What can I expect out of an old gun?

[R9R]

I've started shooting more clays recently (trap, sporting clays), maybe 200 rounds per month. With a 70 yr old Remington Model 11 that's well taken care of, cleaned after each session, etc ... Can I expect that this gun will hold up over time, or am I pushing this old dog beyond what is reasonable?

Worst case scenario, I guess I'm in the market for a more modern shotgun, but wondered what everyone thought.

[bejay]

think it will probably be fine if you want to keep using it, but a new gun obviously has some advantages like changable chokes.

[oneounceload]

Maintained, no reason it won't hold up with target loads

Depending on its current choke, it might be lacking for one or more of the games

[BigJimP]

I don't know a lot about the Rem model 11 - but basically its very similar to the Browning Auto 5.

Are you going to hurt it - or wear it out - putting 200 shells a month thru it - no, probably not / but it depends on how much wear the mechanism has on it now.

Its old technology - and in my opinion / they're slow to cycle vs the newer more modern semi-autos on the market today. But I think your key is whether its fixed choke make it good enough for you to use - and have some fun with it / and whether it will cycle todays lower power target loads - or if you have to run higher velocity shells thru it which will cost you more. The fixed choke ( depending on what it is ) might be ok if its a Modified ...but if its a Full choke ...it might be ok for Trap ...but won't be effective shooting Skeet - and in sporting clays or 5 stand it might not be your best tool either.

Now if it won't cycle your shells 100% - then I think that's different / and I'd let it go and invest in something else.

Does it hit where you look / have you checked the point of impact ?
What is it choked ?
How long is the barrel ?
Is it cycling 100% ? Will it cycle 100% with lighter 1oz loads at 1200 fps ?

Those would be the questions I would ask ...

[kozak6]

If it's adjusted properly, in good condition, and properly maintained, it should be ok.

It isn't safe to fire steel shot in it. If it has a fixed choke, it may pose limitations on the activities you can use it for. It's also 2 3/4" only.

in my opinion / they're slow to cycle

I wonder why people make so much of this. Unless you are Tom Knapp, I wouldn't think it would matter.

Patrick Kelley says that the Auto 5 is faster than the Rem 1100, the Rem 11-87, and the Benelli M1 Super 90.

[Dave McC]

A couple things....

Most parts do NOT interchange between the 11 and the A5, but the springs and friction pieces do. In your shoes, I'd invest in a new set, install and keep the old ones for spares.

There's a fiber recoil buffer in the receiver, Brownell's etc have them in stock.

You may want to have a good smith do the work and do a deep clean in there.

JMB's designs were terrific, but often not user maintainable.

Repeat on the parts every 10K rounds......

[R9R]

Thanks everyone.

A few of you referenced the choke, yes it is a fixed full choke. I actually like this for trap, but for sporting clays it takes some creativity and the proper attitude so that I don't get frustrated. The purpose of sporting clays to me is just to have fun and see targets in a birdhunting type environment, not to score 85. Trap on the other hand ... I'm able to do quite well.

When I was first given the gun 10 years ago it would not cycle 1 1/8oz shells, after some TLC I got it to cycle and have had no problems since. I typically run 1 1/8, 8 shot, but will soon try 1oz. I'd be thrilled if it cycles the 1oz, I could use a little less recoil (steel butt plate).

I'd like to get another remington, they seem to fit well. If I can find a good used 1100 I'll be able to put the model 11 on the shelf for special occasions.

Thanks again

[BigJimP]

Sure, makes sense to me...

I find the Auto 5's and the older semi-autos slow to cycle ...and it causes me to hesitate a little between shots vs an O/U. Maybe its my imagination ...maybe not .. but I do think more modern semi-auto actions like Browning/Winchesters new activ valve system or the Benelli Inertia system that I shoot in their Super Sport models ...are both very quick to cycle.

None of us play these games to make our living ...but scoring better, isn't a bad thing either ..and if your equipment is holding you back - then its time for some kind of an upgrade. At least going to a gun where you can change the chokes to an IC or a Mod will make a big difference. And with the newer guns - you won't have any trouble shooting 1 oz loads at 1200 fps ...some of the semi-autos don't like loads at 1150 fps ...but most of the gas guns are ok on real light loads too ....and a load of 1oz of 8's really does everything pretty well in a 12ga from Skeet - Trap - Sporting Clays...

[olddrum1]

In my expert opinion its about ready to self detonate and wipe everyone out in a twenty yard radius. You can now share this with your wife and start looking for that new shotgun.