The Remington 1100 is a popular and reliable model. As most folks are aware, the 1100's recycling is powered by gas vented from the barrel. The most commonly reported problem (failure to properly cycle) can usually be traced to a lack of proper maintenance (and understanding) of the gas system. Improper maintenance doesn't necessarily imply neglect -- the 1100 can, in good faith, be over lubricated. Another common mistake is the reassembling the two gas "rings" in the wrong sequence. My solution was to paste a copy of the owner's manual diagram in my gun case.
The inability to digest a wide variety of loads is a common complaint with the 1100. The factory sizes the vent area of each barrel type based on its intended use. If you put a Skeet barrel on your 1100, it will shoot Skeet loads flawless all day long. However, if you switch turkey loads, the extra power will cause the action to be rudely slammed (to eventual self destruction). Or, if you try to shoot some super-light target loads, there may not be enough energy to fully cycle the action. A waterfowl barrel probably won't cycle a target load. Each type of 1100 barrel has it's own window of workable loads. If you can't accept this, then the 1100 is not the gun for you. (Note, it's not uncommon for comp shooters to have the barrel vent area optimized for their specific target load.)
In 1987 an "improved" version of the 1100 was introduced. Remington tried to correct some of the gas system complaints by fiddling with the vent system to give the gun a broader range of acceptable ammo. Since mag tube corrosion (from neglect) has a negative effect on the 1100's gas system, the new 11-87 was fitted with a stainless steel tube. The 11-87 changes, specially the exterior appearance, weren't accepted by all shooters. This is evident since Remington returned some 1100 models to their catalog and has introduced new 1100 varients.
If the R-1100 will work in your anticipated application, and you understand its limitations and maintenance requirements, then you'll get years of satisfactory service from one. Otherwise, you might be happier with a pump or double.
