ring job??

[Picasso2]

OK, it's Shotgun newbie here with a couple of questions for the experts.

I recently picked up a pair of used Remington 1100's semi-autos.

On inspecting the 20 ga., there's a lot of carbon/soot under the forend. I looked at some sites and I'm guessing I should tune-up my piston, piston seal, and barrel seal.
That's around $30 from Midway.

The 12 ga. looks unfired, i.e. no soot/carbon under the forend. It's a least a couple of decades old and it has a full choke barrel, no vent rib.
Parts are around $25 from Midway.

I'm in West L.A. and here are my questions:

1. Is there a local shop that sells these parts or is ordering from Midway the best way to go?
2. I expect the new piston and piston seal would last a long time, but
how many rounds can you expect to shoot before needing to replace the barrel O-ring/seal again?
3. Is that barrel O-ring the same as a plumber's O-ring you buy at the hardware store?
4. Midway shows an O-ring made by Carlson at twice the price. What's the deal with that?
5. I pulled a model number off of the Remi website for what I think is a skeet barrrel for the 12 ga., where is the best place to order a barrel?

That's it for now, and I thank you gentlemen for your help.

Picasso

[BigDogatPlay]

The 1100 will accumulate carbon over time. Keeping the gas system clean is a big plus, and don't forget inside the barrel ring where the gas vents off.

Do the fore ends on your guns have a fiberglass reinforcement inside them?

If the 20 is as old as the 12 and has a large accumulation of carbon it might not be a bad idea to swap out new seals.

Answers to your questions....

1. Don't know I am in NorCal, but I'd order from either Midway or Brownells.
2. Probably at least 4K to 5K rounds before replacing the seals again, assuming you clean / maintain the gun.
3. That diameter is the same as can be found at a hardware store yes, and some guys keep a few on hand for just in case repairs.
4. The Carlson rings are, I believe, impregnated with teflon or something similar.
5. Remington, Cabelas or Midway for a barrel, although they turn up on Gunbroker and similar sites from time to time. Cabelas usually has a slightly better price and availability from Midway on barrels.

[Picasso2]

Thanks for the info.
Picasso

[bjl333]

Your 20ga is a big ring standard frome. I know coz I saw the thread b4 you got it!! So I think you'll need a 12ga kit for your 20 as well. Take the parts from the 12ga and compare it to the 20ga, I am betting they are the same.

[Picasso2]

Thanks, I'll do that before ordering anything.
Picasso