The Complete Overview of the Remington 11-87 Premier
The Remington 11-87 Premier represents the culmination of decades of refinement in Remington’s iconic 700 series. Introduced as a premium variant of the 1100 series, it was designed to appeal to hunters and shooters who demanded more than just basic functionality. The rifle’s name itself—11-87 Premier—hints at its lineage: the "11" nods to the 1100 platform, while "87" marks its 1987 debut year. The "Premier" suffix signals its elevated status within Remington’s lineup, offering features like an improved trigger, better stock ergonomics, and enhanced barrel options. Unlike the standard 1100, which was built for affordability and accessibility, the 11-87 Premier was engineered for performance. Its two-piece bolt system, for example, reduces felt recoil by up to 30% compared to traditional bolts, making it more comfortable for follow-up shots—a critical advantage in hunting scenarios. The rifle’s action is also smoother, with a shorter throw and a more positive lock-up, which translates to faster follow-through. These details might seem subtle, but in the world of precision shooting, they’re the difference between a rifle that feels like an extension of the shooter’s body and one that feels like a tool.Historical Background and Evolution
The Remington 11-87 Premier traces its roots to the Remington Model 700, a rifle that has been in production since 1962. The 700’s success was built on its reliability, accuracy, and adaptability, and by the late 1980s, Remington recognized the need for a more refined offering. The 11-87 Premier was the answer—a rifle that retained the 700’s proven action while incorporating modern advancements. Its introduction coincided with a shift in the firearms market, where shooters were increasingly demanding features like adjustable stocks and improved triggers without sacrificing the traditional bolt-action experience. Over the years, the 11-87 Premier has undergone subtle but meaningful updates. Early iterations focused on refining the trigger—Remington’s two-stage design became a hallmark of the model—and improving the stock’s ergonomics. Later versions introduced synthetic stocks with better cheekpiece contours and textured grips, catering to the growing popularity of synthetic materials in the hunting community. Despite these changes, the rifle’s core philosophy remained unchanged: deliver a rifle that is as capable in the field as it is on the range, without unnecessary complexity.Core Mechanisms: How It Works
At its heart, the Remington 11-87 Premier operates on a modified version of the 700’s action, optimized for smoother cycling and reduced recoil. The two-piece bolt system is a standout feature. The bolt handle is separated from the firing pin, which allows the shooter to manipulate the bolt without engaging the firing mechanism. This design reduces the chance of accidental discharges and minimizes recoil by isolating the bolt’s mass from the firing pin’s inertia. The result is a rifle that feels lighter in the hand and more responsive, even after multiple shots. The trigger mechanism is another area where the 11-87 Premier excels. Remington’s two-stage trigger is finely tuned to provide a clean break—typically around 2.5 to 3 pounds of pull weight—with minimal overtravel. This precision is crucial for hunters who rely on quick, accurate shots. Additionally, the rifle’s bedding process ensures that the barrel and action are perfectly aligned, reducing point-of-impact shifts that can plague poorly bedded rifles. The combination of these mechanical refinements makes the 11-87 Premier one of the most consistent bolt-action rifles in its class.Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The Remington 11-87 Premier isn’t just a rifle—it’s a statement. For hunters, it represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering the reliability of a classic bolt-action with the refinements modern shooters demand. Its impact extends beyond the shooting range; it’s a rifle that has been trusted by professionals in competitive shooting circles and by weekend enthusiasts alike. The ability to handle everything from .243 Win to .308 Win without sacrificing accuracy or comfort is a testament to its versatility. What truly sets the 11-87 Premier apart is its adaptability. Whether chambered in a varmint cartridge for long-range precision or in a magnum round for big-game hunting, it performs consistently. This adaptability is rare in the bolt-action market, where rifles often cater to specific niches. The Remington 11-87 Premier bridges that gap, making it a favorite among shooters who refuse to compromise on performance."When you pull the trigger on an 11-87 Premier, you’re not just firing a round—you’re experiencing the culmination of Remington’s engineering legacy. It’s the kind of rifle that makes you forget everything else on the range." — Industry insider, anonymous competitive shooter
Major Advantages
- Superior recoil management: The two-piece bolt system reduces felt recoil, making it ideal for sustained shooting.
- Precision trigger: A finely tuned two-stage trigger ensures consistent, repeatable shots.
- Versatile chambering options: Available in a wide range of calibers, from varmint rounds to magnum cartridges.
- Durable build: The rifle’s robust action and high-quality materials ensure longevity, even in harsh conditions.
- Ergonomic design: Synthetic stocks and textured grips improve handling and reduce fatigue during long shooting sessions.
Comparative Analysis
While the Remington 11-87 Premier stands out, it’s worth comparing it to other high-end bolt-action rifles to understand its place in the market.| Feature | Remington 11-87 Premier | Competitor (e.g., Weatherby Vanguard) |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Reduction | Two-piece bolt system (30% less recoil) | Traditional bolt (higher recoil) |
| Trigger Pull | 2.5–3 lbs, two-stage | 3–4 lbs, single-stage |
| Versatility | Wide caliber range, including varmint and magnum | Limited to high-end calibers |
Future Trends and Innovations
As bolt-action rifles continue to evolve, the Remington 11-87 Premier is poised to remain at the forefront. One emerging trend is the integration of smart technology, such as integrated ballistic calculators or even electronic triggers, though these features remain speculative for traditional bolt-actions. For now, Remington’s focus appears to be on refining existing mechanics—improving trigger consistency, enhancing stock ergonomics, and expanding chambering options to include newer cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor. Another potential innovation is the adoption of lighter, high-strength materials for stocks and other components, which could reduce overall weight without compromising durability. However, the 11-87 Premier’s strength lies in its balance of tradition and innovation, so any changes will likely be incremental rather than revolutionary. The rifle’s enduring appeal suggests that Remington will continue to prioritize functionality over gimmicks—a philosophy that has kept it relevant for over three decades.
Conclusion
The Remington 11-87 Premier is more than a rifle; it’s a testament to what a bolt-action can achieve when engineered with precision and purpose. Its combination of smooth mechanics, adaptable chambering options, and enduring reliability makes it a standout in a crowded market. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship, the 11-87 Premier delivers an experience that few rifles can match. In an era where firearms are often defined by extreme specialization, the Remington 11-87 Premier remains a generalist’s dream—a rifle that excels in multiple disciplines without requiring compromise. Its legacy isn’t just in its history, but in its ability to anticipate the needs of shooters before they even articulate them. For those who value performance over trends, it’s a choice that never goes out of style.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is the Remington 11-87 Premier suitable for varmint hunting?
The 11-87 Premier is an excellent choice for varmint hunting, particularly in calibers like the .22-250 Remington or 6mmBR. Its smooth action and precision trigger make it highly accurate at long ranges, and its two-piece bolt system reduces recoil, which is beneficial for extended shooting sessions.
Q: How does the trigger on the 11-87 Premier compare to other bolt-action rifles?
The trigger on the 11-87 Premier is one of its strongest features, typically offering a two-stage pull around 2.5 to 3 pounds with minimal overtravel. This is comparable to or better than many high-end bolt-actions, though some custom rifles may offer slightly lighter pulls. The consistency and crispness of the break are often cited as major advantages.
Q: Can the 11-87 Premier be customized with aftermarket parts?
Yes, the 11-87 Premier is highly customizable. Its action is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket stocks, triggers, and barrels. Popular modifications include upgrading to a lighter trigger, installing a custom stock for better ergonomics, or swapping the barrel for a heavier profile to improve accuracy.
Q: What calibers is the 11-87 Premier available in?
The 11-87 Premier is offered in a variety of calibers, including popular hunting rounds like .243 Win, .270 Win, .308 Win, and .30-06. It’s also available in varmint calibers such as .22-250 Remington and 6mmBR, as well as magnum options like .300 Win Mag. Remington occasionally updates its lineup, so availability may vary.
Q: Is the 11-87 Premier more expensive than the standard Remington 700?
Yes, the 11-87 Premier is positioned as a premium model within Remington’s lineup. While it shares the same core action as the Remington 700, the Premier includes upgraded features like the two-piece bolt, improved trigger, and better stock materials, which justify its higher price. However, it remains more affordable than some competitors in the high-end bolt-action category.
Q: How does the 11-87 Premier handle in cold weather?
The 11-87 Premier is built to perform reliably in various conditions, including cold weather. Its synthetic stocks and high-quality materials resist warping and degradation, though extreme cold can affect the trigger’s feel slightly. Proper maintenance, such as using a trigger lubricant, can mitigate any issues. Many shooters report that the rifle’s action remains smooth even in sub-zero temperatures.
Q: Are there any known reliability issues with the 11-87 Premier?
Like any firearm, the 11-87 Premier is not without its minor quirks, but serious reliability issues are rare. Some shooters report occasional feeding problems with certain ammunition brands, particularly in magnum calibers. However, these are typically resolved by adjusting the magazine or using higher-quality rounds. Overall, the rifle is known for its consistency and durability.
