Sporting clays, use my 1100 or my 11-87?

SARuger · April 22, 2015, 09:55 AM

Or 870?

I'm going Friday to shoot a round and I will probably take all three and stick them on the golfcart to try but for those that shoot sporting clays a lot what would you choose out of the three.

I generally use the 870 for 5 stand and the 11-87 has seen the skeet range once. I just picked up the 1100 with the Cutts Compensator choke system on it.

All are 20 gauge

FITASC · April 22, 2015, 10:24 AM

Which one do YOU have the most confidence in?
Is this some form of tournament or just for grins and giggles?

Personally, I shoot tournaments and I use a LM in a 12 for 90-95% of the targets I see. If you are going to shoot for some fun or at a charity/fundraiser type where the targets are softer, use your IC and go have fun,
Do NOT worry about your score (whether good or bad) - just focus solely on the targets and the fun will follow.

BigJimP · April 22, 2015, 01:05 PM

Whichever semi-auto you feel fits you the best - and like Fitasc says, that you have the most confidence in. I would not go with a pump gun as a new shooter to sporting clays / a pump is a serious disadvantage unless you are an expert with the pump - and can operate the pump while the gun remains in your shoulder. If you have to drop the gun down..and operate the pump -- and remount you'll probably be way late on a "True Pair".

With a 20ga....I'd shoot 7/8 oz of 8's...and a Mod choke 75% of the time or more....( I would not take all 3 guns ).

Like FITASC, I also shoot a 12ga ....usually an Over Under so I can put different chokes in one barrel or the other....but I often start with a pair of Mod in the gun ( and carry Skeet, IC, Imp Mod and Full chokes )...but I don't change them too often. 99% of the time, in 12ga, I will shoot 1oz of 8's at around 1225 fps....( I don't fuss with 9's or 7 1/2's...) / but part of the fun of Sporting Clays...is no two courses are the same...and no course is the same month to month....machines are constantly being reset...target presentations are constantly being change...and kill ranges on any given target will often vary between 15 yds ....and 40 yds.../ there are different sizes of targets, etc.....( some courses I know all I'll need is an Imp Cylinder choke all day / some courses I know I'll need a Full in one barrel on 4 out of 15 stations...because I know the way the "target setter" thinks )....

SARuger · April 22, 2015, 01:30 PM

Great responses! I will take the 870 just in case I shoot some trap but I'm thinking the 1100 with the mod choke but it is a new gun to me so I'm not sure what I have. I used the 11-87 two weekends ago and was okay with it on the skeet range, 15 out of 25, not great. Something about that 11-87 doesn't fit me right. My 1100 is identical to my 870 in pull and comb. Both are "X" models and of the same vintage. I'm deadly with that old 870

But I realize getting a "pair" would not be easy for me.

This 1100 has the Cutts Compensator choke system with three choices, spreader, mod and full.

My 11-87 has the same choices with screw in chokes, skeet, mod, imp c. I need a few more chokes for that gun.

I have every Tru-Choke made for the 870, I had Mike Orlin do that work for me.

T. O'Heir · April 22, 2015, 01:44 PM

Sporting clays is practical practice for hunting vs a shooting sport like skeet and trap. It is rapidly becoming another of those though. Any of your shotguns will do.

FITASC · April 22, 2015, 03:59 PM

Quote:

My 11-87 has the same choices with screw in chokes, skeet, mod, imp c. I need a few more chokes for that gun.

Not really, the SK for skeet, and the IC or M for everything else

Bake · April 22, 2015, 04:37 PM

I've only shot, Sporting Clays a few times, and only at 2 different ranges, but at each range we were able to break the pairs up into singles. Maybe you could speak to the range master, and he could help you out.

If you use your 870 for 5 Stand, you can shoot anything, any where...

Virginian · April 22, 2015, 04:50 PM

The 11-87, being built on the 28 gauge sized receiver, will likely handle a bit faster, but the fit should be the same. I shoot my LT 20 Model 1100 95% of the time these days; just points like a magic wand for me. If I am going to shoot a 20 I want a 20 sized gun. I abhor all muzzle mounted choke "devices". They work; just a personal fetish. I had one 55 years ago and that was more than enough.
I'm not going to go digging now, but an 870 Wingmaster used to have 1-5/8" DAC and 2-1/2" DAH, where an 1100 had 1-1/2" DAC and 2-1/2" DAH, both had an LOP of 14". I have been able to swap back and forth with no issues for 41 years now.

FITASC · April 22, 2015, 07:48 PM

Quote:

The 11-87, being built on the 28 gauge sized receiver,

HUH?

Since when did Remington EVER build a 28 scale receiver? As someone who owned the 1100 28 gauge sporting - that was built on a 20 gauge sized receiver - I am politely calling bs on that................

Bake · April 22, 2015, 07:57 PM

typo maybe

guess not

SARuger · April 22, 2015, 08:23 PM

My 1100 and 870 20ga are both "X" models built on the 12ga receiver.

To clarify, my 870 is more of a trap gun and I used it on 5 stand with limited success. I'm very familiar with this gun, even though I have had it for a short time, since I had one identical to it for years then sold it for some reason. I feel at home shooting it.

My 11-87 is new and I'm not use to it. It is a "field gun". It does not point well for me.

My new to me old 1100 is a mystery yet. I will try it out this week.

Virginian · April 22, 2015, 08:37 PM

NOT BS. ALL 20 gauge 11-87s, and LW 20, and LT 20 Model 1100s are built on the 28 gauge size receiver. Remington introduced the 28 gauge and .410 gauge Model 1100s, on the smaller receiver, in 1969. Initially they were only available as Matched Pairs. The same size receiver is still in use. In 1970, they introduced the Model 1100 LW 20 gauge on the same size receiver. In 1977 the LT 20 replaced the LW 20. Remington was considering making a dedicated size receiver for the 20, but decided to try it on the 28 gauge receiver, since it is all machined forged steel. The rest is history.
P.S - I have a 1970 28 gauge Model 1100 Skeet with the mahogany stock set, ordered not too long after learning they were available singly and not just as Matched Pairs. It has been fitted with Briley choke tubes.

SARuger · April 24, 2015, 08:17 PM

I shot three rounds of wobble trap today with this 1100. I really like this gun, it fits me and I point it good. I like the Cutts Compensator/choke system. This gun has no kick!

The lady that owns the range is a 5 time world champ and former Virginia Tech clays team coach and she pulled for me and taught me a whole lot about busting clays. I got better and better with each round and got my best round at 19/25.

I'm going back to shoot clays soon. Nice place!

Summit Springs

Virginian · April 24, 2015, 08:28 PM

If you got help from a Hokie you done good. I is one, too.

SARuger · April 24, 2015, 08:32 PM

My oldest son is a VT grad, my middle son is there now, made the deans list last semester. My youngest wants to go there too.

Virginian · April 25, 2015, 03:42 AM

Both mine went there as well. I think they got more of my money than anyone but the U.S. Government and WalMart.

SARuger · April 25, 2015, 09:41 AM

My boys pay their own way. No way my mechanics salary can help much.

Shotgun Slim · April 25, 2015, 05:16 PM

Boys would it be bragging if I told you that my daughter was the best shooter on the VT clay target team while she was there? Twice Va ladies champ at the state shoot! Best days of my life were going to registered shoots (trap) with her and friends-I'm still smiling about that. She loved every minute of her time at Tech. She's raising two little ones now and it will fall to me to teach them how to shoot. Looking forward to that gets me out of bed these days.

Virginian · April 25, 2015, 07:41 PM

Relaying facts is not bragging.

SARuger · April 25, 2015, 07:50 PM

Slim, that is awesome! No its not bragging at all!

Go Hokies!!!

eastbank · April 26, 2015, 05:30 AM

i have a rem 1100 sporting in 28ga and it seems to be the same size as a rem 870 20ga frame. eastbank.

Virginian · April 26, 2015, 05:33 AM

If the 870 is an LW size receiver, it is. Serial number end in K or U? Of if it's brand new and starts with RS apparently.

Wishoot · May 5, 2015, 02:06 PM

I have mad respect for anyone that can shoot an 870 well for skeet, clays or 5-stand. Not many call pull it off, but I've seen a couple.

FITASC · May 5, 2015, 02:35 PM

Quote:

I have mad respect for anyone that can shoot an 870 well for skeet, clays or 5-stand. Not many call pull it off, but I've seen a couple.

Then you'd be amazed at some friends who shoot 5-stand and sporting clays with Win Model 42s.

Grant D · May 5, 2015, 03:58 PM

One of the few times I have shot a perfect 25 skeet shooting, was with a 12 ga.Remington 870 Wingmaster with a modified choke.

April 22, 2015, 09:55 AM	#1
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	Sporting clays, use my 1100 or my 11-87? Or 870? I'm going Friday to shoot a round and I will probably take all three and stick them on the golfcart to try but for those that shoot sporting clays a lot what would you choose out of the three. I generally use the 870 for 5 stand and the 11-87 has seen the skeet range once. I just picked up the 1100 with the Cutts Compensator choke system on it. All are 20 gauge

April 22, 2015, 10:24 AM	#2
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	Which one do YOU have the most confidence in? Is this some form of tournament or just for grins and giggles? Personally, I shoot tournaments and I use a LM in a 12 for 90-95% of the targets I see. If you are going to shoot for some fun or at a charity/fundraiser type where the targets are softer, use your IC and go have fun, Do NOT worry about your score (whether good or bad) - just focus solely on the targets and the fun will follow. __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

April 22, 2015, 01:44 PM	#5
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Sporting clays is practical practice for hunting vs a shooting sport like skeet and trap. It is rapidly becoming another of those though. Any of your shotguns will do. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

April 22, 2015, 04:37 PM	#7
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	I've only shot, Sporting Clays a few times, and only at 2 different ranges, but at each range we were able to break the pairs up into singles. Maybe you could speak to the range master, and he could help you out. If you use your 870 for 5 Stand, you can shoot anything, any where... __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything.

April 22, 2015, 04:50 PM	#8
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	The 11-87, being built on the 28 gauge sized receiver, will likely handle a bit faster, but the fit should be the same. I shoot my LT 20 Model 1100 95% of the time these days; just points like a magic wand for me. If I am going to shoot a 20 I want a 20 sized gun. I abhor all muzzle mounted choke "devices". They work; just a personal fetish. I had one 55 years ago and that was more than enough. I'm not going to go digging now, but an 870 Wingmaster used to have 1-5/8" DAC and 2-1/2" DAH, where an 1100 had 1-1/2" DAC and 2-1/2" DAH, both had an LOP of 14". I have been able to swap back and forth with no issues for 41 years now. __________________ What could have happened... did.

April 22, 2015, 01:05 PM	#3
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Whichever semi-auto you feel fits you the best - and like Fitasc says, that you have the most confidence in. I would not go with a pump gun as a new shooter to sporting clays / a pump is a serious disadvantage unless you are an expert with the pump - and can operate the pump while the gun remains in your shoulder. If you have to drop the gun down..and operate the pump -- and remount you'll probably be way late on a "True Pair". With a 20ga....I'd shoot 7/8 oz of 8's...and a Mod choke 75% of the time or more....( I would not take all 3 guns ). Like FITASC, I also shoot a 12ga ....usually an Over Under so I can put different chokes in one barrel or the other....but I often start with a pair of Mod in the gun ( and carry Skeet, IC, Imp Mod and Full chokes )...but I don't change them too often. 99% of the time, in 12ga, I will shoot 1oz of 8's at around 1225 fps....( I don't fuss with 9's or 7 1/2's...) / but part of the fun of Sporting Clays...is no two courses are the same...and no course is the same month to month....machines are constantly being reset...target presentations are constantly being change...and kill ranges on any given target will often vary between 15 yds ....and 40 yds.../ there are different sizes of targets, etc.....( some courses I know all I'll need is an Imp Cylinder choke all day / some courses I know I'll need a Full in one barrel on 4 out of 15 stations...because I know the way the "target setter" thinks )....

April 22, 2015, 01:30 PM	#4
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	Great responses! I will take the 870 just in case I shoot some trap but I'm thinking the 1100 with the mod choke but it is a new gun to me so I'm not sure what I have. I used the 11-87 two weekends ago and was okay with it on the skeet range, 15 out of 25, not great. Something about that 11-87 doesn't fit me right. My 1100 is identical to my 870 in pull and comb. Both are "X" models and of the same vintage. I'm deadly with that old 870 But I realize getting a "pair" would not be easy for me. This 1100 has the Cutts Compensator choke system with three choices, spreader, mod and full. My 11-87 has the same choices with screw in chokes, skeet, mod, imp c. I need a few more chokes for that gun. I have every Tru-Choke made for the 870, I had Mike Orlin do that work for me.

April 22, 2015, 07:57 PM	#10
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	typo maybe guess not __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything. Last edited by Bake; April 23, 2015 at 08:49 AM.

April 22, 2015, 08:23 PM	#11
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	My 1100 and 870 20ga are both "X" models built on the 12ga receiver. To clarify, my 870 is more of a trap gun and I used it on 5 stand with limited success. I'm very familiar with this gun, even though I have had it for a short time, since I had one identical to it for years then sold it for some reason. I feel at home shooting it. My 11-87 is new and I'm not use to it. It is a "field gun". It does not point well for me. My new to me old 1100 is a mystery yet. I will try it out this week.

April 22, 2015, 08:37 PM	#12
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	NOT BS. ALL 20 gauge 11-87s, and LW 20, and LT 20 Model 1100s are built on the 28 gauge size receiver. Remington introduced the 28 gauge and .410 gauge Model 1100s, on the smaller receiver, in 1969. Initially they were only available as Matched Pairs. The same size receiver is still in use. In 1970, they introduced the Model 1100 LW 20 gauge on the same size receiver. In 1977 the LT 20 replaced the LW 20. Remington was considering making a dedicated size receiver for the 20, but decided to try it on the 28 gauge receiver, since it is all machined forged steel. The rest is history. P.S - I have a 1970 28 gauge Model 1100 Skeet with the mahogany stock set, ordered not too long after learning they were available singly and not just as Matched Pairs. It has been fitted with Briley choke tubes. __________________ What could have happened... did. Last edited by Virginian; April 22, 2015 at 08:45 PM.

April 24, 2015, 08:17 PM	#13
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	I shot three rounds of wobble trap today with this 1100. I really like this gun, it fits me and I point it good. I like the Cutts Compensator/choke system. This gun has no kick! The lady that owns the range is a 5 time world champ and former Virginia Tech clays team coach and she pulled for me and taught me a whole lot about busting clays. I got better and better with each round and got my best round at 19/25. I'm going back to shoot clays soon. Nice place! Summit Springs

April 24, 2015, 08:28 PM	#14
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	If you got help from a Hokie you done good. I is one, too. __________________ What could have happened... did.

April 24, 2015, 08:32 PM	#15
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	My oldest son is a VT grad, my middle son is there now, made the deans list last semester. My youngest wants to go there too.

April 25, 2015, 03:42 AM	#16
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	Both mine went there as well. I think they got more of my money than anyone but the U.S. Government and WalMart. __________________ What could have happened... did.

April 25, 2015, 09:41 AM	#17
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	My boys pay their own way. No way my mechanics salary can help much.

April 25, 2015, 05:16 PM	#18
Shotgun Slim Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2014 Location: Va Posts: 291	Boys would it be bragging if I told you that my daughter was the best shooter on the VT clay target team while she was there? Twice Va ladies champ at the state shoot! Best days of my life were going to registered shoots (trap) with her and friends-I'm still smiling about that. She loved every minute of her time at Tech. She's raising two little ones now and it will fall to me to teach them how to shoot. Looking forward to that gets me out of bed these days.

April 25, 2015, 07:41 PM	#19
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	Relaying facts is not bragging. __________________ What could have happened... did.

April 25, 2015, 07:50 PM	#20
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	Slim, that is awesome! No its not bragging at all! Go Hokies!!!

April 26, 2015, 05:30 AM	#21
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	i have a rem 1100 sporting in 28ga and it seems to be the same size as a rem 870 20ga frame. eastbank.

April 26, 2015, 05:33 AM	#22
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	If the 870 is an LW size receiver, it is. Serial number end in K or U? Of if it's brand new and starts with RS apparently. __________________ What could have happened... did.

May 5, 2015, 02:06 PM	#23
Wishoot Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,093	I have *mad respect* for anyone that can shoot an 870 well for skeet, clays or 5-stand. Not many call pull it off, but I've seen a couple.

May 5, 2015, 03:58 PM	#25
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	One of the few times I have shot a perfect 25 skeet shooting, was with a 12 ga.Remington 870 Wingmaster with a modified choke.