What to look for when buying a used Remington 1100
The Remington 1100 is one of the most enduring semi-automatic shotguns ever produced, and a well-maintained used example can still deliver decades of clay-busting fun or field work. Across Australia, shooters in Sydney, Melbourne, and rural Queensland keep these gas-operated classics running long after newer designs have come and gone. Their simple action, soft recoil, and tolerance for a wide range of 12-gauge loads make them a sensible pick for anyone entering the used market.
Buying second-hand makes financial sense in the current Australian market, where new firearm prices have climbed steadily and supply of certain configurations has tightened. A pre-owned 1100 often costs a fraction of a late-model equivalent while delivering comparable reliability. The trade-off is that buyers must accept some wear and learn to separate a sound shotgun from one hiding expensive mechanical problems.
Australian firearms law treats every transaction seriously, and a 1100 falls under Category B or C depending on configuration and state. Buyers should already hold the appropriate licence, have current registration, and be ready to complete the transaction through a licensed dealer. Used guns cannot legally change hands between private parties without going through a registered dealer in most states, which is why knowing what to inspect before paying is essential.
This guide walks through the mechanical checks, model variations, paperwork, and local realities that matter when sourcing a second-hand Remington 1100 in Australia. Whether the goal is a trap gun for a club near Brisbane, a field piece for the wetlands of Western Australia, or a versatile home-defence option, the same careful inspection process applies.
Understanding the Remington 1100's history and variants
Production of the 1100 ran from 1963 until the early 1990s, with brief reintroductions later and again under Remington's modern branding. Over that span, the line evolved into a family rather than a single gun. Original Standard, Special Field, and Magnum models catered to hunters, while Competition and Sporting variants added polished blueing and ported barrels. Later entries, such as the 1100 Tactical and police-marked versions, came fitted with extended magazines and ghost-ring sights for law-enforcement use. Those interested in duty-oriented configurations can read about police or tactical variants.
Because parts supply and aftermarket support differ between models, identifying the exact variant before purchase is essential. A 12-gauge Sporting model with a 30-inch ported barrel commands a different price and serves a different purpose than a short-barrelled 1100 Tactical. Serial number ranges and proof marks can usually date the gun and confirm whether it left the factory as a sporting, hunting, or tactical configuration. Knowing this up front helps avoid paying field-grade prices for what is essentially a low-mileage police trade-in.
Checking the receiver, action bars, and internal parts
The heart of any 1100 is its twin action bars and gas cylinder, and these components are most prone to cracking on older examples. With the bolt locked back, look down the magazine tube and inspect the action bars for visible cracks, bending, or uneven wear along the rails. Run a finger along each bar and feel for steps or burrs that suggest metal fatigue. A gun that has been dry-fired excessively or left loaded for long periods is far more likely to show this kind of damage.
The bolt assembly, magazine tube, and magazine cap also deserve attention. Make sure the cap threads smoothly and that the spring-loaded retainer still has positive tension. Inside the receiver, check for heavy tool marks that might indicate a poorly executed repair, and confirm the serial number matches the paperwork. For anyone uncertain, walking through the inspection with an experienced dealer is often the smartest move, and the team at the contact page can field technical questions before money changes hands.
Inspecting the barrel, bore, and choke condition
A 1100's barrel should be straight and clean. Remove the magazine cap and action bar nut so the barrel can be drawn from the receiver, then peer down the bore under a window. Check for pitting, scoring, or roughness. Light surface oxidation is normal on a stored gun and can be cleaned, but deep pitting or a wavy throat near the chamber is a sign of abuse and possible safety concerns.
The forcing cone is another common trouble spot on older gas guns. It should be uniform and free of cracks, especially on magnum-chambered guns that have seen heavy 3-inch loads. Test-fit the choke tubes to ensure they thread in smoothly and seat fully; a stuck tube can indicate corrosion or a previous owner who used the wrong tools. If the gun ships with a single fixed choke, look for dents on the muzzle that may have been hammered out and reblued.
Evaluating wood, finish, and original configuration
Original wood furniture on early 1100s was high-quality American walnut with a glossy oil finish, and clean original stocks can add genuine collector value. Look for cracks through the wrist or comb, deep dents, or repairs filled with putty. Check that the stock is still firmly seated in the receiver, with no wobble or stripped screws. Refinished stocks are common and acceptable if the work is professional, but they generally reduce resale value for buyers hunting collectible examples.
Metal finish is similarly telling. Original bluing wears predictably on the high edges, the safety button, and the bolt handle. Heavy re-bluing that looks too smooth or wavy often masks pitting or refinishing of damaged steel. Pay attention to screw slots — rounded or chewed slots suggest the gun has been disassembled many times by owners without proper tools, a warning sign of amateur internal tinkering.
Australian licensing, dealer requirements, and import rules
Buying a used firearm in Australia means navigating one of the strictest regulatory regimes in the world. Every state and territory maintains its own licensing scheme, and category B shotguns like the standard 1100 fall under one licence class while magnum or extended-magazine variants may fall under another. In New South Wales and Victoria, buyers must hold a current firearms licence and a genuine reason for ownership before a registered dealer is permitted to release the gun.
Imported second-hand firearms also pass through Australian Border Force, where import permits must be in place before the gun arrives. A reputable domestic dealer will have handled this paperwork and can supply the import documentation on request. If a seller cannot produce a clear chain of custody, importers records, or a current registration certificate, walk away — the savings are not worth the legal exposure.
Comparing common buying sources for a used 1100
| Source | Typical price range (AUD) | Inspection access | Paperwork handled | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Australian dealer | $900–$1,800 | Full mechanical inspection | Yes, by dealer | Low |
| Private sale via dealer transfer | $700–$1,500 | Varies, often limited | Yes, transfer fee applies | Medium |
| Estate sale through dealer | $600–$1,300 | Limited to visual | Yes, dealer-managed | Medium |
| Online auction (domestic) | $500–$1,200 | Photos only | Buyer responsible | High |
| Imported by registered importer | $1,200–$2,500 | Full inspection by importer | Yes, full import docs | Low |
The safest path for most Australian buyers is a licensed dealer that handles import, transfer, and registration paperwork as part of the sale. The cheapest path is usually the riskiest, and the savings rarely cover the cost of a single professional repair. A dealer who regularly handles used 1100s will have seen most common faults and can flag them early. For interstate buyers, ask whether the dealer can arrange shipping to a registered dealer closer to home, since firearms must travel through approved carriers under Australian law.
Practical recommendations before committing
- Insist on inspecting the action bars and gas piston before paying; replacements are expensive and labour-intensive.
- Match the variant to its intended use rather than chasing a deal on the wrong configuration.
- Verify serial numbers on the receiver, barrel, and magazine tube, and confirm they match the registration paperwork.
- Choose a licensed Australian dealer who can manage both the transfer and any import documentation in one transaction.
- Budget for a professional clean and possible recoil pad replacement; a freshly serviced 1100 will outlast a neglected one by decades.
Browse the current range of new and certified pre-owned Remington shotguns at Remington Firearms Store, or reach out to the team for help matching a specific 1100 variant to your licence category and shooting goals. With the right inspection and a reputable dealer, a second-hand 1100 can be one of the best-value firearms an Australian shooter can own.