Another "this or that" shotgun question

[M27]

before I get into the question I have done a search and don't think this one has been asked

now

I have shot may a shotgun and have always had access to family guns but I am looking to buy my own.

I love the 870 and was planing on getting one, but in my research the 11-87 has started to become more appealing.

the question comes down to 870 or 11-87

It would mostly be used for shooting clays but a barrel change to make it a defense weapon at a later date is a good possibility

I know a lot of 870 and 11-87 parts are interchangeable, are the barrels, are the mag tubes. These are probably the only things that might change from stock.

Does the 11-87 have the same reliability and the 870?

Does the 11-87 have any issues with cycling certain loads?

any input on the two choices would be much appreciated

[sarge1572]

the 11-87 MAY have extraction problems with the light target loads. MAY.

I have an 1100, which is virtually the same gun, and it runs on target loads. it's chambered for 2 3/4" shells. If you're 11-87 is chambered for 3" mags it's more likely it won't cycle consistently with 2 3/4" target loads. An 870 will work with everything. Especially the old style (vs the new 870).

that said, I love my 1100..............

[Thefeeder]

><

I'll point ya to the post

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

[M27]

I'll point ya to the post

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=425953

I read that whole thing and it didn't really help much

I already know the 870 format fits and the 11-87 is the exact same size so that isn't much help

I need to know if the benefits of a semi auto outweigh the cons

[jyo]

It's really quite simple, if you find and always shoot the load your semi-auto "likes" it will probably be reasonably reliable. On the other hand, the manually operated shotgun (like an 870) will operate with almost any 12 ga shell you have on hand---this could be a real advantage in a flying sewage situation.
Regarding the interchangeability of parts between the semi-autos and pumps---they are really two different animals---of course Remington would like to keep as many parts the same as possible for ease of manufacturing---but in practical terms, it really doesn't matter as once you adopt a system, it's rare that you would have both types and then expect to interchange parts---just too many differences.
Personally, I've gone with the 870 because of it's ability to handle most any 12 ga ammo that might happen by---I've standardized on both 2 3/4" low-recoil defense shells and the same lenght hunting ammo. It works for me.

[pesty3782]

The Boy Scouts use the 11-87 and last time i was teaching the boys we went through over 400 rounds of all types of ammo mostly low base crap walmart stuff with no issues...Even filthy dirty the 11-87 ran like a champ.

I own 2 870's plus a few beretta autos, but the old 870 has a place in my heart...

Tony P.

[reidnez]

For most people, the decision will come down to what they're willing to spend. Semi-autos cost more, all else being equal, and you have to decide whether the benefits are worth it.

From a defensive perspective, training is absolutely paramount. People will always assert that a pump is more mechanically reliable, but often forget that a shooter can very easily negate that in a moment of panic. A short-shucked pump will malfunction every time. Well, technically it's the shooter that malfunctioned . I'd highly recommend taking a combat shotgun course and practicing regularly thereafter. You can do many useful drills at home with snap caps.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong either way. I like both systems, for different reasons, and I think both are more than adequate. It's a matter of mutual tradeoffs, not superiority. You have to make the choice for yourself.

[drunktank]

My uncle's 11-87 has occasional ejection issues with light target loads.

If its doubling as an HD weapon, you really have to consider if you want a pump or semi, barrel length etc.

With practice, you can fire of 2 aimed shots about as quickly as the average shooter with a semi at the range.

[Cobray]

I'd say if its a Remington go with an 870 pump

They will never let you down, They are low Maintenanced, and you can flavor them up with unlimited accessories If sure you can almost dress up an 11-87 the same but some items just look better on a pump

I've been through 3 870s and finally I decided to stay with a Marine Magnum pump




Now if your looking for a Pump/Auto combo I sugguest saving up for a Benelli M3

I'm still trying to save up for one of those myself. Everytime I get close to a grand I spend it on something else...

[Newshooter]

Don't forget...a semi will have less felt recoil than the pump. If you have smaller statured people or older kids that will be shooting it, recoil may be an issue. Semi's are much tamer on the kick that pumps.

I know of a TON of trap shooters who swear by the 1100 and they put thousands of rounds through their guns each year. I am a bigger fan of the Beretta autos.

[b.thomas]

I have both a Wingmaster pump and a 1187 skeet model.
Both will do pretty much what the other will with just a change of barrel, with the exception of the auto having allot less recoil. Both of mine have been used for both hunting and target, with the 1187 being allot better for shooting a bunch of clays.
My pump is about 35 years old and the 1187 maybe 23 now? Both have and will eat about anything you want to feed them and since I always buy the cheapest rounds I can............that makes me a happy camper! I can't recall ether ever giving a malfunction that wasn't do to cr@ppy ammo and even with as many as 400-500 rounds through the old skeet gun.............never had it where it didn't go "BANG" when I pulled the trigger.
Lucky I guess??

[ERdept]

I had and 1187, it cycled a greater range of loads vs both my Benelli M4's and M2.


The cyclic rate was slow, but the gun was reliable.


No issues with it.


Only problem with the Benelli's was when range shooting at Insight, they require you to use their low wall bird shot, which will sometimes recycle either Benelli.


So, I ended up getting the Remington Versamax. The Benellis worked with 100% full power buck, but again you can't shoot that at every range.

[MJB]

Get a Benelli SBE no problem on any load.