Older 1100 with Steel Shot Safe?

[racine]

I thought I'd post a question to some of you shotgun experts. I have this 1100 bought used in 1998. I had called Remington and asked them to research this. I also asked the gunsmith if I could shoot steel shot through them and I got a negative response. I was informed the barrel, action and chokes were intended for lead and that I needed a new barrel/action/choke to shoot steel.
Fast forward to last week and I thought I'd post the same question to the customer service folks. The fellow gave me the opposite answer saying he had an 1100 & 870 for years and that this was not an issue for my older shotgun and that he shoots steel out of his older shotguns.
Now I'm confused and could really use some knowledgeable guidance in this manner. Are the newer barrels harder for steel?
Thanks,
Racine

 

[Virginian]

I don't know if it still does or not, but in the FAQs on Remington's website it used to say all of there barrels made since 1950 are okay for steel, as long as you don't shoot anything bigger than #2 steel, and don't shoot it thru anything tighter than a modified choke.
If you get choke tubes installed, you can shoot anything with the right tube.

 

[chas08]

I shot steel up to BBB, with #2 & #3 making up the bulk of it for many years through an 1100 made in 1972 with a fixed modified choke with no apparent ill effects. So I cast my vote in the "Yes" column. Another option would be to buy the 1100 steel shot barrel. Which has a 3inch chamber and a choke tube. It allows you to shoot 3inch steel in a standard reciever. I have one now and really like it, mainly for the choke tube feature.

 

[rcmodel]

that I needed a new barrel/action/choke to shoot steel.

You need a more knowlegable gunsmith then.

The action has nothing whatsoever to do with steel shot.

Except newer ones may handle 3" & 3 1/2" shells.

Remington has always made thier barrels with very thick muzzles compared to some other brands of guns with thinner muzzles.

I agree if the gun was made after the 870/1100 came out, and is modified or Imp Cyl, not Full choke, there is no reason at all you cannot shoot 2 3/4" steel shot loads in it.

rc