GunReports.com publishes the detailed ammo-testing protocol from Gun Tests magazine, the most commonly requested addition to Gun Tests coverage. Gun Tests' focus is on performance before the bullet hits the target. 'We realize that results from our test gun can’t be extrapolated to every possible gun readers might own, we wanted to test ammunition in a fashion most consumers would be able to duplicate, and in fact, should conduct on their own. But our framework can potentially save you money and time by narrowing the list of candidates you might try in your own gun, and you can also follow our system to see if a given round performs for you like it did for us.

GunReports.com shows how to excess headspace in the 1903 and ’03A3 Springfield rifles better than the way Granddad did it. If you have access to a lathe, use this method to correct excess headspace easily, without the need for an expensive chambering reamer.

GunReports.com now has a Facebook page. Keep abreast of what's going on minute-by-minute on breaking gun news, harmful gun legislation, firearms victories by becoming a Facebook Fan of the page. Look for 'Gun Reports' on Facebook. Also, for inside peeks into Gun Tests' ongoing criticism of firearms, search Facebook for 'Gun Tests'

(GunReports.com)--According to a Tulsa World story, Oklahoma could be headed for a showdown with the federal government over firearms regulation and the scope of interstate commerce.

Exclusive community benefits are yours, free!

Remington 11-87 Sportsman No. 29825 3-inch 20 Gauge

Courtesy, Gun Tests

The Remington’s strength was that it didn’t do anything big wrong. unlike the Mossberg, it loaded fast and easily. unlike the Browning, we didn’t notice any problems mounting it. Yes, it was heavier than the other two, which might be disqualifying for some shooters. Basically, its cosmetics are a metaphor for its performance—low-key, but very competent.

One of the major reasons hunters choose a 20 gauge over a 12 gauge is the former’s smaller frame, weight, and recoil. Though they may already own a 12, many field sportsmen wind up reaching for their 20s because the smaller gun is just easier to handle, and there are just a few hunting situations—layback goose hunting and spring turkey hunting, to name two—in which the bigger payload might make a difference.

The Remington Sportsman line has two 12s and three 20s. The 12s come in 26- and 28-inch barrels and weigh 8.1 pounds and 8.25 pounds respectively, compared to the weight of our test 28-inch-barrel gun, about a full pound lighter.

The Remington’s numbers are just as basic as its finish. This gas-operated shotgun measured 48.0 inches in length and weighed 6.6 pounds. It’s heavier than the other two guns, a pound-and-a-quarter more than the Mossberg and three-quarters of a pound more than the Silver.

It handled 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells and had a four-round capacity. Its LOP was a standard 14 inches, with a ho-hum drop at comb of 1.5 inches and drop at heel of 2.5 inches, and a downward pitch of 2.5 inches. It had a synthetic stock and forearm, a stiff black-rubber buttplate, all-black finish on the trigger,

Courtesy, Gun Tests

Like the Mossberg, the Remington balanced at the front of the action. Unlike the Mossberg, Remington chose a basic black non-color scheme that placed a premium on non-reflective surfaces. Can a shiny bolt handle or trigger scare off a dove? You never know, and the bigger issue is that you’ll never know.

It comes with only one choke, a Modified tube, and like the other guns, needs to be drilled and tapped to accept scope mounts.

But it just shot so well. The added weight did make the gun slower than the Mossberg, but we can’t think of a target we missed because of that. Its patterning was biased low, with 68% of its shot charge hitting below the point of aim, but we still managed to hit targets with it. The sighting plane was clear and wide, and the trigger was a reasonable 6.6 pounds. It was easier to load than the Mossberg by using a shell to activate a tab on the elevator.

Its buttpad was stiffer than the others, but with these guns shooting 2.75-inch shells, it wasn’t an issue.

Reader Comments

I recently purchased an 11-87 Compact (formerly referred to as a "Youth" model). A 21" vent-ribbed barrel, 13" LOP and a lighter weight makes it real handy to carry and shoot. It easily doubles as a home security shotgun when loaded with #3 (not 000) buckshot.

Comment by: RICHARD H | August 27, 2009