Anybody collect trainers?

[nhetzer]

Thanks so much Harlan! I may take you up on that. I had a situation arise here that I had to tend to and wasn't able to get the pics up. I will try again tonight. As for the compensators, yes, the military did indeed install them. They were on the arial trainers. Bruce Canfield's book, "Combat Shotguns" says"

"During the factory overhaul program requiring major repair, 8491 Winchester M12 and Remington M31 shotguns were equipped with Cutts compensators for the Army Air Force. This Cutts compensator in addition to reducing recoil in its action as a muzzle break, also permits versatility of use of each shotgun by permitting a quick change from open to full choke. In addition approximately 5,000 new M11A autoloading shotguns were procured for the Navy equipped with the Cutts compensator."

Also, here's an interesting note to keep in mind. You can indeed tell if the choke was factory installed for the military. If you have a military marked barrel with a Cutts compensator on it check for choke markings on the barrel. If there are none (like CYL or MOD) then it is factory original. If the barrel does have choke markings on it, then it was added post war (this is only the case with the Remington Model 11, to be clear). The Model 12 and Model 31 had them added during overhaul in 1944. The Model 11s did not. Hope this was helpful!

[nhetzer]

Apologies, I must have zoomed passed the post before mine. Sorry for the redundant information. For you guys who may be reading this that are new to shotguns, I have found that the Bruce Canfield book is a great tool for beginners. It's what I bought when I first got into this. Also, he is a really nice guy. I have e-mailed him a number of times over the past couple of years with questions and he actually got back to me within a few days with detailed responses. Gotta respect a guy who takes time to get back to newbies like myself. You can get his e-mail from his website.

[coppertales]

The military did install Poly Chokes on their training shotguns. I spoke with a guy at Poly Choke some years ago and he said they still have the machinery to install the chokes with the army documents in their warehouse. I am not sure about Cutts compensators though. I have a Savage 720 with all matching numbers that has a Poly Choke. That what lead me to inquire with Poly Choke. I saw a documentary on the History Channel about recreation facilities for officers in the army in WW2. It had a scene at a skeet range and the guys shooting were shooting either Remington Model 11s or Savage 720s with Poly Chokes on them. chris3

In addition, why I forgot this I don't know.....My Dad did alot of skeet shooting while in the Air Corps in WW2. The shotguns he used had either Poly Chokes or Cutts compensators on them.....chris3

[nhetzer]

Ok guys. Here are some pics of the Model 11 I was talking about. Forgive the quality as I had no decent light to work with. I would prefer to take some pics outside so I wouldn't get so much glare and shadowing but it is what it for right now. I can't seem to get home before it gets dark. I'll be honest, these pictures don't do it justice because it looks like there is wear but it is the glare from my over head lights. But it at least gives you a general idea of what I am talking about.

[Tom Doniphon]

How far off are the serial numbers on the barrel and receiver?

And what is the barrel date code? That's the letter code usually found on the left side of the barrel near the receiver.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

It's beautiful! I thought mine was in outstanding shape, but yours puts it to shame.
I'd have a hard time parting with that one!

Have you asked Mr Canfield about your barrel? He may or may not know, as he mostly concentrates on combat shotguns but he may know something.

I've had the same experience as you have with Mr. Canfield, and can't say enough good about him. He's very nice, personable, and humble, and has nothing but good to say about everyone else. He works very hard to answer all questions as completely as he's able to, and if he doesn't know he'll let you know it but try to find out.

Also, I think all of his books are outstanding tools for beginners and experts alike. I have all of them except the new Combat Bolt Action book and I just ordered it.
I always recommend his book to anyone interested in a type of firearm. They're not dictionary's of part numbers, etc, and he doesn't intend them to be. Each of his books have recommendations for other books that cover such information.
He writes things in an interesting, understandable way with lots of illustrations so a person brand new to a type can understand, and most of his books have sections with tips of what to look for with fakes and such from a current, hands on, real world perspective.

[arado]

And all this I thought was about a .22 rifle. The only military shotgun I have is a 96 Trench gun. I don't know much about shotguns. Don't hunt. Gary

[nhetzer]

Hey everyone, thanks for the compliments on the gun. I agree that she's beautiful but my problem is that I shoot everything I own. I would never forgive myself if I went out there and cracked the hand guard or something. So she sits in the cabinet. I would rather it go to someone who appreciates it and can enjoy it. I'm sure there's a better home out there for it.
As for Mr. Canfield, I couldn't agree more about the person or his books. I too own all of them but didn't know anything about this new one! I'll be ordering it promptly!

As far as the barrel goes I have to admit that it's a little confusing because I don't believe it's a Remington barrel. The only marking on it that I can see is a small circle with a "P" in it other than the 12 GA-2 3/4 CHAM.-FULL on the barrel. Most likely a replacement but from when, who knows. If the story from the guy I got it from is true, then it's been on there for awhile. Any ideas?

[scosgt]

Actually, MANY of the Rem 11's had a Cutts. You can tell that it is factory because there is no choke markings on the barrel, since there was no choke - that was handled by the Cutts.