I read a while back that 1100 trap models should only be used with target or light field loads due to barrels not being "pressure compensated". My question is if I was to purchase a deer barrel would it be safe and not harm the action of the gun? Right now it has the 30 inch full choke barrel but would be nice to make it more versatile. thanks for any advice.

11-87/1100's have a pair of gas ports in front of the primary gas ports which allow the system to bleed off excess pressure when shooting heavy loads. The target/trap barrels do not have these ports as they are designated specifically for use with light skeet/trap loads. Heavy loads will result in excess pressure in the ports, much more than is needed to cycle the gun and may blow seals, create premature wear, etc.

This "pressure compensation" system is contained in the barrel so the receivers should be the same. You should be able to install the deer barrel, or other barrel, and shoot as heavy a load as as the barrel is rated for without any issues.

MikeD wrote:11-87/1100's have a pair of gas ports in front of the primary gas ports which allow the system to bleed off excess pressure when shooting heavy loads. The target/trap barrels do not have these ports as they are designated specifically for use with light skeet/trap loads. Heavy loads will result in excess pressure in the ports, much more than is needed to cycle the gun and may blow seals, create premature wear, etc.

This "pressure compensation" system is contained in the barrel so the receivers should be the same. You should be able to install the deer barrel, or other barrel, and shoot as heavy a load as as the barrel is rated for without any issues.

Many thanks Mike for the speedy reply. Thought I had heard of these different 'ports' sometime back but wanted to hear if this was true from knowledgeable owners. Naturally did not want to risk damage to this TB Grade gun. Had it new since 1980. Would like to try it with a shorter barrel for Pheasant hunting. Thanks again for info.

Model 1100s do not have the gas relief valve pressure relief system. That's the difference between 1100s and 11-87s, and allows 11-87s to handle 2-3/4" and 3" loads. Target 11-87 barrels do not have the relief system, so in essence they are an 1100 under the skin with those barrels. The 1100 G3 was an 11-87 under the skin. However, all 2-3/4" Model 1100s are still self regulating enough that they can handle any 2-3/4" load, with some exceptions. The newer Sporting and Target Contour barrels have larger gas ports so they will reliably cycle the light loads which have become more popular, and they carry an admonition against shooting heavy loads. Most serious Trap shooters still stick to 1-1/8 ounce loads, and the Trap barrels have always had standard sized gas ports. Interestingly, the older fixed choke Skeet barrels also had larger ports, but no warning against heavy loads. As long as you shoot what the barrel is rated for, you should be fine.

Thanks for the clarification Virginian.

Again I thank you both for the valuable info. First read of this warning in an old Rem catalog concerning target model 1100s. most I talked with did not know or did not know what I was talking about. Many at my club had the field model 1100s. Would hate to damage mine or risk bolt damage as this is a real beauty and repairs could be costly. Only paid around $330 new back in 80. Almost fell over when I saw the list price of a competition model today.