A Legacy of Innovation
The History
The Remington name is synonymous with American firearms, and the 11-87 Sportsman is a direct descendant of this rich heritage. To understand the 11-87 Sportsman fully, it’s essential to look back at its origins. The story begins with the Remington 1100, a semi-automatic shotgun that revolutionized the market when it was introduced. The 1100 was a game-changer, offering a gas-operated system that significantly reduced recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot and easier to manage follow-up shots.
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman builds upon this legacy. While sharing the core gas-operated design of the 1100, the 11-87 introduced several improvements. These advancements focused on enhancing reliability and accommodating a wider range of ammunition. The 11-87 Sportsman was designed with a self-regulating gas system that could handle both lighter target loads and heavier hunting loads with ease, making it even more adaptable to different shooting situations. The Remington 11-87 Sportsman represents an evolution, refining the original design while retaining the core principles of accuracy and dependability that made the Remington 1100 a success.
Decoding the Core Components
The Gas-Operated System
Let’s explore the inner workings of the Remington 11-87 Sportsman. This shotgun is more than just a collection of parts; it’s a carefully engineered system designed for performance and longevity.
The heart of the 11-87 Sportsman is its gas-operated system. This design utilizes the expanding gases generated when a shell is fired to cycle the action. A portion of these gases is tapped from the barrel and directed into a gas cylinder, which pushes a piston. This piston, in turn, moves the bolt, extracting the spent shell, cocking the hammer, and loading a fresh shell from the magazine. This system not only reduces felt recoil but also contributes to the smooth and reliable operation of the shotgun.
Receiver and Barrel
The receiver, typically constructed from steel, houses the working components of the action, providing a strong and durable platform. The barrel is another critical component, and the Remington 11-87 Sportsman often features a vent rib, which aids in sighting. Different barrel lengths are available, allowing users to tailor the shotgun to their specific needs, from close-quarters shooting to long-range hunting.
Stock and Forend
The stock and forend are typically made from durable synthetic materials. These choices offer ruggedness, weather resistance, and a comfortable grip. These materials are often chosen for their practicality in various hunting and shooting conditions.
Hitting the Mark: Performance in Action
Shooting Experience
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman isn’t just about its design; it’s about how it performs in the field or on the range. The shooting experience with the 11-87 Sportsman is generally regarded as positive. The gas-operated system significantly reduces felt recoil compared to pump-action or break-action shotguns. This makes it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods, a particularly important consideration for hunters who spend hours in the field. The reduced recoil also contributes to faster follow-up shots, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
Reliability and Versatility
The 11-87 Sportsman is known for its reliability. It’s a shotgun that is designed to function consistently, even in challenging conditions. The self-regulating gas system helps accommodate a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy hunting loads. This versatility makes the 11-87 Sportsman an excellent choice for various shooting scenarios. Whether you’re chasing upland game birds, pursuing waterfowl, or participating in clay target sports, the Remington 11-87 Sportsman is typically up to the task.
Versatility Beyond Compare
Hunting Applications
One of the key strengths of the Remington 11-87 Sportsman is its versatility. This shotgun can be adapted to a wide array of shooting applications. For hunters, the 11-87 Sportsman is a capable choice for various game species. The choice of barrel length and choke tubes allows you to tailor the shotgun’s performance to match the specific hunting situation. For instance, a shorter barrel with a more open choke may be ideal for hunting fast-moving birds in dense cover. A longer barrel with a tighter choke might be better suited for shooting waterfowl at greater distances.
Target Shooting and Recreational Use
Beyond hunting, the Remington 11-87 Sportsman is also suitable for target shooting and recreational plinking. The smooth action and manageable recoil make it enjoyable to shoot clays or simply spend an afternoon at the range. The availability of different choke tubes allows shooters to fine-tune their shot patterns for different target distances and shooting styles. The ease of maintenance also contributes to its appeal for recreational shooting, as it’s relatively simple to clean and maintain.
Exploring Different Variants and Customization
Model Variations
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman wasn’t just a single model; it came in a few variations. These variations often focused on different gauge offerings and purpose-built models designed for particular hunting applications. Understanding these options can help you choose the Remington 11-87 Sportsman that best suits your needs.
Customization Options
Beyond the stock models, the Remington 11-87 Sportsman also offers significant opportunities for customization. There is a wide range of aftermarket accessories available to enhance the shotgun’s performance, appearance, and functionality. Scope mounts allow for the use of optics, improving accuracy at longer ranges. Choke tubes allow shooters to fine-tune the shot pattern for different situations. Various stock and forend options, including different materials and finishes, can be chosen to personalize the shotgun and improve its ergonomics. These modifications can make the Remington 11-87 Sportsman truly your own.
Maintaining Your Shotgun: Care and Cleaning
Cleaning Procedures
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the Remington 11-87 Sportsman continues to function reliably for years to come. Regular cleaning and care can extend the life of your shotgun and prevent malfunctions. The process of cleaning a 11-87 Sportsman involves several steps.
First, you need to ensure the firearm is unloaded. Remove the barrel and magazine plug if applicable, and clear the action. Then, you can disassemble the shotgun, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning solutions and lubricants are crucial to the cleaning process. Bore cleaner should be used to remove powder residue and fouling from the barrel. The action should be cleaned and lubricated with a gun oil or lubricant.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
After cleaning, the shotgun must be reassembled correctly. It is important to refer to the owner’s manual during assembly. The correct application of oil and grease is important for keeping the shotgun functioning smoothly. Addressing potential issues is often straightforward when you know what to look for. Common problems include failure to feed, failure to eject, and cycling issues. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the gas system can often resolve these issues.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Advantages of the 11-87 Sportsman
Before purchasing a Remington 11-87 Sportsman, it’s helpful to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. The advantages of the Remington 11-87 Sportsman are many.
The 11-87 Sportsman has established a reputation for reliability and durability. The gas-operated system and robust construction contribute to this reliability. The 11-87 Sportsman offers excellent value for the price. It’s a well-built shotgun at a reasonable cost. The availability of parts and accessories is another advantage. The popularity of the Remington 11-87 Sportsman ensures that replacement parts and aftermarket accessories are readily available.
Disadvantages to Consider
Of course, there are also some potential downsides to consider. The gas system may require more maintenance than some simpler systems. The 11-87 Sportsman may be slightly heavier than some other shotguns.
Comparing the Competition
The Benelli Nova
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman isn’t the only semi-automatic shotgun on the market. It’s useful to compare the 11-87 Sportsman with other popular choices.
One common comparison is with the Benelli Nova. The Nova is a pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and affordability. The 11-87 Sportsman, being a semi-automatic, offers a faster rate of fire and reduced recoil. The Mossberg 930 is another popular option, known for its value and reliability. The 930 offers similar features and performance to the 11-87 Sportsman at a competitive price. The choice between these shotguns often comes down to personal preference, shooting style, and budget.
Finding Your Remington 11-87 Sportsman
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman is available through various channels. You can find the 11-87 Sportsman at most gun stores and at online retailers. Prices for the Remington 11-87 Sportsman can vary depending on the condition, any included accessories, and the seller. Considering the used market is another option, although the price will vary even further. Be sure to compare prices from different sources before making a purchase.
In Conclusion: A Trusted Companion
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman is a reliable and versatile semi-automatic shotgun that has earned its place in the hearts of many hunters and shooters. It’s a shotgun built on a legacy of innovation. Its gas-operated system provides reduced recoil and enhanced reliability. It offers a wide range of applications, from hunting to recreational shooting. The availability of customization options allows you to tailor it to your specific needs. For anyone seeking a dependable and capable shotgun, the Remington 11-87 Sportsman is certainly worth considering. This shotgun, with proper care, will provide many years of service in the field.
