The Remington 1100 has long held a revered place in the hearts of shotgun enthusiasts, and its suitability for trap shooting is a frequent topic of discussion. This comprehensive guide delves into the reasons why the Remington 1100 is a popular choice for trap, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, modifications, and overall suitability for the sport. We'll cover everything from its gas-operated system to aftermarket upgrades that can enhance its performance. This guide will help you decide if the Remington 1100 is the right shotgun for your trap shooting needs.
The Remington 1100: A Legacy of Reliability
The Remington 1100, introduced in 1963, quickly gained a reputation for its reliable gas-operated action. This system utilizes the expanding gases from the fired shell to cycle the action, providing smooth and consistent operation, crucial for rapid target acquisition in trap shooting. Unlike inertia-driven shotguns, the 1100's gas system is less sensitive to variations in ammunition and environmental conditions, ensuring consistent function even in challenging situations. This reliability is a major factor contributing to its popularity among trap shooters.
Gas System Advantages for Trap
- Reduced Recoil: The gas system effectively mitigates recoil, allowing for faster target reacquisition and improved accuracy. This is particularly important in trap shooting, where rapid follow-up shots are essential.
- Consistent Cycling: The gas system's consistent cycling ensures that the gun operates reliably, regardless of ammunition variations or environmental factors.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: The gas system distributes the recoil forces more effectively, reducing wear and tear on internal components.
Understanding the Gas System's Mechanics
The Remington 1100's gas system operates through a series of carefully engineered components. When a shell is fired, expanding gases are channeled through a port in the barrel, pushing a piston that drives the bolt and cycling the action. This process is remarkably smooth and efficient, contributing to the shotgun's reliable performance. Understanding this system can help in troubleshooting potential issues and maintaining the gun.
Is the Remington 1100 Ideal for Trap Shooting?
While the Remington 1100 possesses many strengths for trap shooting, it's not without its limitations. Many consider it a fantastic platform that, with the right modifications, becomes an excellent choice for competitive trap shooting. However, other dedicated trap guns might offer certain advantages.
Advantages of the Remington 1100 for Trap:
- Reliability: As previously mentioned, the gas-operated system provides exceptional reliability.
- Parts Availability: Parts for the Remington 1100 are readily available, making maintenance and repairs relatively straightforward.
- Aftermarket Support: A vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories are available, allowing for significant customization to optimize the gun for trap shooting.
- Versatility: The Remington 1100 can be used for various shooting disciplines beyond trap, increasing its overall value.
Potential Disadvantages:
- Weight: Some shooters find the Remington 1100 heavier than some dedicated trap guns, which can lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Stock Geometry: The factory stock geometry might not be ideal for all shooters, potentially requiring adjustments or replacement with a custom stock.
- Balance: The balance point might not be optimal for trap shooting, requiring weight adjustments for improved swing.
Optimizing the Remington 1100 for Trap: Modifications and Upgrades
Many shooters customize their Remington 1100s to enhance their performance in trap. These modifications often focus on improving the gun's fit, balance, and handling characteristics.
Key Modifications:
- Adjustable Stock: Replacing the factory stock with an adjustable stock allows shooters to customize the length of pull, comb height, and cast to perfectly fit their body type and shooting style.
- Adjustable Comb: An adjustable comb is crucial for achieving proper cheek weld and consistent sight alignment.
- Recoil Pad: A high-quality recoil pad reduces felt recoil, increasing comfort and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- Extended Choke Tubes: Extended choke tubes are frequently used to improve pattern consistency and reduce muzzle jump.
- Weight Adjustments: Adding weight to the forend or receiver can help balance the shotgun for improved swing and pointing.
Case Study: A Successful Remington 1100 Trap Setup
One successful example is a shooter who upgraded their Remington 1100 with an adjustable stock from a reputable manufacturer like Graco. They also added a high-quality recoil pad, extended choke tubes (specifically an improved cylinder bore for trap), and customized the gun's balance using strategically placed weights. This resulted in significantly improved performance, increased comfort, and greater consistency on the trap field.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice with the Right Modifications
The Remington 1100 can be a highly effective shotgun for trap shooting, providing reliable operation and a platform for extensive customization. While it might not be a dedicated trap gun out of the box, its inherent reliability and the availability of aftermarket upgrades allow shooters to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences, making it a strong contender for those seeking a versatile and highly customizable shotgun for trap. Remember that proper fitting and customization are key to maximizing its performance. Consider professional gun fitting to ensure your Remington 1100 is perfectly suited to your individual shooting style and body dimensions.