The Remington 1100 uses a fixed gas piston system that buffers recoil significantly compared to inertia and pump guns. It is one of the softest-shooting shotguns ever made — a major reason why it became the dominant clay sports gun for decades and remains popular among recoil-sensitive shooters.
We carry Remington 1100 parts and accessories that fit the platform correctly and keep a proven gun running at its best.
FAQ
What makes the Remington 1100 so soft-shooting?
The 1100 uses a gas system that bleeds propellant gas through a port in the barrel to drive the bolt rearward. This spreads the recoil impulse over a longer time than inertia guns, significantly reducing felt recoil. For high-volume clay shooting or recoil-sensitive shooters, the 1100 remains one of the best options available.
What magazine extensions fit the Remington 1100?
The 1100 uses the same magazine tube thread family as the 870 and 11-87. Extensions designed for the Remington platform will typically fit, but always confirm the specific extension is listed for the 1100. Some barrel configurations limit what extension lengths will work.
How does the Remington 1100 compare to the 11-87?
The 11-87 was designed to handle 3-inch magnum loads, which the 1100 cannot do reliably. The 1100 is better suited for 2.75-inch loads and is notably softer-shooting. For clay sports and field use with standard loads, the 1100 is excellent. For hunting with heavier loads, the 11-87 is the better choice.
Is the Remington 1100 still worth buying?
Yes, for the right use. The 1100 is one of the softest-shooting semi-automatics available and remains competitive for clay shooting and light hunting. Current production quality is inconsistent — a well-maintained used 1100 is often a better value than a new one. The design itself is proven and parts remain available.