If you're looking for a workhorse that isn't afraid of a little mud, the remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum is a name that likely pops up on your radar pretty quickly. It's one of those shotguns that feels like it belongs in the back of a pickup truck, resting against a crate of decoys rather than sitting behind glass in a collector's cabinet. I've always felt that some guns are made for looking at, and others are made for doing the heavy lifting—this one definitely falls into the latter category.
The 11-87 series has been around for a long time, evolving from the legendary Model 1100, and it has earned a reputation for being a reliable, soft-shooting gas-operated semi-auto. But when you add the "Sportsman Super Magnum" tag to the end, you're looking at a beast that's specifically built to handle the biggest, meanest 3.5-inch shells you can find.
Why the 3.5-Inch Capability Matters
Back in the day, if you wanted to hunt geese or turkey with real authority, you were often stuck with a pump action if you wanted to shoot the big 3.5-inch magnum loads. Semi-autos that could handle that much pressure without shaking themselves apart were a bit rarer and often way more expensive. The remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum filled that gap beautifully.
The "Super Magnum" part of the name is the real selling point here. While a standard 11-87 might stop at 3-inch shells, this version gives you that extra half-inch of chamber space. Does everyone need to shoot 3.5-inch shells? Probably not. They kick like a mule and can be overkill for a lot of birds. However, when you're hunkered down in a cold pit blind and those late-season geese are hovering just out of range, having that extra payload of steel shot can make a world of difference. It's about having the option, and this gun gives you the full range from light 2 3/4-inch target loads all the way up to the heavy hitters.
The Magic of the Gas System
One of the biggest reasons people stick with the remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum instead of switching to a modern inertia-driven gun is the recoil—or rather, the lack of it. Because this is a gas-operated shotgun, it uses some of the energy from the fired shell to cycle the action.
When you fire a heavy 3.5-inch turkey load, a significant amount of that "kick" is absorbed by the movement of the bolt and the gas system before it ever hits your shoulder. If you've ever fired a 3.5-inch shell out of a lightweight pump-action gun, you know it feels like getting punched by a heavyweight boxer. With the 11-87, it's more of a firm push. It's still got some thump, don't get me wrong, but it's much more manageable for follow-up shots.
The pressure-compensating gas system is designed to bleed off excess pressure. This means it can theoretically cycle a wide variety of shells. Now, in the real world, gas guns can be a little finicky with the lightest target loads if they aren't kept clean, but for hunting loads, the 11-87 is usually a champ.
Real-World Reliability and the O-Ring
We can't talk about the remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum without mentioning the famous rubber o-ring. If you talk to any old-timer who has hunted with one of these for twenty years, they'll tell you two things: "It's the smoothest gun I own," and "Always carry a spare o-ring in your wallet."
The gas system relies on a small rubber seal to keep the pressure contained and cycle the action. Over time, these can dry out, crack, or tear. It's a $2 part that can turn your semi-auto into a single-shot if it fails. Is it a design flaw? Some say yes. I prefer to think of it as simple maintenance. If you keep the gun clean and replace that ring once a season, the 11-87 will just keep chugging along.
I've seen these guns covered in swamp grime, frozen over with ice, and caked in dust, and they still go bang. You just have to be willing to give them a little bit of love when you get back to the truck. It's not a gun you can ignore for three years and expect it to run perfectly, but if you're someone who actually enjoys cleaning their gear after a hunt, it'll treat you right.
Handling and Ergonomics in the Field
The remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum isn't exactly a "lightweight" upland gun. It has some heft to it, usually coming in around 8 pounds depending on the barrel length and stock material. While that might sound like a lot if you're hiking ten miles through the woods for grouse, it's actually a blessing for waterfowling or turkey hunting.
That weight helps you swing the gun smoothly on a flying bird. It prevents that "choppy" movement you sometimes get with ultra-light guns. Plus, as I mentioned before, the weight is your friend when it comes to dampening recoil.
The Sportsman version usually features a synthetic stock, which is exactly what you want for a gun that's going to see rain, snow, and salt spray. The finish is typically a matte black or a camo wrap, designed to be non-reflective. It's not meant to be pretty; it's meant to be invisible to the birds. The texture on the grip is aggressive enough that you can get a good hold even with thick gloves on, which is a huge plus during those late-December hunts.
From the Duck Blind to the Turkey Woods
What makes the remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum so versatile is that it's essentially a "do-it-all" shotgun. I've used mine for everything from casual trap shooting on the weekends to sitting against an oak tree waiting for a gobbler to step into range.
For turkey hunting, the ability to chamber those 3.5-inch shells is a massive advantage. You can throw a massive cloud of lead (or tungsten) downrange, giving you a bit more confidence at those slightly longer distances. Most models come with the Rem Choke system, so you can swap out a Tight Turkey tube for an Improved Cylinder in about thirty seconds.
Then, when the season changes, you can pull the plug, put in a Modified choke, and you're ready for ducks. It's that adaptability that made the 11-87 a staple in American gun safes for decades. It doesn't try to be a specialist; it tries to be the only shotgun you need to own.
Is It Still Relevant Today?
With all the new, flashy semi-autos coming out of Italy and elsewhere, you might wonder if the remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum is still worth a look. In my opinion, absolutely.
Sure, it's an older design. It's a bit heavier than the newest carbon-fiber-everything models, and it requires a bit more cleaning than an inertia gun. But there's something about the way a Remington 11-87 points. It has a natural "pointability" that many modern guns struggle to replicate. It feels solid. It feels like a piece of American machinery.
Another big factor is the price. On the used market, or even when they were sitting on big-box store shelves, these guns were often hundreds of dollars cheaper than the high-end competition. For a guy who wants a reliable 3.5-inch semi-auto but doesn't want to spend two months' mortgage on it, the 11-87 Sportsman is a fantastic value.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the remington 11-87 sportsman super magnum is a blue-collar shotgun. It's built for the person who gets up at 4:00 AM, drinks lukewarm coffee, and spends their Saturday shivering in a marsh. It's durable, it shoots soft, and it gives you the power to take down the biggest birds in the sky.
If you find one in good shape—or if you've got one sitting in the back of your safe that you haven't used in a while—give it a good cleaning, check that o-ring, and take it out. It might not be the newest kid on the block, but it still knows exactly how to get the job done. Sometimes, you don't need fancy bells and whistles; you just need a gun that works as hard as you do.