| Remington Model 31 | |
| Origin: | United States |
| Type: | Shotgun |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Wars: | World War II |
| Designer: | C.C. Loomis John Pedersen |
| Design Date: | 1931 |
| Manufacturer: | Remington Arms |
| Production Date: | 1931–1949 |
| Number: | 196,000 |
| Variants: | Model 31L |
| Cartridge: | 12-Gauge, 16-Gauge, 20-Gauge |
| Barrels: | Plain, solid rib, or vent rib |
| Action: | Pump-action |
| Feed: | Tubular magazine |
| Sights: | Bead |
The Remington Model 31 is a pump-action shotgun that competed with the Winchester Model 1912 for the American sporting arms market.[1] Produced from 1931 to 1949, it superseded the John Pedersen-designed Models 10 and 29, and the John Browning-designed Model 17. It was replaced by the less expensive to manufacture Model 870 in 1950.[2]
While the Remington Model 17 enjoyed some success, a solid, 12-gauge featuring side-ejection was needed to compete with Winchester. C.C. Loomis sized up the Model 17 and adapted it for side ejection. The Model 31 was Remington's first side ejecting pump-action shotgun. Stocks were walnut with checkered walnut forend and later changed to a ribbed forend. The Model 31 was made in three gauges with 121,000 12-gauge models made and 75,000 16- and 20-gauge examples also produced. The Federal Bureau of Investigation acquired one Model 31 per office in 1935 in response to the Kansas City Massacre.[3] The model 31L was a lightweight version featuring an aluminum receiver and trigger housing.
During World War II Remington produced a Model 31 riot gun for military use. These were stamped "U.S. Property" on the left side of the receiver and had an approximate serial number range of 51000–63000. Except for a single prototype, no Model 31 trench guns were produced.[4]
Despite being well received, sales still lagged far behind the Winchester. Remington went back to the drawing board and designed the Model 870; this shotgun matched the durability of the Model 12 at a significantly lower cost. Despite the overwhelming success of the 870, many shotgun connoisseurs consider the Model 31 to be the ne plus ultra of pump shotguns with its "ball-bearing" slide action.[5]
The Model 31 was later used as a basis for the Mossberg 500 and related shotguns. The Mossberg is simplified and cheaper to produce. Notable differences are the use of a two-piece bolt with separate locking piece as well as a significantly simplified barrel mounting system. Further, the bolt locks into a barrel extension rather than directly to the receiver.