Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Word to the wise - (M1100/11-87)

Those of you who have/use these two models need to periodically check the breech bolt - specifically the top/front and along the upper extractor recess for any crack that you may see..

Just had another one in yesterday with a cracked breech bolt. It's a somewhat common problem, which is why a replacement is hard to find AND spendy.. Second one I've had in since mid-'16..






The customer came in with a jammed-up action. The 'link' had broken (item between the bolt and the action tube follower). I got it apart, replaced the link then noticed the breech bolt's cracks.. Not good - certainly not safe.

So - just a word of caution for those who have these.. Check that area every so often and if you see something like the above - STOP using it..

Good tip. I shoot these a LOT and will keep an eye out. Any idea what causes this Lee?

NOt sure but I suspect the hardening process.. Either flawed or they got 'em too hard..

Note the prices of used ones on Numrich - $140 for a 12 ga. Premier... The others (save 20 ga) are sold out..

I'll have to check that out next time I pull my 1100 out, thanks for the heads up

Got two 1100 mags thanks for the info
Mine are early models and both look solid
Thanks Sam

Thanks for the heads up!

I shoot 1100s competitively. Ive got one with over 200k through it...a 1963 iirc. Ive never had this issue. Ive got three of the new sporting 1100s and they have been fantastic...ill keep an eye out.

The new guns have a lifetime warranty which would cover that failure fwiw

By any chance is any of these failures tied to a certain year/date span?

Remington won't replace under warranty?

Good question - and I do NOT know that answer..

Doubtful - since this particular firearm dates to pre-1980..

My Rem 1100's are two left hand traps and a lefty 20 gauge
skeet gun. I crack a bolt on either I am screwed....likely.

Wouldn't a Rem 11/87 bolt work in 12 gauge?

Doc

Looking closely at the photos in the original thread, I notice the 'corners' where the crack starts are rounded out. I've seen that done before to stop cracks in corners. You have to wonder if that was put in the design from the beginning as a recognized weak point, or something that showed up in later builds?

I'm a fan of the 1100/11-87 in that there are four of them in the immediate family. Probably have 20K+ rounds through them with no problems other than replace the rubber ring gizmo every once in a great while. But that might be something to look at periodically.

It seems reasonable that that metallurgy has something to do with it as 1100's with 100K rounds don't have a problem, then one with a thousand or two rounds through it shows up with this.

Good question.. Never tried to find out..