Modifying Rem 1100 barrel for steel

[USCGKal]

I recently got my dad's 1100 12g Magnum with a 30" fixed full choke.

I know that steel shot is not reccomended due to messing up the barrel and getting crappy patters.

I was looking at the remington steel shot barrel but really do not want to spend that kind of money since I also want a barrel good for 2.75" shells. Dont need $500 invested in the end. And to get Briley to modify it for screw ins i am still looking at $200.

Can I get a gunsmith to open up the choke a bit to maybe a modified or slightly larger and get away with shooting steel through it? Does the Remington steel barrel have anything different in design other than rem-chokes? Barrel construction or gas port size different?

I plan to use this primarily for duck hunting, so 3" non-toxic is a must and i dont think I really need to have different chokes for what I intend to do.

I have been having trouble searching about this particular topic. Thanks!

 

[1KPerDay]

Send your barrel to this gentleman and tell him what kind of steel-safe chokes you want installed. Or have him open it up to Modified.

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=36237

BTW IF you want to shoot 2.75" AND 3" shells you'll need 2 barrels. The 1100 barrels have different gas ports. 3" magnums have 1 port and 2.75" chambered barrels have 2.

My magnum will SOMETIMES cycle hot 2.75 high brass stuff but not reliably. (with the 3" barrel installed). I got an old 2.75" chambered one and throw it on when I want to bust clays. Works fine.

 

[chas08]

Can I get a gunsmith to open up the choke a bit to maybe a modified or slightly larger and get away with shooting steel through it?

The short answer is yes, a reputable smith can do it.

I opted for the Steel Shot Barrel, mainly because I wanted the versatility of remchokes. It cycles 3 dram 1 1/8 oz 2.75" loads reliably as well.

I had a different 1100 back in the 80's with a full choke barrel that I shot steel through with no ill effects to the gun or barrel that was outwardly noticable. Steel back then was "crap" compared to the steel of today.

You may want to pattern your gun with some quality steel loads and see what it does. Going by my experience, I doubt you will cause the gun any harm, and it may already be just what you want in a Duck gun.

 

[USCGKal]

Thanks alot. I took it out the other day and got 50 rounds through it at the trap field. gun shot great but did not cycle a single 2.75 round. will probably look at getting this current barrel patterned, see if the full choke is good, or if i want to open up to modified.

Definitely need a 2.75" compatible barrel. was shooting with a guy with an 1100 skeet model and that sucker was quick!

 

[chas08]

Here is a link to Gunbrokers Remington 1100 barrels page/s. If you're patient, you might find one for a decent price used. Best wishes...chas

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Se...e=0&Keywords=Remington+1100&Cat=4024&Items=50