Remington 1100 And 1187 Shotguns Compared

Remington’s 1100 and 1187 are among the best-known American gas-operated semi-automatic shotguns. Both have a long-standing reputation for mild recoil, reliable cycling when properly maintained, and a wide range of configurations for clay shooting, hunting, and general sporting use. Their similar appearance can make the choice confusing, particularly when used examples are offered with different barrels, stocks, and chamber markings.

The key distinction is that the 1187 was developed as a more versatile successor to the 1100. It was designed to handle a broader range of loads, including 3-inch magnum shells in suitable models, while retaining the smooth operating character associated with the earlier shotgun. For Australian buyers, mechanical differences matter, but licensing, state restrictions, dealer availability, and ammunition rules must be considered before comparing prices.

How the two shotguns developed

The Remington 1100 entered production in the early 1960s and helped popularise the gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun. Its action uses propellant gases to drive the bolt, reducing the felt recoil that a shooter experiences compared with many pump-action or fixed-breech designs. It became popular in clay disciplines, field hunting, and law enforcement configurations.

The 1187 arrived in 1987 with a revised gas system intended to regulate cycling across different ammunition pressures. This gave it a reputation for greater load flexibility, especially when moving between light target cartridges and heavier field or magnum loads. The 1187 also incorporated design changes intended to improve durability and simplify adaptation to multiple chamber lengths.

Differences in the gas systems

The 1100 is generally associated with a gas system tuned around a particular shell range. Models marked for 2¾-inch cartridges are best used with ammunition appropriate to that chamber and operating system. Some later 1100 variants support 3-inch shells, but the chamber marking and model specification should always be checked rather than assumed from the model name.

The 1187 uses a self-compensating gas system. In practical terms, it is better suited to cycling both lighter target loads and more forceful hunting cartridges without requiring the same level of configuration changes. This does not make every 1187 ideal for every shell; worn seals, fouling, incorrect parts, or unsuitable ammunition can still cause failures to cycle.

Both designs depend heavily on maintenance. The gas cylinder, piston components, action spring, bolt, and sealing rings should be inspected and cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On a used shotgun, a damaged O-ring or neglected gas assembly can matter more than the small differences between the model families.

Recoil, balance, and shooting feel

The 1100 is often praised for its soft, progressive recoil impulse. Its traditional receiver and stock dimensions give many shooters a stable, familiar feel, especially on a clay range. A well-fitted 1100 can swing smoothly and encourage consistent mount and follow-through, although older examples may feel heavier than modern sporting guns.

The 1187 offers a similar gas-operated shooting experience, but its balance varies considerably between versions. A 28-inch field barrel, a heavy target barrel, and a shorter interchangeable barrel can make the same basic action feel like entirely different shotguns. The 1187 may be the easier choice for someone who wants one platform for several roles.

Fit remains more important than reputation. A shooter in Brisbane using the shotgun for occasional clays may value a comfortable stock and manageable weight, while a hunter in regional New South Wales may place more emphasis on weather resistance, barrel length, and the ability to use suitable field loads. Neither model is automatically better if the stock does not align naturally with the shooter’s eye.

Chambering, barrels, and useful variants

When comparing examples, start with the chamber marking rather than the catalogue description. A 2¾-inch chamber is common on 1100 sporting and field guns, while many 1187 models are marked for 2¾- and 3-inch shells. The shotgun must be used only with ammunition that matches its chamber and the manufacturer’s specifications.

Barrel options can change the intended role. Vent-rib barrels are common on clay guns, while field barrels may feature interchangeable choke tubes for different hunting patterns. Some versions include rifle sights or slug barrels, and these should be evaluated as specialised configurations rather than assumed to offer the same performance as a smoothbore sporting barrel.

Used 1100s can be attractive because of their established parts support and classic handling. A clean 1187 may offer greater versatility, particularly for a buyer who wants to alternate between light target ammunition and approved hunting loads. Examine the bore, chamber, choke threads, receiver, stock repairs, and cycling function before making a decision.

Australian ownership and purchasing realities

Australia does not use the United States’ Federal Firearms Licence system. Firearm ownership is controlled through state and territory legislation, with requirements covering licensing, registration, approved storage, genuine reason, and the firearm’s category. Semi-automatic shotguns can face significant restrictions, and classification may depend on features such as action type, capacity, and intended use. Rules in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and regional areas are administered under the relevant state or territory framework, so a local firearms authority or licensed dealer should be consulted.

An American shipping guide about finding an FFL dealer may explain the US transfer process, but it does not replace Australian dealer or import advice. An Australian buyer should confirm whether the particular Remington model is importable, registrable, and permissible under the licence category held. Ammunition purchases and magazine limits may also involve separate requirements.

Availability can be uneven in the Australian market. A 1100 or 1187 may appear through a licensed dealer, an approved private transfer, or the used-gun market, with prices affected by condition, paperwork, barrel configuration, and spare-parts availability. Online product pages should be treated as catalogue information until a licensed Australian dealer confirms the lawful transfer route. Store journals can also contain unrelated recreational material, such as this casino ranking tournament, so product specifications and legal information should be checked on the relevant firearm pages.

Choosing between the 1100 and 1187

For a traditional clay or field shotgun with a proven operating design, a well-maintained 1100 can be an excellent option. It is especially appealing when the buyer finds a correctly fitted example with a suitable chamber, sound gas components, and a barrel appropriate to the intended discipline. Its age should prompt a careful inspection, not an automatic rejection.

The 1187 is usually the more practical choice for shooters who want broader ammunition flexibility or several roles from one action. Its self-regulating gas system can make transitions between target and field loads more convenient, but condition still determines reliability. A neglected 1187 is a poor purchase even if the model has a stronger reputation for versatility.

Before purchasing through an online retailer, confirm the transfer process with the receiving licensed dealer and check the relevant state requirements. The retailer’s customer support team can clarify catalogue details, order documentation, and shipping procedures, but final legal approval rests with the appropriate Australian authorities and licensed firearms professionals.

Practical points to check before buying

• Confirm the chamber length and use only compatible, quality ammunition.
• Inspect the gas system, piston, seals, action spring, and bolt for wear or corrosion.
• Check that the barrel, choke system, and stock suit the intended clay or hunting use.
• Have a licensed Australian dealer verify the model’s category, transferability, and registration requirements.
• Compare the shotgun’s fit and balance in person whenever possible.
• Treat unusually low prices as a reason for a closer inspection of condition and documentation.

The 1100 remains a respected classic with smooth recoil and familiar handling, while the 1187 provides a more adaptable platform for varied loads and sporting roles. Australian buyers should make the decision through a combination of mechanical inspection, intended use, local legal compliance, and dealer guidance. Review the exact model, confirm the transfer pathway, and choose only after the shotgun’s condition and configuration have been independently checked.