Anyone shooting an old Remington 11-48?

I was browsing the used gun rack at a local shop this past weekend when I happened on an old Remington 48 (aka 11-48) in 16 gauge. It was in really nice condition for a 1950s vintage shotgun and I’m such a sucker for 16 gauge guns in general, so I can’t stop thinking that I should buy. BTW, the price was really, really good. Which surprise me as this establishment usually has laughably high prices on used guns.

Anyone else shooting an old 11-48? Are they as dependable as their reputation? Any feedback good or bad?

I’m a fan of the predecessor, the Model 11 which was Remington’s version of Browning’s humpback design. The mechanicals of the 11-48 are very similar, it’s a recoil operated autoloader with both a moving barrel and bolt. I’ve never shot an 11-48, I’ve only shot the Model 58 which looked similar, but was a gas powered autoloader so it was heavier and had a different feel due to the gas system.

Should I buy it?

Grouse

You already know the answer Grouse.
DT

deertracker wrote:

You already know the answer Grouse.
DT

Well, yes, unless someone posts here and says they’re complete Jam-o-Matics and avoid at all costs.

I’m also afraid that the store in question will resume their normal MO and up-price the shotgun before I get back there. Honestly, if overpricing beat-to-sh!t, rusty, loose Remmy 870s on a used rack were a crime, this place would be the largest criminal enterprise in the world.

I also am on the fence about counting myself among those weirdo sub gauge guys. I mean, we can talk freely because there aren’t any of them on this forum except for @Tegg, so don’t tell him I said that. But really, what’s next?

Grouse

I really like my 12. Don’t use it much, but it’s fun to shoot. $.02

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

I also am on the fence about counting myself among those weirdo sub gauge guys. I mean, we can talk freely because there aren’t any of them on this forum except for @Tegg, so don’t tell him I said that. But really, what’s next?

Grouse

Come on now. I still have a 12ga. Autoloader even. Although… I’m really looking forward to spending a little time a field with the Ruger Red Label 28ga I just purchased. So far it’s a sweet little gun.

I have an 11-48. Yes, it can have it’s issues, but it isn’t exactly a modern auto-loader….

Mine works very well for me and I really enjoy shooting it. They sometimes have ejection issues, but if you use heavier loads, it works fine. I had to polish the chamber with steel wool slightly with one of mine in order for the shell to not rip apart in the chamber.

At the end of the day, they are a timeless gun and the first real big change for Remington auto-loaders. Even if you are not a collector, they are a cool piece. It employs classic auto-loader function with aesthetic touches that are still prevalent in modern Remington shotguns.

I grew up on that very shotgun. The 16Ga Rem 11-48. Very dependable and accounted for lots of game. It threw the old Foster-style slugs unerringly as well.

OMG I would love that one. Those have a very soft spot for me.
I really like recoiled operation shotguns. I feel I have the best control when shooting with them no idea why but I love them.

16 gauge would just the ticket.

The 16 gauge 11-48’s are excellent and one of the better 16 gauge autos ever produced. I have a first year (1949) 16 ga. Sportsman 48 which is essentially the same as an 11-48 but limited to 3 rounds. I’ve shot a ton of upland game with a trusty 16 ga. Rem. 11, but I shaved off about half a pound going to a Sportsman 48. It’s not my main bird gun by any means, but it’s a hellofa pheasant gun and slumpbuster when I seem to be a little off with my light doubles.

I’d get it and never look back.

Several years ago at Cabela’s in Owatonna, I walked into the Bargain Cave and saw a Kodiak double rifle sitting in the rack. A 50 caliber muzzle loader, with a fast enough twist to throw conical bullets accurately. Yes, I know doubles are notoriously touchy about loads and it’s a lot of work getting them “regulated”. And they’re pretty heavy to carry around too. But doubles are so cool, and I’ve always wanted one. The price was surprisingly low…..but I rarely buy anything on a whim or without planning and saving first. So I passed on it. And I’ve regretted it ever since! That’s one I’ll never get back.

SR

A friend has an 11-48 in 16 gauge and he loves it. He’s shot trap with it and used it for shooting live pigeons. Years ago we did a ton of pigeon shooting at a bunch of farms and I loaded all the shells for that, including his 11-48 and it always handled everything fed to it flawlessly.

I couldn’t do it, guys. I’m probably going to regret it, but I’m passing on it. Would love to add to the collection, but I thought about it and safe space is becoming an issue again and, unfortunately, the real need (if there is such a thing) is not another 16 gauge, but actually a (blah!) 12 gauge. Boring, but true.

I know, I know, I’m going to regret it… It just seems like I don’t shoot the ones I’ve got nearly enough though.

Grouse

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

I’ve only shot the Model 58…

@thefamousgrouse

We were digging through a storage closet at the MIL’s this week in search of a shotgun. We found the gun I was looking for, and in the process, we also found a pretty nice 16-gauge Remington Sportsman 58. I’m unfamiliar with the gun, but it may find its way home with me one day.

The 58 was a different design altogether, Ralph, compared to the 48. The 48 was a recoil driven design, basically an updated Model 11, which was Remington’s version of Browning’s A5 design.

The 58 went a different direction entirely. The 58 was Remington’s first gas activated auto and because of the design of the gas system it’s limited to 2 cartridges in the magazine.

The 58 was a big heavier than the simpler 48, but assuming the port is kept clean, it’s a reliable design. As with most early gas autos, they don’t handle light and heavy loads with interchangeability, but the 58 had the selector knob to adjust the gas pressure which was a pretty good compromise for the time.

It would still be a terrific 16 to have.

Grouse

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

It would still be a terrific 16 to have.

It would do more good at my house than stuffed in a closet with a bunch of purses.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>TheFamousGrouse wrote:</div>
It would still be a terrific 16 to have.

It would do more good at my house than stuffed in a closet with a bunch of purses.

You’d be rescuing it from hell!

KwickStick wrote:

You’d be rescuing it from hell!

Right?

I didn’t want to be greedy because I was already rescuing a Remington 1100 for my FW, so I left it.

I think I owe it to that gun to treat it right, though. I mean, if none of my BILs are going to care for it, it shouldn’t sit there and rust.