Historically, the United States’ first autoloading shotgun was the legendary Remington Model 11. The pistol is very well balanced, hammerless, recoil operated, side-ejected, and uses a tube magazine.
This classic model has its own set of problems. The Remington 11 frequently experiences problems like failing to feed, failing to eject, firing pin troubles, loading issues, and jamming.
The article discusses potential root causes and recommendations for addressing them. Keep on reading to find out.
Features & Specifications of Remington Model 11:
| Action | Semi-automatic, recoil-operated |
| Caliber | 12, 16, 20 Gauges |
| Product weight | 7.76pounds |
| Product length | 45 inches |
| Capacity | 5 rounds tubular magazine |
| Barrel length | 28.0 Inches |
| Sights | Single front bead |
Common Remington Model 11 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Failure To Feed | Install new carrier spring |
| Ejection Problems | Check the extractor, use standard shell size |
| Firing Pin Issue | Replace damaged or short firing pin |
| Loading Issue | Change spring damaged magazine tube. |
| Jamming Problems | Clean the gun thoroughly, put new o- ring |
1. Failure to Feed
The Remington Model 11 has issues with feeding. When this occurs, the first-round extracts normally, but the subsequent round isn’t elevated high enough to enter the chamber and becomes jammed immediately under the barrel as a result of the bolt’s movement. It will feed and go into battery if you release some pressure on the bolt and push the round up a little.
It is reported that the shotgun’s extractor repeatedly tore the rim off the shotgun shells while the bolt and barrel remained stuck in the rear.
The Fix:
It could be due to a weak carrier spring. Be sure to clean and lubricate the carrier’s pivot points. The Numrich carrier springs unavailable but you can try the Browning A5 springs.
You may make your shotgun work better by switching its gas rings to high-quality brass. Issues with feeding could be resolved by adjusting the carrier lift spring.
2. Ejection Problems
There are concerns with shell ejection in the Remington 11. It’s difficult to expel the brass because it keeps getting caught in the ejection port. The barrel moves back, cocking the cylinder, and then snaps into position, leaving the spent shell in the chamber. The bullet is unable to leave the chamber. If it is not ejecting the shell would be stuck on the bolt instead of in the chamber.
the chamber maybe rough or corroded, the shells are the wrong size, or the extractor is broken.
The Fix:
Make sure the extractor works. Load a blank into the barrel, secure the bolt, and fire. Position the butt on the floor, lower the barrel until it is stopped by the bolt, and then slowly raise it back up. When the barrel begins to move forward, the extractor should begin removing the shell. Check the chamber for any damage, fix it. Use standard shell size.
3. Firing Pin Issue
The firing pin in the Remington 11 is defective, resulting in a failed shot. The firing pin isn’t making a strong enough impact on the primers. The firing pin is not hit by the hammer. There will be a click, and it will appear to be functioning, but the pin is not actually moving.
This problem could be caused by a wrong-sized or too-long firing pin spring, which makes the coils touch each other at the bottom. The firing pin is stuck on the pin that holds it in place. Extra dirt in the firing pin channel or a mainspring that is loose, broken, or not installed properly in the trigger plate.
The Fix:
Repair the firing pin if it is damaged or, as a result of heavy wear, is too short. Replace the spring on the firing pin if it is too small. If the firing pin is catching on the retention pin, adjust the tension. Remove any debris blocking the firing pin’s path or the trigger plate. Fix a mainspring that is broken or not in the right place, or tighten one that is loose.
4. Loading Issue
Remington Model 11 sometimes has trouble loading the magazine tube and feeding while it is being fired. When you load the tube, sometimes the rounds go right in and sit flush, sometimes they stick out about half an inch, and sometimes one will pop right back out and get stuck on top of the shell carrier, which means you have to take the shell carrier apart to get it out.
This happens with both the original mag spring and the replacement spring, and it doesn’t matter where the friction ring is.
The Fix:
It could be the spring. A new spring for the magazine tube should fix the problem, but the carrier latch and spring should also be checked. Check to see if the carrier latch or spring is broken or worn out.
The magazine tube could be clogged with old grease. Be sure to give the tube and any other trouble spots a good scrub down. A kink or other distortion in the magazine tube is possible. Replace the magazine tube or get it repaired.
5. Jamming Problems
The shotgun becomes jammed when the rounds of a Remington Model 11 shoot out of the magazine and onto the carrier.
With the cartridges halfway out of the magazine, the shotgun jams. The cause of the jam is a worn cartridge stop.
The Fix:
Clean the gun and gas chamber. Replace O-rings and brush off gunk. Clear the barrel of gummy polymers with a solvent, then examine the springs.
Check the friction rings for the shell you plan to use. Worn cartilage stops must be repaired.
User Feedback on Remington Model 11
The legendary Remington model 11 have been on the market for many years. And people have different views on this shotgun. Few seem to like it and other few are unhappy with them.
The Mod 11s have been described as excellent well-built shooter guns by a satisfied customer.
Another user’s great-grandfather left him a Model 11 that’s in surprisingly good shape and performs admirably in the hands of the owner.
As this model is somewhat ancient, it has its share of problems, and many owners of this shotgun have encountered a number of problems that have caused them anguish.
One user offered as a solution to its never-ending difficulties that, because the model 11 is so sophisticated, complicated, and finicky, the majority of problems can be resolved by completely disassembling and cleaning it.
In my opinion, due to the model 11’s age, problems are expected; yet, owning this renowned shotgun from World War II is a gratifying experience.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Remington Model 11
Browning A5
The A5 and Model 11 look similar. Both were made to John Browning’s specifications. The A5 is smoother and more polished, but the 11 is still a solid shotgun. Brownings are pricier.
Savage Model 720
Savage 720s are cheaper than M-11s online. Savage and Remington ejectors differ.
Remington 11-48
The Remington Model 11-48 is semiautomatic. The 11-48 has long-recoil like the Model 11. The 11-48 has a friction ring on the barrel recoil spring, unlike the Model 11.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Remington make the Model 11?
This Remington model 11 shotgun was produced from 1911 to 1948
What gauge is a Remington Model 11?
12 or 20 gauge
Was the Remington Model 11 used in WWII?
Remington Model 11, 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun was issued for World War II.
When was the Remington Model 11 Sportsman made?
1905.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your Remington 11, this article may be the definitive guide you’ve been looking for. I did my best to address all of the typical problems and offer potential answers to those problems.
It’s possible that the problems you’ve experienced are outside the scope of the solutions offered. It’s recommended that you take the pistol to a gunsmith or ship it to Remington for servicing.
