The Remington 11-48 is the last inertia-operated semi-auto produced by Remington. It is a rifle that shoots soft shots. Probably the softest shooting shotgun after the Browning Recoilless.
The gun is generally good. But being so old, it does have some issues.
The most common problems with the Remington 11-48 are: jamming issues, extractor problems, misfires and trigger assembly issues.
After reading this article, you will know the solution to all these problems. You will also know how the users feel about this product. So stay tuned!
Features & Specifications of Remington 11-48:
- Action: Pump Action
- Cartridge: 12, 16, 20, or 28 gauge
- Product weight: 6.6 to 7.7 lbs
- Product length: 18/20/32 inches
- Capacity: 3, 4, 6, 7, or 8 shells
- Finish: Blued
- Stock: Steel
- Barrel length : up to 30 inches
Common Remington 11-48 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Jamming Issue | Clean the chamber, and troubleshoot magazines and friction ring. |
| Extractor Problems | Replace extractor. |
| Misfires | Troubleshoot the hammer and replace the bolt return spring. |
| Trigger Assembly Issue | Troubleshoot the trigger assembly and bolt. |
Jamming Issue
One out of four times, the pistol fails to eject the expended round. It’s almost like the gun has a periodical ejection. The shell exits the chamber but doesn’t get kicked all the way out of the ejection port.
The Fix
Many recoil-operated shotguns fail to extract because the magazine tube gums up or dries.
The brass friction ring rests on the exterior of the magazine tube. And the friction between these two parts prevents the pistol from slamming during operation.
If there is insufficient friction, the gun will slam. If there is too much friction, the empty round will not be ejected because it lacks the necessary momentum.
Wiping down the magazine tube’s exterior and applying a drop or two of oil to the tube may allow the friction ring to function. While providing enough resistance to halt the action and prevent slamming when the gun fires.
There will be plastic buildup in the chamber, so try polishing and cleaning it with fine steel wool.
Extractor Problems
In the 870s, extraction failures occur far too frequently. The extractor or extractor/plunger breaks after around 40 shots of #6. This is also common.
The Fix
Unless the spring and plunger become contaminated by rust or grime, the extractor in a Remington typically works without issue. The components of a new bolt assembly might or might not be properly assembled.
Numrich Firearm Parts & Accessories/Military Surplus/Numrich Gun Parts – is typically a decent place to find parts, apart from Remington.
Misfires
The gun will regularly fire 8 or 9 shells in a row, then simply snap on the next 2 or 3 shells. There would be no indentation in the primer.
As the pistol heats up from shooting, the problem gets worse. When the trigger is pressed in other circumstances, there is a light click.
The Fix
The hammer may come into contact with the forks in the back behind the bolt causing this problem.
Stone away any roughness on the interior of the bolt link. Pull the trigger group and inspect the hammer for sideways play (any issue).
It’s possible that the pin is worn out, or that a piece of metal or debris has become lodged in the mechanism. Clean or replace the bolt return spring and clean the tube in the stock.
Trigger Assembly Issue
The gun will eject the empty cartridge, load the next round, and then do nothing. The trigger does not reset.
When you close the pistol, the trigger will already be in the fired position. However, it works perfectly when worked manually and dry-fired!
The Fix
The hammer may not catch the seer and move with the bolt. While cleaning the pistol, it is easy to damage the trigger assembly. The spring that maintains strain on the sear may be fragile too.
Check that the hammer’s sear notch is clean and clear of gunk. Check to see if the hammer’s notch has been filed to minimize the engagement depth.
Another factor to consider is the carrier release., it may be bent or not engaging properly. Simply remove the trigger assembly and manually cock and de-cock several times to check for the source of the issue.
Check to see if any portion is not in engagement. Check for any little springs that need to be replaced.
User Feedback on Remington 11-48
Users are either a ‘fan’ or they use it as a second rifle. But absolute hate? That’s rare to see in the case of Remington 1148.
A less expensive variation of the Model 11 was the 11-48. Unlike the Browning-designed guns, it wasn’t built to last a long period. The AGI Armorer’s Course states that Remington 1148 can be more expensive to fix than it is worth.
The entire barrel mass of the 11-48 is what causes the recoil. These weapons do not shoot light loads and have a lot of recoils. Both of these were brought on by the gun’s inertia-operated design.
However, some contend that with factory loads weighing 1-1/8 ounces, recoil is not a significant issue. However, high-powered rounds like the NobleSport 1 Ounce Max drams eq. and Winchester Super Sport 3/4 Ounce 1300 fps cause problems.
In my perspective, the typical $250 to $350 price range for these reliable shotguns is a great value. These are generally subpar guns.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Remington 11-48
Based on comparing the specs, features, practicality, and performance, I have found the 3 best alternatives to Remington 11-48 .380 semi-automatic revolver.
Remington 1100
The 1100 runs on gas. In a 3″ barrel, you can fire 2-3/4 shells. Either shell will cycle nicely on the 1100.
Sportsman 48
The only real distinction between the standard 11-48 and the “economy 48’s” was a cosmetic one. The reduced (3 vs. 5) shell capacity, different finish, pistol grip cover, and less checkering are worth mentioning. The working components are all the same.
Remington 1187
For the 11-87, Remington created a straightforward pressure release mechanism. As a result, the gun can fire low-pressure ammunition and run on those pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of action shotgun is the Remington 11-48?
A 11-48 is what they call a long-recoil action. It is the same process that operates the Browning Auto-5
How many Remington 11-48 were made?
Remington made nearly a half million of them from 1949 to 1968.
Which gun is the Remington 11-48 predecessor of?
11-48 is the predecessor to the Remington 11-87.
What is the difference between Remington 11-48 and 11-87?
The Model 11 and 11-48 are long recoil operated guns. The 1100 and 11-87 are gas operated.
Does a Remington 11-48 have friction rings?
Remington 1148 is a spring recoil gun. It comes with no rings.
Conclusion
The 11-48s are dependable, good weapons. Despite contrary opinions, you can count on them to give you a lifetime’s worth of hunting or shooting.
As a recoil gun, keep in mind that its recoil impulse will differ from that of a gas gun. Others describe it as having a double shuffle vibe.
Despite it’s an older design, this rifle is still excellent and capable. But Sportsman 58 and eventually the 1100 took its place. Due to their gas operating systems, both of these were far more enjoyable to shoot.
In my opinion, you can get a better gun at this price point. But if you have to, use it as a second gun.
