Description
You know that feeling when you’re walking a cut cornfield in November, the sun’s low, and a rooster flushes just out of range? You swing, you shoot, and the gun just… works. That’s the Remington 11-87 Sportsman in a nutshell. It’s not flashy, it’s not a safe queen. It’s a working man’s autoloader built to get muddy, put birds in the bag, and do it reliably for years. I’ve put everything from light target loads to 3″ magnums through mine, and it’s never once failed to cycle when I did my part. Here’s the thing—for a classic American-made autoloader that fits out of the box, the price of $640.04 is hard to beat.
The Remington 11-87 Sportsman Field 12 Ga 28″ Vent Rib Barrel, 3″, Satin Blue Finish, Walnut Stock Satin, 4rd is exactly what it sounds like: a no-frills, gas-operated 12-gauge shotgun designed for the field. It’s built on the proven 1100/11-87 action, which means it soaks up recoil better than a pump and cycles a wide range of loads. The 28″ vent-rib barrel gives you a clean, consistent sight plane for swinging on clays or birds, and the satin-finished walnut stock offers a touch of classic style without being too precious for the duck blind. At just over 7.5 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough to carry all day but has enough heft to swing smoothly.
Key Features That Matter in the Field
Let’s talk about the gas system. This is the 11-87’s secret weapon. It self-adjusts between standard 2 3/4″ loads and 3″ magnums. I’ve gone from busting clays with light 1-ounce loads to chasing late-season geese with heavy 3″ steel without touching a thing. That versatility is huge. The satin blue finish on the receiver and barrel is durable and resists fingerprints—it’s a working finish, not a showpiece. The walnut stock has a straight-forward, classic profile that shoulders quickly. Is it fancy exhibition-grade wood? No. But it’s handsome, solid, and won’t make you cry when it gets a new scratch from a barbed wire fence.
The 28″ vent rib barrel is the sweet spot for a general-purpose field gun. It gives you the length for a smooth swing on passing shots, whether that’s a dove, duck, or a sporting clays station. The vent rib helps dissipate heat mirage on hot days and just looks right. The gun comes with a set of Rem Choke tubes (Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Full are typical), so you can tailor your pattern for the task at hand. This setup is compatible with a huge range of aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Carlson’s or Trulock, giving you even more control.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Finish | Satin Blue / Satin Walnut |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: Proven, reliable gas-operated system. Soft-shooting compared to pumps. Handles a wide variety of loads without adjustment. Classic, timeless look. Durable, no-nonsense finish. The 28″ barrel is versatile for upland, waterfowl, and clays.
Cons: It’s a traditional autoloader, so it’s not as lightweight as some modern inertia guns. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward but has more parts than a pump. The satin walnut, while nice, isn’t a high-gloss showpiece.
So who is this for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants one dependable shotgun that can do it all. The new waterfowler tired of their pump’s recoil. The landowner who needs a tool for pests and occasional hunting. The shooter who appreciates classic American firearm design and wants a workhorse that will last. It’s a shotgun you buy once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Yes, that’s a key strength of the 11-87’s gas system. I’ve run cases of cheap 1-ounce, 2 3/4″ target loads through mine for practice without a single hiccup. It’s designed for that mix of light and heavy use.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
A: Absolutely. It comes from the factory with a set of Rem Choke tubes (typically Mod, IC, Full). The threading is standard Remington, so you have a vast selection of aftermarket tubes available from most major manufacturers.
Q: What’s the real-world capacity?
A: The magazine tube holds 4 rounds of 2 3/4″ shells. With one in the chamber, that’s 5 total. Remember, for migratory bird hunting, you must use a plug to limit capacity to 2+1 for federal compliance. The plug is included and easy to install.
Look, if you want a trustworthy, versatile autoloader that doesn’t require a second mortgage, the Remington 11-87 Sportsman is a solid choice. It’s a piece of American shooting heritage that still performs. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See if it’s the right fit for your next season.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.