I have an 870 that I love for deer and home defence.
I've been shooting alot more clay birds the past year, and I'm wanting to get an autoloader.
I never shoot magnums, is there a reason to get an 1187, if all I never shoot is standard loads?
Is it a better/more reliable gun, or just a 1100, re-designed to shoot magnums?

I don't know specifics, but from what I understand the 11-87 has a superior autoloading mechanism.  I also understand it is easier to service in the event of a failure.  It is supposed to recoil less, so you might want to keep that in mind.

I have an 1100 and 11-87.  Overall, I prefer the look and feel of the 1187. The low gloss, sharp cut checkering "fits" me better. Also, you might want to check on replacement barrel options for the 1100 vs the 1187.  There may be a difference in availablity in price.  

Derek,
I have an 1100 matte synthetic model that I bought new in 96.  Since then, I have hunted pheasants and deer, shot clay pigeons almost every weekend during the summer, and plinking too.  It has never ever jammed or not worked.  I shoot everything from light target loads, cheap Wal Mart ammo, handloads (6 and 8 shot) up to the nastiest slugs I can find (the new Remington slugs kick my ass and make a basketball sized muzzle flash in near daylight!   WHOOOM!  It cycles it all.  I hunted in an ice and sleet storm once that completely froze the action in ice.  I couldn't get the action open, but it still shot and cycled (I wouldn't recommend doing that BTW).
The gun costed my $395.
In 97 the 20" barrel with rifled choke tube and rifle sights costed me $190.

The finish was a bit thin in spots and hasn;t worn well, so that when it gets wet, I have to really oil it up good to keep the rust off.  But if you don't shoot anything but 2 3/4" shells, you will be happy with the 1100.

Be sure to inspect the gun you are buying thoroughly.  Remmy has had some issues in the last few years with finish, barrels, and crowns on rifles.  Haven't heard anything bad about shotguns but it doesn't hurt to look close.

i love my 1100 12ga. never had any problems
just my 2 cents

1100.  The all-time classic American auto shotgun.

   I have a Remington 1187 and do some clay shooting and I love it. It is easy to clean and shoots very well. It has limited recoil. If you do not intent to shoot magnums it is a fine gun to own. I have shot 1000 rounds through it and have never had any problems
308Sniper

My gift to myself for getting promoted to E-5 back in '96 was a Remington 1187 with the high gloss wood and light contour barrel. I use this rifle mainly for skeet and trap shooting and it has never let me down. The light contour barrel gives it a lot faster swing than my Remington 870.

Only problem with this gun is that it is too pretty to take duck hunting so I use my 870 instead.

11-87 is a 1100 on steroids, for bird and such the 1100 is all you need.
GG

I have a synthetic-stocked 1100 that I hunt small game with. It will only accept 2 3/4" shells. I have a 11-87 in Mossy Oak Breakup camo with Tru-Glo rifle sights for turkey hunting. It will accept 3 1/2" shells, which aren't too bad in an autoloader. According to my Remington catalog, the 11-87 weighs a full pound more than the 1100, so I would think that the 1100 would be better for clay pigeons. By the way, I also have a synthetic-stocked 870 Super Slug (cantilever, fully-rifled) that I use for deer.

If you don't mind spending a few dollars more, get the 11-87. It is a little more refined and if you will use it for clays it just handles well. The 1100 is a great shotgun but the 11-87 is a little better and not because it can shoot 3".

I have used the 1100 in 12 guage for clays and its a great shooting gun.

I'd also look at the Beretta AL390. These are good, soft shooting autoloaders also. I use one of these currently.


Remingtons have better wood though....