11-87 barrel questions

[straight_grip]

Hi everyone, Im new my name is Patrick.
Question is can I put a 16 Gauge barrel on 12 gauge 1187? Can I use an 1100 barrel on 1187 special purpose magnum?
where could I source a 16ga. barrel and would love to find some real nice wood with or without a straight grip. The 1187 in question is cheap in need of a new barrel and finish is poor. Any help greatly appreciated.

[Virginian]

You can put the barrel on, but it won't work. There are differences between 1100 and 11-87 barrels and bigger differences between gauges. Best buy a 16 gauge 1100 - there has never been a 16 gauge 11-87.
You can use an 1100 barrel in 12 gauge, but you will need to file open the notch for the extractor. You will likely also need to shim the inside front of the fore end so the barrel stays tight to the receiver.

[straight_grip]

Thank you very much for the reply, I have recently discovered there is no 12-87 16ga. which makes complete sense. This gun will remain a 12ga. However I have decided that Im looking for some high grade wood in a straight grip/english grip. Where could I source this?

[Virginian]

I would haunt ebay and GunBroker. The 1100 Special Field guns had the straight grip butttstock. An 11-87 Premier Fore end in satin finish walnut will match. There was a guy in Mississippi who had a bunch of them for 11-87s and 1100s, but he sold them all. An 1100 buttstock will fit, but an 1100 fore end will likely (98% chance) need some wood removed from the inside front of the fore end to fit properly. Also, if you get an 1100 Special Field buttstock and fore end set, it will have the shorter fore end but it will fit, after modification.

[straight_grip]

Thanks virginian, Im buying one o ebay just not excited about the quality of wood or the price. But am I crazy not wanting to pay 260$ for a vent rib screw choke barrel? seems crazy high to me. does anyone here have a used one they would like to sell?


p.s. site doesnt seem to have much traffic.

[Virginian]

You aren't crazy for not wanting to spend it, but that's a good price these days for new. Occasionally you can find a deal on ebay or GunBroker, but it's getting harder. I lucked into a 3" Wingmaster Light Contour barrel in new condition for $150 a few years ago on GunBroker. Could never find a deal on one for the 1100 so bit the bullet and ordered one from Remington.