought the 1100 because it was cheap ($270 in excellent condition) and not the Benelli M1S90 ($800) initially because it seems to kick more than the 1100s I'd used. I also personally witnessed a 230 lb/ 6'3" cop return his benelli because it "...kicked like a mule..." There are so many options to chose from today ranging from FN, Browning, Benelli M4, Beretta Extrema II, Win. SX2/3, etc... I think the only shortcoming of the 1100 is that it needs to be cleaned about every other to every 3rd match for reliability, especially the gas system by the mag tube, and yes I'd buy another 1100 or 1187 again though the price structure has gone up some. I have the Ashley big dot tritium front sight for HD and add a fiber optic for 3gun competitions( though I sometimes take it off) for speed. There is a local 3 gun match that is held at night, outdoors and on the run. This would be ideal for the Tritium Big dot along with a light. I have also used the velcro side saddles from 3gun gear for years without problems. Good luck.

As you can see, some semi autos( Benelli, Win., Remy, etc...) are susceptible to low power loads. Your only recourse is to buy a box of each and shoot them in a rapid fire configuration and then chose the load that is very reliable. The dilemna of 3 gun is that it is a speed sport and some successful at it utilize or load the lightest ammo their gun will cycle. If you find a reliable load, buy as much as you can afford and practice with it.

[USMC06]

"Field" (Tac or hunting) guns need ~1300 fps or higher, or ~3 1/4 dram or higher. "Game" (skeet, trap) guns need that or lower. They are ported differently depending on intended use.

I use Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays (1300fps, AASC127) 7 1/2, 1 1/8 ounce loads with zero problems for tac shottie matches and #1 Buck and slugs for 'real world'.


(Sporting Clays courses have longer range shots to replicate hunting situations so you'd probably use hunting type loads for that.)

I tried your recommended Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays (1300fps, AASC127) 7 1/2 today and did not experience a single stoppage. Thanks again!

[Jeff82]

I tried your recommended Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays (1300fps, AASC127) 7 1/2 today and did not experience a single stoppage. Thanks again!

Great! I shot a tac shotty match this last weekend and got some of it on my "hatcam". I'll post it when I get it done at www.youtube.com/jeff82abn .

I still need work on getting the "aim" of the cam squared away. Seems I hold my head different when shooting the shotty (duh!) I adjusted for it but not nearly enough. The sun was to bright and my batt levels too low to review during the day so I just filmed all day then reviewed once I got home.

Need to work on my flying clay "aim" too!!