Wilson Scattergun 11-87

K

Kestrel

New member
I have a Wilson 11-87, based on an 11-87 Police model. I bought it new and have never fired it. I started thinking a semiauto defense shotgun may not be a great idea. Especially an 11-87. For years, I've tended to stick with 870s.

My question is - I'm thinking seriously about selling it, but would love to hear if I should trust it. Is this a semiauto that is reliable enough to trust for defense?

I guess I've always had a hard time letting go of the reliability of my 870s. I just don't want to sell it and then regret it.

Thanks for any help (and any "talking out-of selling" comments...)

Thanks
 
Why would you not trust it? You've never even fired it yet.

More then a few folks here banging away reliable and consistently with 1100's, 1187's, A5's, etc.
 
i have several 1100's both in 12 and 20ga. i have never had one jam or had a misfire of any kind. i shoot trap with the 12, put about 2000 rounds through it in one summer and no problems. none. just clean em after you shoot em and they will be fine.
 
I have a 22" Remington Comp Master 1100 and after break in it will shoot loads down to 3 Drams and 1 and 1/8 ouce 100%. With heavy loads for self defense it is very reassuring.
 
The 1100 is not identical to the 11-87, so 1100 reliability is not my concern. 1100s do have a great reputation, but I've read some disparaging remarks about the 11-87.

The reason for my questions are, I don't want to fire it, if I should sell it. But, if my concerns are unmerited, then I'll keep it and enjoy.

I will admit, some of the bad reports on the 11-87s, had to do with the 3.5" models. This is a Police Magnum model, so I don't know if it's a lot better.

Thanks again.
 
Low recoil ammo issue

According to Wilson's/Scattergun Tech., they quit building the 1187 semi autos because the Police were their main customers and reliability issues came up regarding the LE Tactical low recoil ammo they were required to use.

Considering that the 1187 cushions recoil better than any other gas operated semi-auto, it should be fine with standard ammo--buckshot and slugs. It should be remembered that Remington built the 1100 with lower recoiling target ammo in mind, and built the beefed up 1187 for a steady diet of full power loads.

Reversing the roles of these two shotguns can cause problems. The 1100 gets battered with constant use of full power ammo, and the 1187 may not be reliable with low recoil stuff. Not everyone has found their 1187 to be unreliable with low recoil Tactical ammo, however. :cool:
 
This kills me. The local police dept. just ordered a bunch of new Kimbers....and then, with their brand new, uncleaned, unlubed weapons went to qualify and had FTF's. No kidding! You need to run 500-1000 through those for break in!

Everyone understands you need to find the right ammo for an autoloader, but God forbid that a shotty not like to cycle foo foo ammo. The low recoil 2 and 3/4" buckshot loads are light. If you want to shoot them, get a 2 and 3/4" only 1100. If you want 2 and 3/4" mag ammo and 3" capability you will likely have zero problems with the 11-87.

I also love that no one like teh "controlled recoil" hydra shok's because they don't have as much juice, but low powered 2 and 3/4" 12 gauge loads are somehow better. If you can handle full house pistol loads, full house shotty loads are a piece of cake for follow ups.
 
HSMITH,

Is there a 12ga. auto that is reliable enough for self defense? It seems that even the Benellis have problems.

Do you happen to know anyone using the FN auto defense shotgun (It's an SX2)?

Thanks,
Steve
 
I have a 21" 11-87 Police. It has never failed to function 100% with anything I've loaded in it. Mine says "NOT INTENDED FOR LIGHT LOADS" on the barrel, so naturally I had to test this. Once with friends at the range,I tried the lightest,cheapest low-base loads any of the guys had with them. All worked 100%. When I mentioned this to my instructor at the Remington armorers school, he indicated he was surprised, till I told him my gun has the 21" bbl. He said the 21" will work with light loads, the 18" may, but the 14" will require the heavier buck and slug loads to function 100%. My department issues the 870 Police but allows the 11-87 if the officer purchases his/her own. I trust the 11-87, ymmv.
 
Steve, I would not hesitate to use a Beretta 391 or a Winchester SuperX2 for defense. Both have been as reliable for me as a pump gun, and my X2 has well over 30K rounds through it so far.

There are some guys using the X2 Practical models for 3 gun, but I haven't been around them a lot. The reports I have gotten from owners are all very positive, and I am looking to pick one up later this year for 3 gun use.

The Benelli guns run good as long as you don't hang stuff on them and you can get solidly behind the gun. On high angle or awkward shots where you can't get solidly behind the gun is where the problems will be. At least that is the way it happened for me with the two I had.
 
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