So I've got an 1100 12 ga with a modified barrel for 2 3/4 shells I picked up with another shotgun several years ago in a trade. Will I be handicapped using this for duck hunting?

No. I plan on using a winchester 1400 auto throwing number 3's.
My wife is gonna use her 20 gauge with 4's and just 7/8 oz. loads.

Your fine.

I've been using the same gun w/#4's, but it's best to let in come in and put their flaps and gear down. That gun will shoot any brand and type of shells.

You will be limited to non-steel high dollar loads, but if this is an occasional use, so be it. That is why Remmy came out with the 11-87.

I appreciate the input guys. Recommendations on game loads for this 1100? If I come across as pretty damn ignorant, it's because I am, I've never duck hunted.

Your gun is steel safe, find some #3's or #4's in the 1450 fps range and you'll be fine. I have an older Beretta 303 20ga and my buddy has an older 1100 20 ga both with 2 3/4" chambers, we shoot 3/4 oz of #4's @ 1350 fps and have no problems with big ducks inside 30yds.

I like Federal Ultra-Shoks, I have over 100 cases of the stuff in 12 and 20, premium components and at Rodgers Sporting Goods, not so premium pricing.

If you buy quality shells, mind your distances, pick your shots and get some practice on a sporting clays course, you'll be hooked.

My partner has been using an 1100 in 2 3/4" with a Poly Choke set on IC for 5 years now, loves it .
he shoots 2's and 4's, really likes the Winchester steel that runs about 1,500 FPS.
We limited in less than 2 hours (8 geese each + 6 ducks) the other night and he made one shot that was 56 paces - not the first time he's done it, either.
Oh, never mind the date, new camera and i forgot to set it up!!LOL!
Cat

This was the second year he had the gun.

How capable are you as a wingshooter? That will more likely be your limiting factor, not your gun or ammo.

Find a load that shoots 1500 fps or so, (1-1/16 oz) of either #2, 3 or 4 steel and you're good to go. If you wish, you could open up that MOD fixed choke a little bit to IC if you'll be using decoys generally. MOD may be unnecessarily tight for your needs.

I have a remington 1100 with a 2 3/4" modified barrel. 1 1/8oz remington #2 steel is a good shell choice. Remington has always said their 1100 and 870 fixed Full choke barrels where steel shot safe UP TO #2 STEEL SHOT. I never shoot under #3 steel shot. I spent to much on my teeth already. Go kill ducks/geese

Grampa Walton never had a 3" mag and super chokes and he kilt a bunch of stuff !

I used an 1100 since the day they made them. The only limitation then was it would not feed low brass. It was strictly a field gun. After I wore it out Duck and Goose hunting along with Field Trialing in shoot-to-kill stakes, They came out with 11-87 and I switched. I went to a 3" chamber and a rem-choke system. It did not do any better than my old 1100, although it did handle different loads interchangeably. I don't have to tell you that if you know how to Waterfowl Hunt effectively, you can do very well with a 2-3/4 chamber and a modified barrel. keep the gas port clean and you will enjoy your 1100.

You need to service the gun. The most difficult part to cleaning an 1100 is you must remove the buttpad and stock to clean the action spring and tube. Not a bad job, just look up the directions on the remington website. O-ring replacement and light oil will keep it going. 1 million shells is possible with a maintained 1100, most issues are operator created.