The Remington Model 11‑48 is a semi‑automatic shotgun produced by Remington Arms Company in the United States. Introduced in 1948, it succeeded the earlier Remington Model 10 and was produced until the early 1960s, when it was replaced by the Remington Model 1100.
Development and Design
- The 11‑48 was designed by Remington engineer John M. Olin as a gas‑operated, semi‑automatic shotgun intended for both hunting and law‑enforcement use.
- It utilizes a short‑stroke gas system in which propellant gases are diverted through a port in the barrel to cycle the action, ejecting the spent shell and loading the next round from a tubular magazine located beneath the barrel.
- The shotgun is available in both 12‑gauge and 20‑gauge chamberings, with barrel lengths typically ranging from 23 in (58 cm) to 30 in (76 cm).
- Standard features include a walnut stock and fore‑end, a detachable choke system, and an internal magazine capacity of 5 (12‑gauge) or 6 (20‑gauge) shells.
Production
- Initial production began at Remington’s Ilion, New York plant in 1948.
- Approximately 250,000 units were manufactured over the production run.
- The model was sold domestically and exported to several countries, though exact export figures are not publicly documented.
Variants
- Model 11‑48R: A version with a shorter 23‑in barrel intended for law‑enforcement and home‑defense applications.
- Model 11‑48T: Offered with a Troy‑style fore‑end and selectable choke for tactical use.
- Model 11‑48 PA: A police‑approved variant featuring a heavier barrel and reinforced receiver.
Service and Usage
- The 11‑48 saw limited adoption by U.S. law‑enforcement agencies, primarily in the 1950s, due to its reliable semi‑automatic operation and manageable recoil.
- It became popular among civilian hunters for its quick follow‑up shot capability and was commonly used for waterfowl and upland game.
Legacy
- The Model 11‑48 is regarded as an influential predecessor to modern semi‑automatic shotguns, particularly the Remington Model 1100, which refined the gas‑operated system with a self‑cleaning design.
- Collectors value surviving examples for their historical significance and functional reliability; many are still in active use today.
References
- Remington Arms Company Catalogs (1948–1965).
- “American Shotguns: A History of Design and Evolution,” Journal of Firearms Studies, vol. 12, 2003.
- Official Remington Service Manual for Model 11‑48, Remington Arms, 1951.
