Okay, after agonizing over a lot of shotguns I've narrowed my choices for a new shotgun down to either the Browning Silver Hunter or the Remington 1100. I'm pretty new to shotguns, but plan to use it for some informal shooting at clay birds (for fun), maybe try some sporting clays or trap just for fun, and maybe shoot a few real birds like doves, quail, etc.

Okay folks...opinions or advice please on these two shotguns and which one is best. Thanks for all your time. ;)

My opinion; Find a shop or range where you can handle each one. One will feel better to you than the other. Shotguns are about "fit". Both shotguns that you mention are quality built firearms and will provide you many years of trouble free shooting with a little care.

I like the Browning only because the Remington slaps my cheek bone. That's not a gun problem. It's a fit problem.

You don't mention gauge, etc., but I'm a bit traditional in that I'd choose a 12 ga with a 28" VR barrel as an all around shotgun.

Agree with fullchoke, fit is super important along with realiability. I have shot the Browning Gold some at sporting clay shoots, nice but several malfunctions with new shells, that said it shot great. 1100 has much more aftermarket stuff you can spend your sheckles on. Trap stocks, sporting stocks, extra barrels, Timney triggers, release triggers etc. you name it you can buy it. Like fullchoke said go to a range and try em out.

I have five 1100s, but I have to agree, get whichever one fits you best. Both guns you are looking at are good ones, and either one should make you happy. Also agree on the 12 gauge 28" vent rib barrel as an excellent all around selection.

I pretty much agree with the others. I have never found an off-the-shelf gun that really fit me but Brwng A-5s were the hardest to shoot. I have a Brwng 2000 that I modified and I can shoot it well. With a little modification to the stock, Remington 870, 1100 and 11-87s work fine. Except for the A-5s, Brownings shotguns havn't held up like Remington models, they come and go. They seem to have bugs and a lack of respect from the public at large.

I have always believed that a 12 ga with 3" capability is the answer for a one shotgun rack.

Good luck and good shooting.

After much deliberation with my gun dealer I decided to go with the Silver Hunter. My dad always had Browning shotguns and loved them, and the active valve gas system helped sell me also. I think it may be superior to Remingtons older system. I'd wanted a 20 gauge, but my buddies kept telling me to "man up" and get the 12 since it won't recoil that bad. Took the plunge and ordered a 28" 12 gauge. Should have it in a couple of days. :)