Remington 1100 cycling problems

[schapman43]

I have a used 1100 that I picked up from a local shop for dirt cheap. I had the barrel chopped to somewhere around 20"-21". I'm having a bit of trouble getting the gun to cycle completely.

The gun cycles fine most of the time but on occasion the bolt will lock back when there is a shell sitting in the action waiting to be chambered. My first thought was that maybe the magazine spring was to light and wasnt releasing shells with enough force. I installed a Wilson Combat mag extension with Wolf extra power spring and the problem still exists. Please also note that I am using cheapy federal #6 loads from Wal-Mart that run around $2.xx a box.

I'm wondering if there is something else wrong with the gun or if I just need to use a cartridge that has more shot and is physicly heavier so it hits the release tab in the action with more enertia (SP). I'm going to try some buckshot in the gun tomorrow morning to see what the result is. I'll also try some Winchester Super X or other high quality field loads and see what happens.

If you have any other ideas I would like to hear them.

Thanks

 

[kudu]

I had the barrel chopped to somewhere around 20"-21".

This may be your problem. It may of upset the dynamics inside the barrel. Also check to make sure all the gas system rings are in place and the O-ring is in decent shape.

 

[Lone Star]

This is sort of comparing oranges to tangerines, but Beretta says that their 20 ga. M391 will reliably cycle 7/8th's oz. loads only in the 28" bbl. length. The 26" barrels - in some cases, anyway- may not generate enough gas to cycle the action all the time.

In other words, size does count...at least in auto shotgun bbl. length. Remington may use different gas ports or something in their upland special M1100's with 23" bbls.

If you put on a new bbl. in 26" or longer length, you should have a nice field gun. But I'd call Remington first and get their opinion as to your present problem. They may also be able to sell you a suitable short bbl.

Lone Star

 

[schapman43]

The gun is getting enough gas to cycle the action rearward and eject shells. In fact a majority of the time I dont have any problems what so ever. Its just that every so ofter the bolt locks back with a shell on the carrier like the shell being released from the magazine didnt have enough enertia to trip the carrier and release the bolt.

 

[sm]

Agree with kudu and Lone Star -

Sounds like the dwell time has been altered. There is a balance in bbl length , port sizes and such. I'd contact a Gunsmith that knows Remington's and seek advice.

Ask in the forum "Gunsmithing & Repairs" and maybe one of our Gun Gurus can help.


Fella's PLEASE seek advice of MFGS and Gunsmiths before you start smithing ...

Old shooting partner drilled the ports on a nice Beretta 303 20 ga so as to shoot real light loads for kids...he ruined a great shooting gun...it would only shoot one load only. THAT one load.

He had to buy a new bbl, to put that classic, back to being the versatile gun it once was.

EDIT-

Dirty Chamber
You posted as I was ...

Clean the chamber with wisps of 0000 steel wool , plastic builds up and shells wont feed or extract . we had a thread the other day on this...

 

[HSMITH]

Drill the gas port out a little at a time, try .005" larger at a time.

The bolt is slowing and changing directions as the shell is released, the shell can't trip the latch because the bolt is already on it firmly.

Cutting the barrel on a gas operated auto is NOT cut and walk away, there are consequences.

 

[Matthew Courtney]

Years ago I cut an 1100 down to 18.25 inches and put on a Choate mag extension. The gun works 100% with buckshot and slugs. Try yours with the rounds you will be using for self defense before doing anything that cannot be undone.

 

[9mmMike]

....before doing anything that cannot be undone

Like cutting down the barrel? Ha! LOL.

I don't know why but that struck me as funny. I must need a change in dosage.

Mike

 

[Jack R]

Rem 1100

Steve CT was the resident 1100 guru over on Trap Shooters .com..havn't seen a posting from him in a while..but might be worth while trying to reach out to him..for what it is worth I recently bought an early 70's 1100..spent the last 25 yrs in an attic..didn't clean it just put in a new O ring..took it to the range..acted like yours with 1 oz loads..ran an old box of 1 1/4 oz heavy hunting loads thru it then tried lite loads (even 7/8 oz reloads) and it functions perfectly now....go figger?