Introduction
The Remington 1100’s Legacy
The world of shotguns is vast and varied, a landscape populated by rugged pump-actions, sophisticated over-and-unders, and reliable semi-automatics. Among these, a name stands out, synonymous with quality, performance, and a legacy that spans decades: the Remington 1100. And within the 1100 family, a specific model shines brightly, offering a blend of lightweight design and proven reliability: the Remington 1100 LT 20. This isn’t just a shotgun; it’s a testament to practical engineering and a favorite among hunters and shooters alike.
A Brief History
The Remington 1100’s roots lie deep in American firearm history. It burst onto the scene in the early nineteen sixties, a revolutionary shotgun that redefined the semi-automatic market. Its smooth operation, soft recoil, and elegant lines quickly captivated shooters. The 1100 wasn’t just a better semi-automatic; it was a shotgun that felt good in your hands and performed consistently. It became an instant success, and its popularity continues to this day, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling shotguns of all time. The 1100’s design, incorporating a gas-operated system that reduced felt recoil significantly, set a new standard for comfort and performance in a self-loading shotgun.
The Focus: Remington 1100 LT 20
The Remington 1100 LT 20 builds on this legacy, offering a version optimized for those who value maneuverability and ease of carry. The “LT” in its name stands for “Lightweight,” immediately signaling its primary advantage. This designation separates it from some of the heavier 1100 models, making it ideal for extended hunts or for shooters who prefer a more nimble shotgun. The 20-gauge chambering further contributes to its suitability for various purposes, providing a balance of power and manageable recoil. The Remington 1100 LT 20 is more than just a shotgun; it’s an experience, a blend of history, engineering, and practicality.
Features and Specifications
20-Gauge Chambering: A Sweet Spot
The heart of any shotgun is its specifications, and the Remington 1100 LT 20 boasts a compelling set. The 20-gauge chambering is a sweet spot for many shooters. It offers significant advantages over the smaller .410 bore without the substantial recoil of a 12-gauge. The 20-gauge strikes a balance, making it suitable for a range of game birds, small game, and even clays. The 20-gauge shells are also generally lighter and more compact than their 12-gauge counterparts, which is another benefit for those who spend long hours in the field.
Lightweight Design: LT’s Signature
The lightweight design of the Remington 1100 LT 20 is achieved through thoughtful material selection and engineering. While specific weight can vary depending on the configuration and wood type, the LT models are noticeably lighter than their standard 12-gauge counterparts. This reduction in weight makes a significant difference in handling, especially when carrying the shotgun for extended periods. The lighter feel also enhances swingability, allowing for quicker target acquisition, a crucial factor in both hunting and sporting clays.
Barrel Length Options
The barrel length of the Remington 1100 LT 20 typically comes in various options, with common lengths ranging from twenty-six to twenty-eight inches. The barrel length influences the shot pattern and overall balance of the shotgun. Shorter barrels are often preferred for hunting in dense cover, where maneuverability is paramount. Longer barrels can provide a slightly tighter pattern and greater accuracy at longer ranges, making them well-suited for waterfowl or open-field hunting. The choice of barrel length often depends on the shooter’s specific needs and the type of hunting they intend to do.
The Gas-Operated Action
The semi-automatic action is one of the hallmarks of the Remington 1100 LT 20. It’s a gas-operated system, which means that it uses the energy of the fired shell to cycle the action, loading the next round automatically. This system offers several benefits. The first and most noticeable is the reduced recoil. Some of the felt recoil is absorbed by the mechanism, making the gun more comfortable to shoot than a pump-action or a single-shot shotgun. This is especially beneficial for less experienced shooters, or those who may be sensitive to recoil. The semi-automatic action also allows for faster follow-up shots. With a pump-action, the shooter has to manually cycle the action after each shot. With a semi-automatic, this process is handled automatically, allowing the shooter to quickly get back on target. This is advantageous when hunting fast-moving game or when shooting at multiple targets in sporting clays. The system’s reliability is another key feature; properly maintained, the Remington 1100 LT 20 is known for its consistent performance.
Stock and Forend Materials
The stock and forend of the Remington 1100 LT 20 are typically available in either wood or synthetic materials. The choice is largely a matter of personal preference and intended use. Wood stocks offer a classic aesthetic and a warm feel, and are often highly figured and beautifully finished. Synthetic stocks are typically more durable and resistant to weather and wear. They also tend to be lighter than wood stocks, contributing to the overall lightweight design of the LT model. The forend provides a comfortable grip for the non-dominant hand and helps to balance the shotgun.
Capacity and Sighting Systems
The capacity of the Remington 1100 LT 20, like most semi-automatic shotguns, is limited by law in many jurisdictions to a certain number of shells. The magazine tube usually holds a few rounds, depending on regulations, plus one round in the chamber. The magazine can be easily loaded, and the gun is ready to fire. The sighting system on the Remington 1100 LT 20 is usually a simple bead sight, a common configuration for shotguns designed for hunting and general use. The bead sight is located on the front of the barrel and is used to help the shooter align the gun with the target. Some models may also have a receiver groove for mounting an optics rail, allowing the user to add a scope or red-dot sight for greater precision, especially in scenarios where longer-range shots are anticipated, or when shooting at moving targets like clays.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
The advantages of the Remington 1100 LT 20 are numerous. The most significant is its lightweight design, offering unparalleled ease of handling and carrying. The manageable recoil makes it comfortable to shoot, even for extended periods. This is especially beneficial for new shooters or those who may find the recoil of a larger-gauge shotgun too punishing. The reliability of the Remington 1100 is a testament to its robust engineering, and the availability of spare parts and aftermarket accessories means it can be easily maintained and customized. The gun’s ease of use and relatively simple maintenance further add to its appeal, making it a practical choice for both experienced and novice shooters.
Disadvantages
Of course, no firearm is perfect. One potential drawback is that the Remington 1100, and the LT 20 in particular, might not handle very light loads with the same reliability as some other designs. This is more of a consideration for target shooting than for hunting.
Applications and Target Audience
Hunting Applications
The Remington 1100 LT 20 shines in a variety of applications. It’s an excellent choice for hunting upland birds, such as pheasant, quail, and grouse. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry through fields and brush. It is also suitable for waterfowl hunting, where its reliability and manageable recoil are invaluable. For small game hunting, like rabbits or squirrels, the 20-gauge and its light weight offers an enjoyable experience.
Target Shooting and Sporting Clays
The Remington 1100 LT 20 is also a suitable shotgun for target shooting, including sporting clays. Its comfortable recoil and fast follow-up shots are ideal for the quick-paced nature of clay shooting. The 20-gauge offers a slightly different challenge than the 12-gauge, making it a good choice for experienced shooters looking for a new challenge or for beginners looking to develop good habits.
Target Audience Demographics
The target audience for the Remington 1100 LT 20 is broad. It’s an excellent choice for hunters of all experience levels, especially those who appreciate a lightweight and easy-to-handle shotgun. Women and youth shooters often find the lighter weight and reduced recoil particularly appealing. Experienced shooters looking for a versatile and reliable shotgun will also appreciate the Remington 1100 LT 20.
Comparison to Other Shotguns
Remington 870 Comparison
When considering its place in the shotgun market, it’s important to compare the Remington 1100 LT 20 with other options. The Remington 870, a classic pump-action shotgun, is a popular and affordable choice. However, it lacks the semi-automatic’s recoil-reducing capabilities and faster follow-up shots.
Competing Semi-Automatics
Compared to other 20-gauge semi-automatic shotguns, the Remington 1100 LT 20 holds its own. It’s often praised for its smooth operation, reliability, and the availability of parts. While some other shotguns may offer more modern features or designs, the 1100 LT 20 benefits from a proven track record and a reputation for dependability.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Lubrication
The care and maintenance of the Remington 1100 LT 20 are relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for ensuring the gun’s reliable operation. After each shooting session, the barrel should be cleaned, and the action should be wiped down and lightly oiled. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often the gun is used and the types of ammunition fired.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
The most common issues with the Remington 1100 are usually related to the gas system, which needs regular cleaning to function correctly. Occasionally, malfunctions may occur if the gun is not properly lubricated or if it’s used with overly light loads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Remington 1100 LT 20 is a stellar example of a lightweight, reliable, and versatile shotgun. Its blend of easy handling, manageable recoil, and proven performance make it an excellent choice for hunters, target shooters, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted firearm. It represents the best of what the Remington 1100 line has to offer, delivering a shooting experience that is both enjoyable and effective. The Remington 1100 LT 20 continues to be a champion, a testament to classic design and engineering, offering a remarkable balance of performance and user-friendliness. If you’re looking for a shotgun that will perform reliably and be a pleasure to carry, the Remington 1100 LT 20 deserves serious consideration. It’s a shotgun that continues to stand the test of time.
