The Remington Model 1100 is a gas‑operated, semi‑automatic shotgun produced by Remington Arms Company in the United States. It was introduced in 1963 as a successor to the earlier Model 58 and remained in production until 1989, with various gauges and configurations offered throughout its manufacturing run.
Design and Operation
The Model 1100 utilizes a short‑stroke gas piston system in which a portion of the propellant gases is diverted through a port in the barrel into a cylinder behind the bolt. The resulting piston impulse drives the bolt rearward, ejecting the spent shell and cocking the action, after which a spring returns the bolt forward to chamber a fresh round. An adjustable gas regulator allows the shotgun to accommodate different load pressures, enhancing reliability across a range of ammunition types.
Specifications (typical 12‑gauge configuration)
- Action: Gas‑operated, semi‑automatic
- Gauge: 12 ga (also produced in 10, 16, 20, 28, and .410 ga)
- Barrel lengths: 24 in, 26 in, 28 in, and 30 in (varied by model)
- Overall length: Approximately 48–52 in, depending on barrel length
- Weight: 7.5–8.5 lb (varied with barrel length and stock)
- Magazine capacity: 2 + 1, 3 + 1, or 4 + 1 shells, depending on magazine tube length and gauge
- Sights: Fixed bead front sight; rear sight options available on certain variants
Production History
Remington manufactured the Model 1100 at its Ilion, New York plant. The shotgun was offered in a wide range of configurations, including:
- Standard hunting models: Featuring walnut stocks and hardwood fore‑ends.
- Sporting variants: Such as the “Sportsman” and “Super” models, equipped with interchangeable choke tubes.
- Tactical and law‑enforcement versions: Including the “1100 Tactical” and “1100 Police” models, which incorporated synthetic stocks, higher capacity magazine tubes, and provisions for mounting accessories.
The Model 1100’s design was later adapted into the Remington 1100S and subsequently the Remington 1110, which incorporated refinements such as a redesigned gas system and updated ergonomics.
Reception and Usage
The Model 1100 gained a reputation for reliability, relatively low recoil, and versatility across hunting, sporting, and law‑enforcement applications. It was widely adopted by civilian shooters for waterfowl, upland bird, and deer hunting, as well as by various police departments and federal agencies for tactical purposes. Its popularity contributed to high production numbers; estimates suggest that over one million units were produced during its production lifespan.
Legacy
Although production ceased in 1989, the Remington Model 1100 remains a prominent example of mid‑20th‑century semi‑automatic shotgun design. It continues to be supported by a market for aftermarket parts, custom accessories, and a community of collectors and enthusiasts. The shotgun’s influence is evident in subsequent Remington semi‑automatic models and in the broader development of gas‑operated shotgun technology.