Me and some people went out rabbit hunting today. Between locations before getting in the vehicle we unload our shotguns. Everytime I went to unload my 1100 the bolt would get stuck and not pull back. It fed fine throughout the hunt just when I went to unload it would have the issue, and I would have to fire off the shell to get it out. Any advice on how to fix the issue would be much appreciated.
Remington 1100
- Thread starter Ludarue
- Start date
First some basics:
If reinstalling the handle doesn't help, disassemble your 1100 and compare its parts with the parts list diagram. I'm pretty sure you'll find a worn, broken or missing part. Pay close attention to the operating handle plunger assembly. This area can be troublesome and was revised/improved in the 11-87.
If you're familiar with the Remington 870, the 1100 is very similar. Both guns employ a similar interchangeable barrel with a tang. When at battery and while firing, the bolt is held in place by an internal lock block that engages a latch cut-out in the barrel tang. In both guns, after firing, the rearward motion of the action bar serves to first drop the lock block free of the latch cut and then move the bolt rearward. When the bolt is fully rearward, in the 1100 it's returned forward by the action spring, and in the 870 by manually advancing the forearm.
To unload an unfired shell, with the 870 you release the action bar lock and then retard the forearm, then the bolt opens and ejects the live round. With the 1100 the process is similar, but there is no action bar lock and the forearm isn't linked to the action bars. Instead, the 1100 is provided with an operating handle which protrudes from the bolt. Retarding the operating handle releases the lock block, then the bolt opens, ejects the live round and locks back in the rear position.
Should you have a repeat of your problem in the field, next time instead of firing off the rounds to clear the gun try this: With the safety on and the muzzle continually pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine cap and for-end assembly, replace the cap. Now try to use the action bar cylinder as you would the 870's slide (using gloves couldn't hurt). This may act to drop the lock block and free the bolt to be retarded to the rear lock position. With the live round cleared, remove the cap and barrel.
Since the gun fires and cycles, we know the action bar, lock block and bolt are functioning. The operating handle isn't linking to the action bar. First, is the operating handle properly installed -- did you feel it click, or is it just shoved into the slot? To unload an unfired shell, with the 870 you release the action bar lock and then retard the forearm, then the bolt opens and ejects the live round. With the 1100 the process is similar, but there is no action bar lock and the forearm isn't linked to the action bars. Instead, the 1100 is provided with an operating handle which protrudes from the bolt. Retarding the operating handle releases the lock block, then the bolt opens, ejects the live round and locks back in the rear position.
Should you have a repeat of your problem in the field, next time instead of firing off the rounds to clear the gun try this: With the safety on and the muzzle continually pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine cap and for-end assembly, replace the cap. Now try to use the action bar cylinder as you would the 870's slide (using gloves couldn't hurt). This may act to drop the lock block and free the bolt to be retarded to the rear lock position. With the live round cleared, remove the cap and barrel.
If reinstalling the handle doesn't help, disassemble your 1100 and compare its parts with the parts list diagram. I'm pretty sure you'll find a worn, broken or missing part. Pay close attention to the operating handle plunger assembly. This area can be troublesome and was revised/improved in the 11-87.
+1 on zippy's reply. Also how long has it been since you cleaned the gun? If the chamber is really dirty it will be hard to extract an unfired shell. Also what was the temperature? If below freezing the shell might have been frozen in place. I have had both of the above happen to me over the years.
nogo said:
Nogo, is correct to mention safety first. This operation can become a widow maker if you're not cautious, do not attempt it casually. You don't want the gun to slip sideways (and point at you) as you bump. Take a knee, or squat, before you bump so the muzzle remains above you.
kirbythegunsmith
New member
Details
One point to add as an alternative to the Zippy response is to pull the barrel forward and off once the forend is removed, since the barrel will unlock from the bolt in that situation and slide forward- if there is not some serious mechanical part jam condition.
(I would suspect that the gun wouldn't fling the empty if such an interference was present in your 1100)
Therefore, you do not need to use the action bar/sleeve as a handle to stroke the gun.
You have some mechanical issue inside that would best be seen by a pro to diagnose the reason for bolt stickiness or resistance.
Kirby
One point to add as an alternative to the Zippy response is to pull the barrel forward and off once the forend is removed, since the barrel will unlock from the bolt in that situation and slide forward- if there is not some serious mechanical part jam condition.
(I would suspect that the gun wouldn't fling the empty if such an interference was present in your 1100)
Therefore, you do not need to use the action bar/sleeve as a handle to stroke the gun.
You have some mechanical issue inside that would best be seen by a pro to diagnose the reason for bolt stickiness or resistance.
Kirby
Zippy,
That was a very informative, impressive discription of the 1100's operation.
Kudo's to you!
I'd also like to emphasize what Zippy said about the operating handle. On one of my older 1100's, the handle does'nt snap in like it should. It is somewhat loose and will slowly work its way out causing manual ejection problems.
That was a very informative, impressive discription of the 1100's operation.
Kudo's to you!
I'd also like to emphasize what Zippy said about the operating handle. On one of my older 1100's, the handle does'nt snap in like it should. It is somewhat loose and will slowly work its way out causing manual ejection problems.