The Remington Model Eleven: The Grandfather of Automatic Shotguns
Origins and Development
The world of firearms holds a rich history, filled with innovations that have shaped both hunting and target shooting, as well as the defense of nations. Among the many contributions, semi-automatic shotguns stand out as marvels of engineering, blending power and speed. This article focuses on two such shotguns from Remington, the Model Eleven and Model Forty-Eight, exploring their origins, features, and the enduring legacy they have carved into the annals of firearms history. We’ll delve into the intricacies of these two remarkable firearms, charting their evolution, their impact on their time, and why they still capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts today.
Features and Design
The story of the Remington Model Eleven is intrinsically linked to the genius of John Browning. In a partnership that was often characterized by innovative design and strong licensing agreements, Remington and Browning came together. The Model Eleven, essentially a licensed version of Browning’s Auto-5, marked a significant step forward in shotgun technology. While the Auto-5 took the initial place in the shotgun market, the Remington Model Eleven soon followed. This was a turning point, making semi-automatic functionality more accessible to a wider range of shooters.
Variants and Modifications
The Remington Model Eleven emerged during a pivotal period in the evolution of firearms. The early twentieth century saw the rise of semi-automatic designs, and the Model Eleven, with its reliance on recoil operation, quickly became a popular choice. Produced for a considerable period, the Remington Model Eleven was a constant presence in the market. This long tenure is a testament to its robust design and reliability.
The Model 11’s impact and Legacy
The heart of the Model Eleven lies in its recoil-operated action. This system, a hallmark of Browning’s design, harnesses the energy from the fired shell to cycle the action, ejecting the spent shell and loading a fresh round from the magazine. This innovation was a departure from the pump-action shotguns that dominated the market at the time, offering shooters a significant advantage in terms of rate of fire. The recoil system proved to be incredibly reliable and contributed significantly to the Model Eleven’s popularity.
The Remington Forty-Eight: A Streamlined Successor
Development and Production
The Model Eleven distinguished itself with a tube magazine, a common feature in shotgun designs. This magazine offered a good shell capacity, providing shooters with ample rounds for hunting or competitive shooting. The distinctive humpback receiver design, another visual cue carried over from the Auto-5, not only became a recognizable feature but also housed the operating mechanism in a way that contributed to the shotgun’s strength and overall performance.
Design Improvements
The Model Eleven was offered in several gauges, including the popular twelve gauge and sixteen gauge, providing hunters and shooters with choices to suit their needs. Barrel lengths varied, catering to different applications from the tight confines of brush hunting to the more open spaces of waterfowl shooting. The variations allowed shooters to optimize the shotgun for their specific target.
Features and Specifications
The influence of the Remington Model Eleven went beyond its own merits. Its design established the basic architecture for many subsequent semi-automatic shotguns. Its introduction and success helped pave the way for further innovation in shotgun design, and its influence can still be seen in modern shotguns. Its presence in the market represented a sea change in how sportsmen approached their pursuit, moving from the slow, deliberate action of the single-shot and double-barreled shotguns to the enhanced speed and capability of the semi-automatic.
Variants and Special Editions
Following the end of World War II, the firearms industry, like many other sectors, began to refocus on consumer products. This led to a period of refinement and improvement, resulting in new generations of firearms. The Remington Forty-Eight emerged as a direct descendant of the Model Eleven, with the goal of introducing improvements.
Comparing the Model Eleven and Model Forty-Eight
Key Differences
The Remington Forty-Eight was born out of the desire to enhance the established design of the Model Eleven. The changes in design and materials brought to the table a fresh approach. The engineers at Remington saw an opportunity to refine the existing design, bringing about a sleeker, more modern semi-automatic shotgun. It represented an evolution rather than a complete redesign.
Similarities
One of the most notable improvements was in the area of weight reduction. The Forty-Eight adopted a more streamlined profile, contributing to a lighter overall feel and enhancing its balance. Aesthetic improvements, such as changes to the receiver contours and stock design, gave the shotgun a more refined look, more attractive in an era of increasing consumer desire. The materials used in the Forty-Eight also led to improved manufacturing methods, adding strength and durability to the design.
User Experience
The Forty-Eight incorporated refinements to the recoil-operated action, building on the proven system of the Model Eleven. The engineers at Remington streamlined various components to improve reliability and performance. They also made improvements to the ejection process. These changes helped improve the overall shooting experience.
The Legacy of Remington’s Shotguns
Collectibility and Value
The Remington Forty-Eight, like its predecessor, offered a range of chamberings and barrel lengths. Shooters had a selection of configurations from which to choose, selecting the appropriate specifications for their shooting activities. The availability of various choke options further enhanced the versatility of the Forty-Eight, enabling shooters to tailor the shotgun to specific game and shooting situations.
Influence on Modern Shotgun Design
The Forty-Eight was typically offered in a variety of finishes, including blued steel and a range of stock materials. These aesthetics added to the attractiveness of the shotguns.
Relevance Today
When looking closely at the Remington Model Eleven and Model Forty-Eight, you see that they are linked by a shared design philosophy. However, there are also notable differences that distinguish them. One of the most visually apparent differences is the receiver design. While both shotguns feature the distinctive humpback profile, the Forty-Eight generally has a more streamlined appearance, reflecting the design evolution. The improvements in materials, such as the use of lighter alloys and refined stock options, also contribute to the distinct character of the two models. While both share the recoil operation, the specific engineering of some components differs.
Conclusion
One major similarity of the Remington Model Eleven and Forty-Eight is the choice of calibers. They are both built to fire twelve-gauge and sixteen-gauge rounds. This commonality allows for interchangeable parts to a degree, and it is possible to share ammunition among the models. The intended applications of both shotguns remained consistent, catering to the needs of hunters, target shooters, and, in some cases, law enforcement.
When comparing the user experiences, both shotguns provide a reliable and pleasurable experience. The Model Eleven is known for its robust construction and consistent function. The Forty-Eight, with its improvements in balance and feel, offers a more modern experience for the shooter. Both shotguns are known for their ability to handle a wide variety of ammunition and their ease of use in the field.
The Remington Model Eleven and Forty-Eight shotguns continue to hold a place in the hearts of firearms enthusiasts. Their historical significance is undeniable. They stand as testaments to a time when innovation pushed the boundaries of firearm design.
