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I want to buy an 1100 exclusively for duck and goose hunting. Since waterfowl are the only game, I want to save some money by getting an older gun with a fixed full choke, instead of a gun with interchangeable tubes.

So my question is: are the older 1100s safe to shoot steel shot? If not, what year and/or serial numbers should I avoid? Thanks, Chip.

My roommate in college used to shoot all sizes of steel shot through his fixed full choke 1100 magnum. It isn't recommended though as barrel damage could occur. If you are going to use it strictly for waterfowl....a gun with choke tubes is the way to go. Some of the specialty waterfowl chokes available can be a real advantage out in the field.

I have an older 1100 with a fixed modified choke and have shot steel shot from 4's to T's and haven't noticed and complications, although the shotgun has always been a duck gun and shows it with all the scratches and dings.

If you're going to use it strictly as a duck or goose gun, I would shy away from the 1100 though. If it is not kept completely clean it has a tendency to Jam. I have to completely strip mine down after every hunt. While others give their autos a quick wipe down and its back in the case for the next day.

But if you don't mind that the gun is a dream to shoot. I haven't had personal experience with the 11-87 but I know they are a little better!

Josh

You can have adverse patterning with a full choke and steel shot. That is all I am going to say, because I don't want to start a steel shot pattern argument.

Since it is a gas gun, yes, you should clean it more often. I have a Charles Daly VR-MC (1100 clone..sort of) and I rarely ever clean it and it functions flawlessly.

My roommate has two 11-87's (20 and 12 gauge) and he likes them ok. He has had some "trouble" with them cycling in the past, but then again, he does not believe in the concept of shotgun break-in; and imagine that: after about 150 rounds, they have cycled flawlessly ever since.

Also, with as brutal as waterfowl hunting can be on a gun, a cheap 1100 is not a bad idea.

-Jason