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Joined: Feb 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
I've been thinking about picking one of these up, but from talking to a couple trusted individuals here, I understand they both had substantial misgivings about the feel of these guns when shouldering them. I'm guessing it must have something to do with the English stock. Does anyone carry one of these, and if so, what's your opinion? I'm specifically interested in a lightweight gas operated semi-auto, mainly used for grouse. 20 gauge or 12 gauge, in that order of preference.
Thanks for your input, guys.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
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gopher, I don't the 1100, but I have an 870 sp.. I really enjoy it for some types of shooting.. Forest grouse is one, and Az. quail is another.. Here in the plains, I do like a longer sight radius of the std. model 870.
My sp does feel a bit different, but if it had a 26 " barrel, I would probably use it even on the plains.. It only has a 21" barrel, but that is the same as a 26 " double..
Molon Labe
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Joined: May 2008
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I heard someone describe it as a "poke & hope" gun but I had one in 20 gauge that was a pretty good quail gun. I'd think it would be good for grouse too.
One thing about them, at least in 20 gauge, if you don't like it you probably won't have any trouble selling it. I sold it to help buy a 26" Citori 20 gauge and it went quick for a little more than I paid for it.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,090
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2006
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Im not a fan, dont care for how they handle one bit. Their probly good for the "poke and hope" gunning but anything in the open you should kill easy might get away given the short comings of this gun. Just not for me.
It�s a magazine not a clip......
Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least.� - Lord Chesterfield. 1750
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 69,209 |
One of my all time favorite auto loaders. I love the short barrel and English style stock. And a 1100 is hard to beat for function and feeding if you clean it once a year.
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,263
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,263 |
One of my all time favorite auto loaders. I love the short barrel and English style stock. And a 1100 is hard to beat for function and feeding if you clean it once a year. ^^^This in a 20ga is a sweet gun ^^^^ Around here you can not fine any. That must say something.
Gun Shows are almost as comical as boat ramps in the Spring.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809 |
You could do worse but you would have to try. However, if you must then go 20. Ive shot them in a 12 and they are not that much fun. Nor will the recoil do you any favors getting back onto the stock for a second shot. Shoot a 12 before you part with your money.
laissez les bons temps rouler
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,140
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,140 |
I've been thinking about picking one of these up, but from talking to a couple trusted individuals here, I understand they both had substantial misgivings about the feel of these guns when shouldering them. I'm guessing it must have something to do with the English stock. Does anyone carry one of these, and if so, what's your opinion? I'm specifically interested in a lightweight gas operated semi-auto, mainly used for grouse. 20 gauge or 12 gauge, in that order of preference.
Thanks for your input, guys. You need to actually handle one of these before you do anything.. Try mounting it to the shoulder several times.. I cannot use an English straight-stock.. My wrist just won't bend enough to be comfortable at all..
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,682
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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What battue said on the 12. More recoil plus muzzle blast. IMO the 12 would be better as a riot gun.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,612
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2006
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My dad had an original Special Field in 12 with the 21" barrel.. he swore by it for quail. I hunted with it a bit, and though it handled and shot just fine. The English stock isn't my thing...but it never caused me any issues.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17,781 |
While I would like a 20 in a special field, all one had to do is shoot 1 0z, loads and you have a 20 with the advantage of cheap shells.. The 20 would be slimmer and a fine arm.. Never thought much about muzzle blast with the 21" barrel.. Even with 1 1/8 oz. loads one does notice the recoil in a pump after shooting doves..
Molon Labe
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Had a browning version for a short while some years ago. It was OK I guess for thicket hunting grouse if that's your thing ,but as someone said too much like a riot gun for me. It didn't stay long.
Last edited by bangeye; 10/01/15.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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It is kind of funny when one talks of a pump with a 21" barrel as a riot gun.. It has a 26" sight radius just like a 26" double.. folk like them fine.. A matter of taste I am sure.. While the special field is fine for grouse and quail I also prefer a longer barrel for most of my gunning, but in those situations, the special field is a dandy..
Molon Labe
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 1,239 |
They are great handling guns in 20ga. If you appreciate the English stock, you will love it. I have had the 1100 and currently an 11-87. The 11-87 functions just as well but will shoot 3" and the receivers were nicely roll engraved.
UNLIKE the 870 versions, the barrels are interchangeable with the normal field versions. The 870 had a different barrel lug distance.
The lion and tiger might be stronger, but the wolf does not perform in the circus.
NRA Life Member
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I'm the one that initially said, "IMO it would be better as a riot gun". It's not the barrel length, like you said it's got a 26" sight radius. To me it's the 12s weight and balance compared to the 20s. Granted that's only my opinion there's probably plenty of people that like the 12.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Not a problem... Short guns are popular, but I think my own SF would handle a bit better with maybe a 24 or 25" barrel... But for forest grouse and quail it is fine..
Molon Labe
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,241
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,241 |
[quote=gophergunner]I've been thinking about picking one of these up, but from talking to a couple trusted individuals here, I understand they both had substantial misgivings about the feel of these guns when shouldering them. I'm guessing it must have something to do with the English stock. Does anyone carry one of these, and if so, what's your opinion? I'm specifically interested in a lightweight gas operated semi-auto, mainly used for grouse. 20 gauge or 12 gauge, in that order of preference.
Thanks for your input, guys. You need to actually handle one of these before you do anything.. Try mounting it to the shoulder several times.. I cannot use an English straight-stock.. My wrist just won't bend enough to be comfortable at all.. [/quote ^^^ This ^^^ X 10 I`ve had the 1100 Special Field in 12 and 20 and thought they would be more comfortable to shoot if they had a top tang safety. Wrong, I tried a BPS Upland Special in 20 ga. for a season. It just wasn`t comfortable to shoot. I ended up with a pair of Benelli Montefeltros in 12 and 20 ga. Couldn`t be happier!!
Last edited by 35; 10/24/15.
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