Have had many and currently down to two. Sons and brothers ended up with the others.
The ones I currently own are a reg. 1100 in which I've had for about 30yrs. Its has an unknown amount of rds. through it. Will shoot soft target loads as well as slugs and is proven enough to be my HD shotgun as well.
A magnum which I've had about 15 yrs. that has yet to fail me.
As has been said, simply the softest recoiling shotguns I've shot and surely the softest of all the shotguns I own.
WardenWolf,
Don't know why your fathers is recoiling harshly.
Is it cycling properly?
Here are very good instructions on a complete cleaning of the 1100:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5XvGsBwYVc
There are many more vids. on the net as well.
Not that difficult at all and if the shotgun has not been cleaned in a long time a thorough cleaning will surely smooth out the overall operation of the shotgun.
Pay particular attention to the way the compression rings go on the tube.
Inspect the o-ring and if it's stiff, brittle or has cracks in it, replace it.
And don't over oil.
The exhaust ports in the barrel need cleaned as well. A very good way to insure the ports are free of carbon is to clean them with a drill bit. Twisting the bit by hand cutting the carbon. The ports are different sizes on different bbls so look here to get your drill bit size:
www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=46271&p=337269
I know you moved on to a Saiga, but I bet dad would greatly appreciate you cleaning it for him. Will most likely be like a new shotgun for him.