In an earlier posting I'd indicated that I'm in the market for a new shotgun. I plan to use the shotgun to shoot some clay birds just for fun, maybe eventually try sporting clays or trap, and to maybe hunt doves, quail, etc.

I have a Browning A5 20 gauge that was my fathers, but I almost hate to use it. I've been told that the A5's recoil quite a bit, and that if used much the stocks can crack or split lowering their value considerably. My gun dealer had recommended that I try a Remington 1100 sporting clays model. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has one of these or an 1100 for that matter. Do you like it? Is it a good solid shotgun? Is this a good choice for my needs? Any information and advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Certainly nothing wrong with the 1100 or the 11-87 except they just don't fit me (stock wise). I have owned several 12ga and currently own one 1100 20ga. I have used them on clays, skeet and sporting clays, with no complaints.

I believe most "Sporting Clay" model guns have small changes over standards that result in a higher price. I've never spent the $ to own a "sporting clays" gun.

I currently have all you speak of:
the 1100 in the special field
the 1187 upland special
and an A5 20 gauge.

You will not wear out the A5, nor does it recoil hard. however, there are some things with the gun you must check.
It is however, a recoil operated gun, not a gas operated gun. When the shot goes off, the entire barrel moves backward, ejecting the hull and recocking the hammer.
On some of the older A5s, there was a fiber buffer where the bolt came back to contact the receiver. This buffer must be in place...take it from me, I broke the bolt on a Remmie model 11 froma decomposed fiber buffer. [the Remmie 11 is essentially an A5]
You must remove the trigger group to check it, so make sure you know what you are doing.

now,

the 1100 and 1187 are fine guns, and the sporting clays version a fine weapon for busting birds, the 1187 a bit stouter and able to accommodate 3" shells.

I agree with m141a on all counts. I would however have reservations about putting an A5 into regular competition shoots. Forearm splits/cracking are common in the ones I've seen.

Remington 1100 is a solid performer and a good value.

Cheezywan

I've lost track of all the 1100's I've had and they are a SUPER gun, if you take care of it. I made the 27 yd handicap line in registered trap with the 1100 and have probably 100,000 rds through them. I also have killed many, many geese and ducks, pheasants with them. Try to get at least a 28" barrel, with choke tubes or an extra barrel. Keep the gas system clean and watch your gas piston and gas seal for wear. The 3" models will usually not kick light loads out. If you look in the barrel of a 3" you will see 1 gas port, the 2 2/3" will have 2 ports. There is a recoil spring in the tube at the back of the action(goes inside the stock), keep that clean and change it after 20,000 rds or so. Remove your trigger assembly once in a while, clean and lube it and clean the action at the same time. Get a drawing of the assembly and learn to use it. I can strip one blindfolded and you will be able to too. They are great. Need any help let me know.