Remington 1100
The Remington 1100 is one of the most successful shotguns ever made—a gas-operated semi-automatic that transformed the market when it was introduced in 1963 by delivering reliably softer recoil than any competing design. Millions have been sold across six decades, and the 1100 remains in production today in sporting and field configurations. Its reputation for smooth operation, mild recoil, and graceful lines has made it a favorite for upland hunters, sporting clays shooters, and collectors who want a piece of American shotgun history that still performs at the highest level.
Read our full Remington 1100 Buying Guide ↓
Why the 1100 Changed Everything
When the 1100 was introduced, semi-automatic shotguns had a reputation for battering the shooter’s shoulder and jamming regularly. Remington’s gas-operated system vented propellant gas through ports in the barrel to cycle the action, spreading recoil over a longer time period and dramatically reducing felt impact. The 1100 was noticeably softer to shoot than fixed-breech and recoil-operated designs of the same gauge and load. This made it enormously popular with trap and skeet shooters who fire hundreds of rounds per session, with recoil-sensitive hunters, and with shooters who simply wanted a more pleasant experience. The 1100 set the standard that all subsequent gas-operated shotguns have been measured against.
Gauges and Configurations
The 1100 is available in 12 and 20 gauge in sporting and field configurations. The 12-gauge Sporting models feature 26- and 28-inch barrels with ventilated ribs and RemChoke interchangeable choke tubes for clay target and upland use. The 20-gauge version is particularly beloved for its lighter weight and reduced recoil, making it a natural choice for younger hunters, smaller-framed shooters, and anyone who wants a lighter-carrying upland gun. The 1100 Competition Trap is configured specifically for trap shooting with a 30-inch barrel and Monte Carlo stock. All current-production 1100s maintain the original’s gas system and characteristic soft-shooting reputation.
The 1100 vs. Modern Semi-Autos
Modern gas-operated shotguns like the Beretta A400, Browning Maxus, and Benelli SBE3 have surpassed the 1100 in features, weather resistance, and load versatility. The 1100’s gas system is more sensitive to load variation than modern self-regulating designs and requires more regular cleaning. What the 1100 offers that modern guns can’t is decades of proven reliability, a massive parts and service network, and the graceful lines of a classic American shotgun. For sporting clays and upland hunting where ammunition consistency is controlled, the 1100’s limitations are rarely an issue.
Collector Value
Vintage Remington 1100s in good condition hold strong collector value, particularly those with original walnut stocks and blued finish in earlier serial number ranges. Matched pairs of 1100s in different gauges are particularly sought by serious clay target shooters. The 1100 Trap and Skeet configurations from the 1970s and 1980s are popular with collectors and competitive shooters who appreciate the combination of period-correct aesthetics and genuine competitive capability. Current-production 1100s maintain the classic look while benefiting from modern manufacturing quality control.
Maintenance and Reliability
The 1100 requires regular cleaning of the gas ports and piston to maintain reliable cycling—more so than modern self-regulating gas systems or inertia-driven designs. A clean 1100 cycles reliably with standard target and field loads; a dirty one may short-cycle. The recommended maintenance interval is every 250–500 rounds for regular use. The flip side is that a well-maintained 1100 is extremely durable—many examples have hundreds of thousands of rounds through them with only routine parts replacement. The 1100’s longevity record is outstanding for a gas-operated semi-auto.
Where to Go Next
Explore the full Remington lineup including the 870 pump and Model 700 rifle on our Remington brand page. For 12-gauge shotgun comparisons, see our 12 Gauge Shotguns page. The 20 Gauge Shotguns page covers the lighter options.