Remington model 31 .16ga

The Remington Model 31 is a pump-action shotgun renowned for its smooth operation and side-ejecting design, introduced by Remington Arms as a direct competitor to the Winchester Model 12 in the American sporting market.

Development and Introduction

Development began in January 1930 under the lead of designer C.C. Loomis, with assistance from Charles H. Barnes and Oliver H. Loomis. It built on earlier Remington models like the bottom-ejecting Model 17 (designed by John Pedersen) and Model 10, but introduced innovative side ejection for better reliability and user-friendliness. The Model 31 debuted in August 1931 in 12-gauge, priced at $48.95—Remington's first side-ejecting repeating shotgun. Versions in 16- and 20-gauge followed in 1933.

Production and Variants

Production ran from 1931 to 1949, with approximately 196,000 units made. Variants included standard grades (e.g., 31A, 31AP), lightweight models with aluminum receivers (e.g., 31L series), skeet and target grades (e.g., 31D, 31E), and specialized versions like the 31P Police Grade, 31R Riot Grade, and 31H Hunter’s Special. Post-1941 models featured an elongated trigger guard. A lightweight 31L model was introduced in the 1930s, and no trench gun variant was produced beyond a prototype.

Use and Legacy

The Model 31 saw civilian sporting use for hunting and skeet, as well as limited law enforcement adoption—the FBI acquired one per office in 1935 following the Kansas City Massacre. During World War II, Remington produced riot gun variants for military use. Despite praise for its glass-smooth action and durability, sales suffered due to the Great Depression and higher costs compared to Winchester's price cuts (e.g., Model 12 at $39.50). This led Remington to develop the cheaper, more mass-producible Model 870 in 1950 as its successor, which became one of the best-selling shotguns ever. The Model 31's design influenced later shotguns like the Mossberg 500 series. Today, it's a collector's favorite for its craftsmanship and handling.

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