Remington Model 11-87 Sportsman vs Premier Shotguns

Remington’s Model 11-87 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun platform known for its soft-shooting action, practical handling and broad appeal across hunting, clay shooting and general sporting use. Within that family, the Sportsman and Premier lines target different priorities. The Sportsman is generally the straightforward working model, while the Premier places greater emphasis on finish, detailing and presentation.

For Australian shooters, the comparison involves more than wood quality or barrel length. Firearm licensing, state and territory rules, storage requirements, import controls and access through a licensed dealer all shape the buying decision. A shotgun that looks ideal in a catalogue still needs to fit the relevant category, lawful purpose and transfer process in your state.

Shared Model 11-87 Operating System

Both versions use the Model 11-87’s gas-operated semi-automatic action. This system uses propellant gases to cycle the bolt, eject the spent shell and chamber the next cartridge. Compared with a manually operated shotgun, it can make fast follow-up shots smoother and reduce felt recoil for many users.

The action is commonly associated with 12-gauge sporting configurations, although exact chambering, barrel length and capacity depend on the particular production variant. Ammunition choice matters: light target loads, heavier hunting cartridges and steel-compatible loads can behave differently in a gas system. A qualified gunsmith should inspect an older or second-hand example before it is put into regular use.

Sportsman Line: Practical Equipment

The Sportsman models are generally positioned as dependable field and range shotguns rather than luxury pieces. Their appeal is easy to understand: a simpler exterior finish, practical stock options and a price aimed at shooters who care more about use than ornament. For hunting trips around regional New South Wales or clay sessions outside Melbourne, that working character can be a real advantage.

A Sportsman is also less precious when it picks up dust, light scratches or marks from a ute, gun safe or hard case. That does not mean finish quality is unimportant. The receiver, barrel, gas system and stock still deserve close inspection, particularly when buying an older model with an uncertain service history.

Premier Line: Refined Sporting Character

The Premier line typically adds a more polished appearance and upgraded presentation. Depending on the specific year and configuration, this can include more attractive walnut, improved checkering, higher-grade metal finishing and finer decorative treatment. These features do not transform the basic operating system, yet they can make the shotgun feel more special in the hands.

For a dedicated clay shooter or collector-minded owner, the Premier’s refined stock and finish may justify the additional cost. It can suit formal range use at a club near Adelaide or a carefully maintained sporting collection. The practical benefit is often found in fit, balance and pride of ownership rather than a dramatic increase in cycling performance.

Comparing Fit, Balance And Handling

Stock fit should sit near the top of the comparison. Length of pull, comb height, cast and drop affect how naturally the shotgun comes to the shoulder and how consistently the eye aligns with the rib. A well-fitted Sportsman can be more effective than a poorly fitted Premier, regardless of grade or decoration.

Balance also depends on barrel length, stock density and individual configuration. A lighter field gun may be comfortable while walking through cover, whereas a longer, steadier setup can feel more controlled during sporting clays. Australian buyers should handle the exact firearm through a licensed dealer where possible, rather than relying only on photographs or a product description.

Barrels, Chokes And Intended Use

The right barrel and choke arrangement depends on the discipline. A shorter, more manoeuvrable barrel may suit hunting in thick vegetation, while a longer barrel can provide a calmer swing for trap or sporting clays. Interchangeable choke tubes make a shotgun more adaptable, but the tubes must match the barrel and ammunition being used.

Check whether the chosen model includes the chokes, wrench, rib profile and chamber specification advertised. Older Remington shotguns may appear in several configurations, and two guns carrying similar model names can differ in barrel markings or supplied accessories. Steel shot also requires careful compatibility checks, particularly where older choke systems or barrels are involved.

Reliability, Maintenance And Ammunition

The 11-87’s gas system needs routine cleaning because powder residue and fouling accumulate around the magazine tube, piston components and action parts. Regular maintenance helps preserve reliable cycling, especially when the shotgun is fed low-recoil target ammunition. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a competent firearms professional when a component is damaged, seized or unfamiliar.

Ammunition should be selected for the exact chamber marking and the intended activity. Do not assume every 12-gauge cartridge is interchangeable in every configuration. Storage is equally important: Australian regulations require secure firearm storage, and local requirements can vary between jurisdictions. In Queensland, Victoria or Western Australia, the owner must follow the relevant state authority’s rules rather than relying on general online advice.

Australian Buying And Ownership Considerations

The Sportsman and Premier names come from a United States market context, where dealer transfers and FFL shipping are common. In Australia, a buyer normally needs the appropriate firearms licence, a lawful genuine reason, compliant storage and a transfer through the authorised channels in the relevant state or territory. Importing a firearm or firearm component may require additional approvals before any purchase is attempted.

Availability can also be uneven. A particular Premier configuration may be scarce locally, while a Sportsman may appear through a licensed dealer, auction or used-gun market. Before placing an order with an overseas retailer, confirm whether the seller can lawfully export the item and whether an Australian dealer can receive and transfer it. The retailer’s broader Remington firearm catalogue may help with model research, but it does not replace advice from Australian licensing authorities or a local firearms dealer.

Choosing Between Sportsman And Premier

Choose the Sportsman when durability, sensible cost and regular field use matter most. It is the logical direction for a shooter who expects the firearm to see wet mornings, dusty tracks and frequent range practice. Money saved on cosmetic upgrades may instead go towards professional fitting, a secure case, cleaning equipment and suitable ammunition.

The Premier makes more sense when presentation, upgraded timber and a finer sporting feel are important. It may appeal to an established shooter who intends to keep the shotgun for many years or wants a more elegant clay-range firearm. Neither line removes the need to check fit, condition, legal classification and service support.

A careful buyer should compare the exact specimen rather than relying solely on the badge. Review the serial and configuration with a licensed professional, inspect the bore and action, confirm the choke arrangement and establish the complete delivered cost. Handguns are subject to separate rules and considerations; the retailer’s handgun selection is therefore not a substitute for researching shotgun-specific requirements.

For Australian customers, the safest path is to confirm licensing and import details first, then compare a Sportsman and Premier in the configurations that can actually be transferred lawfully. Speak with a licensed local dealer, inspect the shotgun in person where possible and choose the model whose fit, condition and intended use align with your shooting plans.