The Remington Model 1100 autoloader is the gun that we all fell in love with four decades ago, a good looking gun that ruled the skeet fields, demonstrated the recoil reduction potential of gas operation, and came at a time when 1-1/8 oz. was "the" 12 gauge load. It became the most popular autoloader of the 20th Century.

But times have changed, and Remington realized that the 1100 couldn't compete forever. The Model 105Cti is their attempt to build a 21st Century autoloader. The long-awaited 105CTi (Model 2005, carbon titanium) finally started shipping late last year.

The 105Cti's primary features are its skeletonized titanium receiver with a carbon fiber cover, rotating bolt lock-up, bottom feed and ejection, an oil-filled shock absorber strut inside the butt stock to reduce recoil, roller rear that provides a crisp 3.5-4 lb. trigger pull, TriNyte coating that forms a barrier to corrosion and scratching, convex R3 recoil pad, and carbon fiber rib. The idea behind the exotic receiver and vent rib is to save weight, which is down to a claimed 7 lbs., while still being extremely soft shooting. The MSRP is $1511.

Hefting, swinging, and shooting the 105CTi left some distinct impressions. Yes, the 105 CTi is an extremely soft shooter, perhaps a tad softer than a factory Browning or Beretta. The oil-filled shock absorber rod in the butt stock is designated the "Rate Controller."

I found the "tournament" trigger on the 105CTi to be better than other Remington triggers. It is a far better than average factory shotgun trigger, particularly by today's standards.

The new Remington gas system is not a compensating system. Remington representatives cautioned me that 1200 fps 1-1/8 oz. loads were the minimum required for reliable function. Remington advised that this was considered a "field" model (traditional field loads bottoming at 1-1/8 oz.), and that "clays" models (likely with 2-3/4 in. chambers) were in the works.

The Remington loads from the bottom with a "Turbofeed" speed-loading feature. The shell goes forward into the magazine tube first, the only way it can be loaded, as there is no conventional open breech. Shove the shell all the way in and it goes into the magazine, like any other repeater. Push it in part way, though, and the magazine tube spring shoots the shell back in the base of the receiver, where it is carried upstairs by the double fingers of the carrier and chambered. The Turbofeed feature takes some getting used to, but it does work.

The unusual looks of the receiver leave little room for middle of the road feelings. Some might feel it spacey, cool and nouveau, but I find it hard to look at. The carbon fiber hood is visually very intrusive. It is remarkably homely to my eyes. An all titanium receiver would be stronger and far more attractive.

The Remington 105CTi is pricey. The shooter who likes the carbon fiber look and whom it fits will probably feel it is money well spent. The more traditional shotgunner who wants to shoot very light as well as heavy loads, and who feels the need for an adjustable stock will probably look elsewhere.