Guns International #: 102769681
Seller's Inventory #: 2407-0051

Category - Remington Shotguns - Semi-Auto - Military Shotguns - US

Category
Remington Shotguns - Semi-Auto
Military Shotguns - US

Remington Model 11 Flaming Bomb Basic Aerial Gunner Training Shotgun w/Factory Cutts Compensator, Nydar Reflex Sight

Description:
The Auto 5 was the first commercially successful semi-automatic shotgun, designed by the famous John M. Browning in 1898. Originally, he took the design to Winchester, whom he had previously sold his designs to. When they refused his terms, he took the design to Remington. Unfortunately, the then president of Remington literally passed away while Browning was waiting to see him. Although unable to do any business with Browning on that day, they made it clear that they were interested in his design but would be unable to do anything with it for the time being. As such, Browning was forced to take his design to FN in Belgium. After reaching production status as the Browning Auto-5, Remington did eventually build their own Auto-5 under license as the Model 11. With the occupation of Belgium in 1940 by Germany, production of the Auto-5 was wholly switched over to Remington for the duration of the war. As America began its own build-up for war, the Army its air branch, the United States Army Air Corps (U.S.A.A.C.) both began to purchase quantities of shotguns from different manufactures though each had their own reasons. In the case of the Air Corps, these shotguns were to be used to train Aerial Gunners how to lead a target. Some examples were used for the simplest or basic training - conventional skeet shooting while others were given a few modifications to allow them to be used for more realistic training. This involved drilling four holes in the receiver to allow the shotguns to be fitted into a special mounting. This resembled the back half of a Browning M2 and housed the shotgun in it. These training devices were used regularly during the war. They could be simple single mountings or partial mockups that resembled the twin turrets of a bomber with two shotguns installed.

When the Air Corps made the original order for the Remington Model 11, the company took as many as were on hand at the time and shipped them out as quickly as possible. Due to this inevitably hectic pace, not all Remington Model 11 shotguns issued by the Air Corp are identical. Some had factory fitted Cutts Compensators or butt pads installed, while others might not possess all of the usual markings. Some had a blued finish while others were given what was called a “Wartime Finish.” For example, this Model 11 has the Compensator with no choke marking on the barrel, indicating that it is a factory installed example. However, there is no barrel date code, which is very unusual for Remington, but not impossible. The butt pad is most likely a post factory modification though it could be original to the gun. Obviously, the receiver has no had 4 holes drilled in its sides for fitting to one of the more intricate mountings, so it was most likely used for the basic aerial training course (i.e. traditional style clay shooting). The device atop the receiver is a Nydar Model 47 reflex sight. This was one of the first commercially successful reflex sights and was produced by the Swain Nelson company being introduced to the public in 1945. It was intended for use by hunters as an aid against flying birds, essentially the same application as when used in fighter planes. Reflex sights were common in fighter planes by the end of the war but did not become available to civilians until a few months after the war ended. As the Nydar sight is dependent upon natural light, it works only in daylight conditions, a far cry from the battery/isotope powered examples of today.

Mechanically, the shotgun is in excellent shape and the bore is very bright with no rust and/or pitting. The blued finish is worn in a few spots but is intact for the most part. Both the receiver and the barrel exhibit minor rust in certain spots. The surface of the wood furniture has the appearance of an original finish. The rear of the fore end has a crack in it, but repairs for it would be fairly simple. This is a common issue with the Auto-5/Model 11 mainly caused by an owner over-tightening the magazine cap. Most of the markings in the metal remain in pristine shape. Though present only in the first photo, there is an original magazine plug which consists of a dowel rod and some now-worn instructions attached to the surface via being wrapped around the outer surface of the dowel. Most of the screws on the gun look like they have never been turned. The Nydar sight still presents a good picture of the reticle though part of the lense is beginning to de-laminate. Otherwise, the sight is in excellent shape for a sight that is likely over 75 years old at this point. This Remington Model 11 would make a nice addition to any Remington or military collection.

Price: $2,400.00

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Remington
Model: Model 11
Serial Number: 711162
Barrel Length: 26.0 inches (overall)
Bore Info: Smoothbore
Chambers: 2.75 inches (70 mm)
Ejectors: Auto-ejection
Condition: Used - Good to Excellent
Barrels: Carbon steel
Barrel Type: Long Recoil type
Action: Browning Long Recoil System
Triggers: Single trigger
Stock: Checkered walnut
Fore End: Checkered walnut
Butt Pad: Vent rubber pad
LOP: 14.5 inches (368 mm)
Finish: Blued
Weight: 9.0 lbs.
Sights: Bead front sight, Nydar Model 47 reflex sight
Chokes: Cutts Spreader Choke
Engraving: Standard engraving