Long Range Model 11 (2 shot?)

[Cat955L]

Hello,

I received a message from a friend asking me if I would be interested in buying a Remington Model 11 Sportsman that he saw in a pawn shop. He said that the barrel was 32 inches long, engraved with the words "long range" and that it was listed as a "2 shot" on the tag and was in very good shape. I am not familiar enough with the Remington Model 11 to make an educated decision to decide whether it is worth the two hour drive to take a look. I am waiting for some photos but was hoping the members of this forum would have some information regarding this firearm in this particular configuration.

Thanks
Mike

[Virginian]

No such thing as a two shot Model 11, but the Sportsman will only hold two in the magazine. Remington just labelled some barrels long range. Usually they are a good 2-3/4" Full choke barrel.

[Researcher]

From the 1933 Remington catalog --

LONG RANGE BARRELS, 1933 Price List.jpg (228.59 KiB) Viewed 4596 times

1939 --

Long Range Boring, February 15, 1939.jpeg (391 KiB) Viewed 4596 times

1941 --

Long Range Boring, June 10, 1941 catalog.jpg (159.63 KiB) Viewed 4596 times

[Virginian]

Great job Researcher. You have older catalogs than I do.

[Cat955L]

Here are a couple of photos of the "Sportsman" with a 32 inch barrel with a Vented Rib. The serial number is 397556.
I tried to identify the date code but I could not figure it out so I am posting a photo. Did Remington serialize the components like the Browning Auto 5, (ie.. receiver, barrel, and forearm/stock). Is the vent rib Long Range a fairly unique configuration?

[Cat955L]

Forgot to add that the barrel has XP2 stamped on it as well.

[Researcher]

The receiver with the serial number 397556 was put in work during August 1937. Remington quit the separate serial number sequence for 12-gauge Sportsman on 24 August 1937, at 515506. So, that gun is among the first Sportsman serial numbered in the Model 11 sequence. The barrel should have the serial number on the base of the ring that goes around the magazine tube.

440349 07.png (472.14 KiB) Viewed 4557 times

This is the only picture I have of a Sportsman with the "LONG RANGE" marking.

Long Range Sportsman.jpg (69.26 KiB) Viewed 4557 times

[Fowlgunner]

In the Blue Book there is a word of caution: "Beware of Fakes"

Without seeing the stamping it is hard to make an educated guess.

But if you notice by 1939 the catalog explicitly states 30" plain and Solid Rib barrels only on the 11 and Sportsman.

I have not seen a "Long Range" vent rib barrel that I would call "Legit" except in a 31 TC 30".

Good Luck and if you get pictures of the marking please post it.

Thanks, Will

[Virginian]

Problem is back then you could order practically anything "special order" for a pittance.

[Fowlgunner]

Or for the price 8 Steel Die Stamps and a small hammer you could have as many as you want on anything!

I just saw am auction go through that must have had 10 "Long Range" barrels in it.

All configurations, except oddly enough, a vent rib but in 12 and 16 ga.

My grandfather always said a fool and his money are soon parted!

I wouldn't pay "Long Range" money for one without running the choke profile measurements with a qualified device.

Just me though,

Good luck all Will

[AZMike]

Will,
Do you know what Remington Models used the "Long Range designation? Did the Model 31?

[Fowlgunner]

Mike sorry I've been off the boards a while.

Researcher's Pink Flyer show the Models the 31 "Long Range" came in.

Will

[Virginian]

The 2-3/4" "Long Range" barrels were intended to counter the Winchester 3" offering loadings as Remington didn't have a 3" chambered gun..... yet.

[6pt-sika]

I'd be intrested to know how much difference if any there is between a 32" Model 11 barrel and a 32" long range model 11 barrel .

I'd be surprised if theres any difference in points of constriction . This is just theory on my part but I kinda think it was a marketing ploy to try and cash in on some of the market being taken by the LC Smith Long Range/Wildfowler , the AH Fox HE and the Winchester Model's 21 and 12 Heavy Duck .

As it sits I have a Remington Model 32 #2xxx with over 50 points of constriction in both barrels as well as an Fox HE thats 48 and 53 points .

I think I'll check the constriction in my Model 11 32" barrel and see what I get then I'd be quite intrested to hear from someone with a long range barrel if they have the tools to measure the choke correctly .