Need advice on a Rem 1100 20ga

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338Lapua
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Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:42 am

Need advice on a Rem 1100 20ga

Post by 338Lapua »

First time poster....long time reader. A wealth of knowledge on this site.

I am in the market for a Rem 1100 20ga for my son to hunt ducks with. My question pertains to the non magnum receiver guns. Can I shoot 2 3/4 steel duck loads from a non magnum gun? Do I need to look for a "Steel Shot" compatible barrel? Any concerns with picking up one of the older Rem 1100 20ga's? Thanks Matt
Wulfman
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Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:04 pm
Location: N.W. Wyoming

Re: Need advice on a Rem 1100 20ga

Post by Wulfman »

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Why don't you look at non-steel options.......like Bismuth or some of those equivalents?
The older (870/1100) "standard/heavy/magnum frame" guns in 20 gauge didn't have choke tubes and I've never seen factory or replacement barrels (in 20 gauge) that have been introduced for them to be able to use steel shot or with choke tubes......and all were fixed choke barrels until the choke tubes came into use (on the smaller frame 20 gauge guns) in the 1980s. It seemed to be a general consensus that if you're going to use steel shot, you needed a more open choke in those old guns......at least Modified or Imp. Cyl. choked barrels......because steel shot in a full choke barrel might split it. I have no concrete information about that, but it seemed to be the "rule of thumb" back then.

Here are a few links which discuss some of the options and alternatives to lead shot.

http://hunting.fishandgame.org.nz/max-s ... quivalents

http://www.chuckhawks.com/no-tox_shotshells.htm

http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.shotgun-shells.html


Den

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Virginian
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Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:03 pm
Location: Williamsburg, Va.

Re: Need advice on a Rem 1100 20ga

Post by Virginian »

Yes, you can shoot 2-3./4" steel out of any 20 gauge 1100, including the older standard weight models. If it has a fixed choke, I would shoot no larger than #2 steel and no choke tighter than modified. If you get one of the newer LW/LT 20s try to find one with a RemChoke equipped barrel and you can shoot whatever it says on the choke tube. If you pick up a Sporting Model, check the barrel as a lot of them are not recommended for heavy loads.
The tungsten based non-tox loads are much better performers than steel in my opinion, especially in a 20 gauge. The Kent Matrix are safe for any barrel and choke safe for lead. But they are not cheap.
What could have happened... did.
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