Description
Picture this: you’re on a long patrol, or maybe a multi-day training course, and your primary long gun is a pump-action. Your shoulder is starting to feel every round, and you’re thinking about speed and follow-up shots. That’s the exact scenario where I first truly appreciated the Remington Law Enforcement 1187 Autoloading 12 Ga Shotgun 3″ Chamber 18″ Barrel Parkerized Finish Bead Sights Improved Cylinder Choke Speedfeed Sport Synthetic Stock. It’s a purpose-built, no-frills autoloading shotgun designed for durability and fast handling in demanding roles. At $832.64, it sits in a sweet spot between basic sporting autoloaders and ultra-premium tactical models.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a showpiece. The parkerized finish is all business, providing a solid, corrosion-resistant layer that shrugs off moisture and rough handling far better than a blued finish would. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from light target loads to stout 00 buck through this platform, and the gas-operated action soaks up a significant amount of felt recoil. That means you stay on target faster for your next shot, and you’re less fatigued at the end of the day. The 18-inch barrel with a fixed Improved Cylinder choke gives you a versatile pattern that’s effective for defensive use at typical indoor or yard distances without being overly tight. Weighing in at roughly 7.5 pounds, it’s maneuverable without feeling insubstantial.
Key Features & Handling
The Speedfeed IV sport stock is a major part of the package. It’s a synthetic stock with a textured grip and forend that gives you positive control whether your hands are wet, dry, or gloved. The real trick is the integrated shell holders in the buttstock—they securely hold four extra 12-gauge rounds right on the gun. It’s a simple, brilliant solution for keeping spare ammunition instantly accessible. The bead sight is as simple as it gets, but for fast, instinctive shooting at defensive ranges, it’s all you need. This configuration is drop-in ready for serious use; you can take it from the box, perform a basic function check, and it’s good to go. The 3-inch chamber gives you ammunition flexibility, allowing you to run everything from light 2¾-inch target loads up to powerful 3-inch magnum shells for specific needs.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 18″ |
| Choke | Fixed Improved Cylinder |
| Finish | Parkerized |
| Stock | Speedfeed IV Sport Synthetic |
| Sights | Bead Front |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39.5″ |
Pros: The gas system dramatically reduces felt recoil compared to a pump. The parkerized finish is tough as nails. The Speedfeed stock provides excellent grip and onboard ammunition storage. The 18-inch barrel offers a great balance of maneuverability and sight radius. It’s a proven, reliable platform from a legendary name.
Cons: The fixed IC choke isn’t ideal for longer-range slug work or tight patterning—it’s a defensive/breaching choke. Some might prefer ghost ring or rifle sights for precise aiming, but that adds cost and complexity. As with any autoloader, it can be more sensitive to extremely light loads than a pump action.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This Remington 1187 LE is built for the professional or serious civilian who needs a dependable, hard-use autoloading shotgun. It’s a natural fit for law enforcement officers, security personnel, or anyone looking for a dedicated home defense shotgun that’s easier to shoot fast and accurately under stress than a pump. It’s also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories designed for the Remington 870, like certain sling mounts and magazine tube extensions, giving you room to customize if you wish. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this shotgun cycle light target loads, or does it need full-power buckshot?
A: The Remington 1187’s gas system is designed to handle a range of loads. In my experience, it cycles standard 2¾-inch, 1-1/8 oz target loads at 1200 fps reliably. Very light, low-recoil target loads (often labeled “dram eq. 2-3/4” or less) may not cycle the action consistently. For defensive practice, stick with standard velocity loads.
Q: Can the choke be changed on this model?
A: No. This Law Enforcement model features a fixed, non-removable Improved Cylinder choke that is integral to the 18-inch barrel. This is by design for durability and simplicity in its intended role. If you need choke versatility, you’d need to look at a different barrel or model.
Q: How many rounds does it hold?
A: The magazine tube capacity is 4 rounds of 2¾-inch shells, plus 1 in the chamber for a total of 5. With the four shells stored in the Speedfeed stock, you have immediate access to 9 rounds total without needing a separate shell carrier. Remember, capacity can vary by local laws.
If you’re looking for a workhorse autoloader that prioritizes function and durability over flash, this Remington 1187 LE deserves a close look. Check its current availability on our site.
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