I've spent a lot of time in the field with vintage semi-autos, and this Remington Model 11 48 review covers why this streamlined classic still holds its own against modern shotguns. If you're a fan of older firearms, you've probably seen these sitting on the racks of local gun shops, often looking a bit neglected but sporting that unmistakable mid-century silhouette. It's a gun that often gets overshadowed by its predecessor, the Model 11, and its successor, the ubiquitous 1100, but the 11-48 is a fascinating piece of engineering that deserves a second look.
A Little Bit of History
To understand the 11-48, you have to understand what Remington was trying to do after World War II. They had been making the Model 11 for decades, which was basically a licensed version of John Browning's Auto-5. While the Auto-5 was a masterpiece, it was expensive to manufacture because of all the machined parts and that iconic "humpback" receiver. Remington wanted something sleeker, cheaper to produce, and more modern.
Enter the 11-48, released in—you guessed it—1948. It was the first of Remington's "new generation" of shotguns that utilized stamped steel parts and a more rounded receiver. This design language eventually led to the 870 pump and the 1100 semi-auto we all know today. It was a bridge between the old world of heavy machining and the new world of efficient mass production.
The Feel and Aesthetics
The first thing you notice when you pick up an 11-48 is how surprisingly light and "pointable" it feels. Unlike the old Model 11 or the Browning Auto-5, which can feel a bit front-heavy and blocky, the 11-48 has a very slim profile. The receiver flows right into the stock in a way that feels natural to the eye.
It doesn't have that high-profile rear end that the Auto-5 has. Instead, it's got a gentle slope that makes it feel much more like a modern shotgun. When I shoulder it, it just seems to find the pocket effortlessly. The wood is usually a nice walnut, and even the "standard" models often have decent grain that looks better than the plastic-feeling finishes we see on budget guns today.
How the Action Works
This is where things get interesting. The 11-48 is a long-recoil operated shotgun. This means when you fire a shell, the entire barrel moves backward along with the bolt to cycle the action. It's the same basic principle as the Auto-5, but Remington figured out how to fit that system into a much smaller, rounder receiver.
When you fire it, you'll feel a distinct "double shuffle" sensation. It's not a sharp kick like a fixed-barrel pump gun, but it's a different rhythm than a modern gas-operated semi-auto. Because the barrel is moving, there's a lot of mass shifting around. I find it oddly satisfying, though it might take a few rounds for a beginner to get used to the sensation of the barrel jumping back toward their face.
Performance in the Field
I've taken my 11-48 out for both clay pigeons and upland hunting, and it's a joy to carry. Because it's lighter than many of its contemporaries, you don't feel like you're lugging a boat anchor through the brush.
One thing to keep in mind is that these guns were designed before the era of screw-in chokes. Most of the ones you'll find on the used market have fixed chokes—usually Full, Modified, or Improved Cylinder. Mine has a Modified choke, which I've found to be the perfect "do-it-all" setting for squirrels, rabbits, and the occasional round of trap.
The trigger pull on these is usually pretty crisp for a shotgun. It's not a match-grade rifle trigger, of course, but it's far better than the mushy triggers found on many modern semi-autos. It gives you a lot of confidence when you're trying to lead a fast-moving bird.
Reliability and Maintenance
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: reliability. Some people claim the 11-48 is finicky, but in my experience, that usually comes down to two things: cleaning and the friction rings.
Since it's a recoil-operated gun, it relies on a set of friction pieces on the magazine tube to control how fast the barrel moves back. If these rings are dry or installed backwards, the gun won't cycle correctly. You also want to make sure the magazine tube is lightly oiled—not dripping, just a thin film. If it's bone dry or caked in 50-year-old grease, you're going to have a bad time.
Also, these guns don't love "light" target loads as much as modern gas guns do. If you're using those ultra-cheap, low-brass shells from the big-box stores, you might experience a failure to eject once in a while. If you feed it standard hunting loads, it'll usually chug along all day without a hiccup.
A Note on the Different Gauges
One of the coolest things about the 11-48 is that Remington made it in almost every gauge imaginable. You can find them in 12, 16, 20, 28, and even .410 bore.
The 28 gauge and .410 models are highly sought after by collectors and small-game hunters today. They are built on scaled-down receivers, making them incredibly light and dainty. If you ever find one of these in good condition at a reasonable price, don't think twice—just buy it.
Pros and Cons
Like any vintage firearm, the 11-48 isn't perfect. Here's a quick breakdown of what I love and what I don't:
The Good: * Classic Aesthetics: It looks like a "real" gun—steel and wood, no cheap plastic. * Weight: It's light enough for long days in the field without wearing you out. * Handling: The slim profile makes it very easy to swing and point. * Price: You can often find these for significantly less than a used 1100 or an Auto-5.
The Bad: * Recoil: It kicks a bit harder than modern gas-operated guns because there's no gas system to bleed off energy. * Parts Availability: While common parts are still out there, they aren't as plentiful as 870 or 1100 parts. * Fixed Chokes: Unless someone had it modified, you're stuck with whatever choke is stamped on the barrel. * Not Steel Shot Rated: If you're planning on hunting waterfowl in areas that require non-toxic shot, you'll need to stick to expensive bismuth or tungsten loads to avoid damaging the old barrel.
What to Look for When Buying
If this Remington Model 11 48 review has convinced you to go hunting for one, there are a few things you should check before handing over your cash.
First, check the forend for cracks. Because the barrel slams back into the action, the wooden forend takes a lot of stress. It's very common to see small hairline cracks near the receiver. If they're small, they can be repaired with some wood glue, but large cracks might mean you need a replacement, which can be hard to find.
Second, pull the bolt back and look at the magazine tube. It should be smooth and free of heavy pitting. If someone let it rust, the friction rings won't slide properly, and the gun will never cycle reliably.
Finally, check the recoil spring. If the gun feels like it's slamming back too hard, the spring might be tired after 70 years of service. Luckily, you can still find replacement springs that will give the gun a whole new lease on life.
Final Verdict
The Remington Model 11-48 is a bit of a hidden gem in the world of vintage shotguns. It represents a transition point in firearms history, combining the proven long-recoil system with a modern, ergonomic design. It's not as "fancy" as a Belgian Browning, but it's a workhorse that has a soul.
If you want a semi-auto that feels like an extension of your arm and you don't mind doing a little bit of basic maintenance to keep the friction system happy, you really can't go wrong here. It's a classic piece of Americana that's still just as capable of putting meat on the table today as it was in 1948. Every time I take mine out, I'm reminded that sometimes, the old ways really are just as good as the new ones.