3inch shells in older Rem 1100

[tacmedicp94]

I have an older model Rem1100 (were talking over 20 yrs old at least) that i inherited from my grandfather. I need to know if i can put an 1100 barrel on this shotgun that is chambered for 3 inch shells. If this is possible, is it safe to use 3 inch shells in a shotgun that was prob. only designed to fire 2 3/4 inch shells. I have a 870 which is currently my turkey/duck gun but would like to turn it into a home defense weapon because my fiance refuses to even hold a pistol:banghead: but will fire a shotgun with the best of them. Ive tried using the 1100 w/2 3/4 shells for turkey/duck but havent been as pleased with the results as i was with the 870 firing 3inch. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[zinj]

IIRC if the gun has a magnum receiver (many 2.75in 1100's do) you can put on a 3in barrel and the gun will work fine (with 3in loads). Unfortunately I cannot remember the serial number prefix that denotes a magnum reciever. I'm sure someone will come around shortly who does.

(EDIT: Looked it up, the prefix is M; Duh!)

 

[tacmedicp94]

The only markings ican find on the reciever are 15169V. Like i said it is possible that this 1100 is 20-30yrs old. Im not even sure 3inch shells were being produced when this gun was made.

 

[zinj]

Three inch magnums have been around since the 1920's. The V means it is a 2.75in gun, which cannot be fitted with a 3in barrel without extensive gunsmithing.

 

[ArmedBear]

You can put on a Steel Shot 3" barrel, no problem. You can use it for 3" steel shells, but not 3" lead shells.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/original_factory_barrel_selector.asp

My old Magnum receiver says "Magnum" on the right side over the trigger, and the serial number ends in M.

 

[tacmedicp94]

Thanks for the info. I looked all over the Remington site for info but never thought to look at the barrels they had for sale... DUH! Neither one of the 1100's i have are marked magnum. I guess i'll just get one of the 870 SpecOps with the pistol grip. Not much the old lady can say since she still refuses to us a pistol.

 

[zinj]

Why not make the 1100 a HD gun?

 

[tacmedicp94]

I've thought about that. My fiance wants the audible slide racking to "scare them away so i dont have to shoot anyone". Also i'm not sure how she does it but she constantly gets her fingers pinched when loading shells into the 1100 but not the 870. Go figure. Since this is going to primarily be "her" home defense weapon i figured i should get what she's most comfortable with. If it turns out to be fun at the range also...... added perks.