Remington 1100 Review: An Affordable Bolt-Action Rifle

Shotguns aren’t just for wingshooters, they’re for home defenders, deer hunters, and just about anyone who enjoys long guns. Now that we’re generations past the introduction of the first model, you might take for granted that there’s a glut on the market of semi-auto shotguns. But autoloading shotguns took some time to fine-tune, and the first model introduced by Remington was the Model 1100. Since then there have been all manner of advances in technology, but the Remington Model 1100 remains a classic. Here’s why it’s the autoloader you should be running.

 Remington 1100

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Remington Model 1100 Background

The Remington Model 1100 was introduced in 1963 with the team at Big Green believing it would revolutionize shotguns—and they were right. The Model 1100 kicked off what would be an impressively successful lifetime of use and also lead to the creation of other autoloading shotguns. It might not have been the first autoloading shotgun ever made in the history of guns, but it might have been the most memorable and widely used. 

Although the exact numbers aren’t available, we know more than four million Model 1100s have been produced. Whether the somewhat newly formed Rem Arms choosing to continue to legacy remains to be seen. The Remington Model 1100 is widely used by hunters but has also seen a lot of use for clays and target shooting. It’s inherently reliable and the original production models are durable and beautiful heirloom guns. The more modern models are still solid guns capable of withstanding a lot of abuse.

Features of the Remington Model 1100

The Remington Model 1100 is a semi-automatic shotgun with a long barrel length designed to benefit wingshooters, but it’s also versatile. Features of the Model 1100 include:

1 Finish

Semi-fancy American walnut furniture, although there are synthetic models as well.

2 Receiver and Barrel

Polished, blued receiver and barrel for aesthetic appeal and longevity.

3 Good Length

14.0-inch length of pull which fits most shooters.

4 Trigger

Gold-plated trigger for a classic look.

5 Grip

Checkering on grip and forend to improve shooter’s hold during live fire.

Other Models

Remington 1100 Sporting

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Remington Model 1100—Our Take

For shotgun aficionados, the Remington Model 1100 is a must-have, but what about shooters who aren’t regular shotgunners? The Model 1100 is still a great option. It’s a reliable semi-auto that’s ideal for hunting thanks to its longer barrel, and it’s built for serious use. While the 26- and 28-inch barrels on these shotguns might be a bit much for home defense, it’s not impossible to use a Model 1100 for that purpose (just challenging to maneuver it in tight quarters). It’s a personal favorite of mine for hunting although I do prefer the older guns to newer runs.

Shootability

The Model 1100 was designed when the concept of function over form was taken seriously. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a nice appearance—because it does—only that the overall design lends itself to comfortable extended use. It’s balanced nicely and feels natural to swing into your shoulder. If you prefer the feel of a classic walnut stock shotgun, the Model 1100 is ideal. Yes, it’s highly shootable.

Accuracy

The gun comes with a variety of chokes and it’s up to you to decide which choke is required for your needs. It does pattern well and delivers good, consistent accuracy at 40 yards. If you’re using 12-gauge slugs for deer hunting, it’s proven accurate for that as well. 

Ergonomics

The Model 1100 has great ergonomics, from the angle of the stock to the shape of the forend. It provides the correct surface angle for a good cheek weld for the average adult shooter and the forend is shaped for a firm hold. Length of pull sits at 14.0 inches and trigger reach is good. 

Value

Whether you’re getting the best value for your Model 1100 depends on the age and condition of the shotgun you find. Generally, this is a sub-$1k shotgun (sometimes even sub-$700). It’s typically a good value for the cost and means you’ll have a shotgun for life.

Pros and Cons

Report Card
Shootability	This is a highly shootable gun. It checks every box for being a great hunting shotgun and performs well under a variety of circumstances. This is a rain, sleet, snow, high winds, whatever shotgun that runs well no matter what. The trigger is slightly above average in most Model 1100s and it’s designed in a way that makes swinging it during wingshooting smooth and easy.	A+
Reliability	The Model 1100 isn’t ammo finicky. It eats everything you feed it and patterns well (as long as you pay attention to which choke you’re using). This is a shotgun that’s never failed me.	A+
Ergonomics	General ergonomics of the Model 1100 are solid. For adult shooters it’s a good fit for length of pull and cheek weld. The forend being shaped as it is, is also ideal for control with the support side hand.	A+
Accuracy	Judging shotguns for accuracy is a little more challenging than something like a rifle, but the Model 1100 is accurate. It patterns well at 40 yards and slugs are on target beyond that. If you’re having significant issues patterning an older Model 1100 it’s a good idea to check for barrel life.	A+
Value	This one loses a point on value only because the price is all over the place. It’s usually a solid value for the investment, but it also isn’t uncommon for people to expect more from a used shotgun sale than it’s worth. The precise value depends on the production year and condition of the shotgun being considered. Do your homework.	B+

 Remington 1100

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Our Grade

A-

Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens

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My Preferred Ammo

Remington Game Loads 12 gauge

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Hornady American Whitetail 12

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Upgrade and Accessories Options:

1. Wilson Combat Side Saddle		Check Pricing
GG&G Remington 1100 Front Sling		Check Pricing

Other Resources

Taking care of your Remington 1100 is crucial to its long lasting functionality. Check out this video below to see how to best clean this rifle: