I've been shooting 1100's since 1968 when I was 12. My dad had a pull cord thrower that we used ALOT. He gave me my own 1100 new in 1978. I take care of it like my dad taught me and it has never miss fired or failed to cycle a round. Kids, work, and the house got in the way for about 30 years, but my wife and I have spent a couple of weekends in Arroostook County, Maine hunting ruffed grouse for each of the last 5 years. I bought her a 1964 1100 standard wt 20 ga. in great condition for valentines day 5 years ago. Not the best fit for her, but she loves it, and out shot me 2 days earlier this fall. My question is barrel life. I can get a new barrel for my 1977 12 ga, but I'd like to find an unused barrel for the 1964 std 20. I've seen barrels rated in excellent condition, but my wife's is in excellent condition and I have no idea how many rounds have cycled through it. Should I be concerned about the age of the barrel? I'm thinking about having Briley install screw in chokes, but I don't want to spend the money on that if the barrel should be retired. All opinions are welcome. Thanks!!

Welcome to the forum. I would not worry about the barrel and save the money myself. Nice to have two 1100s as they are my favorite too. Use mine for trap mostly as it has a 30 inch barrel. Still on the lookout for an LT 20 3 inch chamber. Nice country that Maine. Hunted years back in the Harmony-Athens area.

Thanks for your thoughts on the barrel! Maine IS nice country, but I was luck enough to travel all around in my work, and I came to the conclusion that pretty much every rural place in America is nice country. I, too, am keeping my eye out for an LT 20 that I can have fitted to my wife. She doesn't think it's necessary, but I think she'd be an amazing shot, and have even more fun, if she could be more comfortable.

Welcome from Alaska. I'm convinced having grown up in (at the time) rural PA that any part of rural America is nice enough to call home.

I agree! And having spent 10 years in the oil patch (Kenai Pen., north slope, and Fairbanks area), as nice as every other rural place in America is, anyone who's spent any time there has to admit that Alaska raises "nice" to a whole new level!

welcome to the forum.