I have a Remington Model 1100 12 gauge shotgun (2 3/4" shells). It holds 4 in the magazine. When I load the magazine (whether I put in only one or all four), then try to pull the lever to rack one into the chamber, the shell comes up about halfway and stops. It won't go up all the way.

There are two trains of thought here, but none from anyone who really knows shotguns. I'd like to hear what you think.

1. I'm fairly good with handguns and rifles, but have used shotguns very little in my life. Some are saying I'm just not snapping the loading lever (don't know the proper name for it) back hard enough, and that I need to be a bit more aggressive and it will load OK.

2. Something about a weak spring, and I should have it checked out by a gunsmith.

Right now, I'm leaning toward No. 2. Does anyone who is familiar with shotguns have any other thoughts? Thanks....

**EDIT** Sorry....I forgot to mention it's a semi-auto.

 

when you shoot the gun does it cycle ok?

 

Haven't been anywhere that I can shoot it yet (only had it a short time). I've only tried to get one into the chamber, but the shell doesn't want to go all the way up. What do you think if I were to load the magazine, then manually put one into the chamber, and shoot it? Is this a danger situtation, or does it sound as if there's a problem the next shell would simply jam halfway up? As I said, I've done very little with shotguns.

By the way, thanks for the reply. I just don't want to take unnecessary chances, but will see if I can line up a place to shoot it if that will tell me anything.

 

Why not take it apart and give it a good cleaning first. You said you only had the gun a short while....perhaps that's all it needs. Someone to take care of it. The Remington 1100 is one of the most reliable guns ever produced. I'll bet it just needs to be cleaned.

 

most 1100 shotguns that ive used wont just rack in a shell when loading usually have to manually release the feed ramp lever and push up to get the shell to chamber you get used to loading it and you can load a shell fairly quickly.
would suggest you try shooting it before attempting to do any repairs as it may work fine and cycle until empty without ever jamming a shell if a shell jambs in the action it is usually not a safety issue just open the action and pull the shell out.

 

Thanks both for the replies! I appreciate your thoughts. However, in thinking it over and admitting I know little about shotguns, I think I'll go ahead and take it to a gunsmith to go through. There's a gun shop near here where a lot of law enforcement people go, so I'm going to let them have a look at it. Sorry I wasted your time...asking was kind of a "spur of the moment" thing. Sill, as I said, I do appreciate your replies. Thanks so much

 

Probably just needs a good cleaning. Chambering a shell shouldn't need any manual assistance if the gun is properly maintained and in good order, but there are a lot of small parts and springs that jam easily with debris. Even rain can make these gas operated autoloaders malfunction.

 

mystified,

I am assuming this is a used gun with an unknown maintenance history.

Try this. With the safety ON and the gun pointed in a safe direction, pull the operating handle back until the bolt locks open. Drop a shell into the ejection port. Just drop it in, crimp to the front, brass to the rear, don't worry about trying to chamber the round. Press the bolt release that is part of the loading gate. The bolt should slam closed, chambering the round. Load two cartridges into the magazine through the loading gate. Firmly pull back on the operating handle. It should extract and eject the round in the chamber. Releasing the operating handle should close the bolt, loading a fresh round as it closes. Pull the lever back again to eject the second and load the third round. Once more and the gun will be empty.

Remember, The same safety rules that apply to rifles and pistols apply here. Pointed in a SAFE direction, Safety ON and finger OFF the trigger.

If you can do this without jamming, your gun is probably okay. Take it to the trap club and shoot a round.

If it jams, go see the smithy.

If you think it might be full of crud and you feel confident enough to start cleaning, try this. Remove the buttstock and the barrel. Get a can of Prestone Brake Cleaner. Apply generously and flush out all the crud you can reach. Keep it off the wood. Scrub the tough stuff with Hoppes and a tooth brush. Wipe it down, oil lightly and reassemble. Sometimes that is all it takes.

Good Luck!
Shoot Safe!
Shoot Often!

 

Thanks so much, 410a! With your post and what the others have said, I believe it's worth a try. Like I said, I'm OK with handguns and rifles...still just a novice with shotguns. I'll check into local trap clubs and find a place to have a go at it.

Best to all....

 

Before you blow it out with brake cleaner (or any other solvent) I would remove the "O" ring on the gas/magazine tube and when you get ready to lube it after the cleaning use very little or no oil on the gas/magazine tube (oil here gums up the gas system and causes malfunctions) do lube the action arms where they go thru the reciever since this is a major point of friction in the action. If you have trouble with extraction get a brass brush one gauge larger than the gun (10 for a 12, 12 for a 20 etc) and chuck the rod and brush in a drill and really scrub the chamber to remove all plastic residue since it will cause the shell to stick just enough to hamper extraction. 1100's are really tough guns but if the gas ports or gas system is gummed up they become jam-o-matics. rugerman

 

It is the gas seal in the fore-end. Looks like a viton o-ring. The same thing happened to me and the local gunshop owner told me that was the problem and sold me the special seal and poof it worked. It used to cost about $7.00 but it is well worth it!