Remington 58 / 878/ 1100 / 11-87 Semi-Auto Shotguns |
FIREARMS INFORMATION
Dec 11, 2011 Model 1100 serial numbers (on the receiver) started with the number 1001. All but the early guns also have a prefix letter. All Model 1100 Remington shotguns were serial numbered in blocks of numbers. Each serial number has a suffix and the following indicates the meaning: V = 12ga. Remington 1100 For Sale Remington 1100. Clear (Remington Wikipedia Page) 19 Item(s) Found Page 1 1. High(Bid) Time(Left) 17122600. Remington 1100 USED GUN INV 235050 - 12 GA $524.00: 33 $524.00 5d 16h 37m 17121378. Remington Model 1100 Sporting with Extended Tube - 12 $900.00: 0 $900.00.
Model 58 :The model 58 was the first gas operated Remington shotgun. It was introduced in 1956, discontinued in 1963. It used basically the receiver section of the 870, a modified 870 barrel, and somewhat the marriage of the action slide/forend system of a 11-48 recoil operated gun, converted to make it gas operation. This gun was made in 12, 16 and 20ga 2 3/4' chambering plus a separate 12 ga 3' magnum version. The barrel sported a ventilated rib, with no plain barrels supplied. This model only holds 2 rounds in the magazine as the recoil spring is inside the forward end of this tube. The receiver had roll engraving on the sides.
There are also some 58’s out there with no engraving, but had S-58 stamped on the left side of the receiver. The 'S' probably stands for Sportsman, which is Remington's designation for their economy version of the regular model. These un-adorned 58’s had plain barrels, plain receivers, and the stocks may or may not have had checkering. What usually happens after the model was dropped, is Remington took all the parts that they had left over, put them together as cheaply as possible, and sold them, usually to mass merchandisers.
The gas system was not self regulating but required the shooter to adjust the regulator to match the loads used. This regulator also acts as a magazine cap has a Hi and a Low setting. This is regulated by twisting the end cap to where the marks line up for Hi or Low. This means that if you are using a 'trap load', your should use a Low setting, where a heavy duck load is used the Hi setting would be more appropriate. If you allow the cap to get stuck between settings AND fire the gun, the cap will blow off the regulator base. If this happens the gun will probably not function properly with any load, as it is trying to utilize both the Hi and the Low port holes. The internal holes are different in size and quantity of numbers for each of the gauges.
Since the complete rear section and receiver were 870 origin, therefore firing pins, extractors, extractor spring and plungers and many of the trigger group parts are the same as for the current model 870.
Operating handles are the same as the model 1100 or the newer 11-87. Much of the trigger group will be the same as the 1100.
The action bar assembly is different and only for the 58. And there were 2 different types of these depending on the date of mfg.
Buttstocks off an 870 will fit as well as the stock bolt and washer. Forearms will be a problem to find, as any of the newer models do not interchange. And used 58 forearms come at a premium price.
Barrels are obsolete, but new barrel can be made by utilizing a new 870 barrel and drilling a gas orifice hole to accommodate the gas. If no existing barrel is available, take a look at a 1100 barrel to judge the angle of the hole. Determine the size of the hole by the chart listed below. The conversion of a 870 barrel to a 58 is usually not within the scope of the average home gunsmith, as the hole has to be the EXACT location AND angle, or the barrel is ruined. And if you are looking for a 16 Ga. 870 barrel, Good Luck.
The 1100 barrel will fit, BUT NOT function properly because the gas system is different, using different gas port hole sizes.
Gas Port Hole Sizes : On gas operated guns the gas port hole size is critical for the gauge and the load of shot. Listed below are normal specifications.
The sizes listed below are for lead shot, for steel shot the hole size may have to be opened up a drill size or two. | |||
Model 58 | 12 / 20ga-30” (Magnum) | .0935” / #42 drill | 1 ea Barrel |
“ “ | 12 / 20ga-28”/30” | .1285” / #30 “ | 1 “ “ |
“ “ | 2 / 20ga-26” | .136” / #29 “ | 1 “ “ |
“ “ | 12 / 16ga Compensated | .144” / #27 “ | 1 “ “ |
“ “ | 20ga -Compensated | .1495”/ #25 “ | 1 “ “ |
Call or email Remington and give them the serial number, they will tell you when it was born, however keep in mind they do make errors. Back up what they tell you with this information; DECODING REMINGTON SERIAL NUMBERS Model 870 LETTER PREFIX 1950 TO APPROX 1968: NO SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX 1968 TO PRESENT: LETTERS USED (IN SEQUENCE).
- Depending on what gauge and condition, between 250 and 450 on up. I saw a really nice 1970-ish looking 16 gauge with serial number ending in 'W' indicating 16 gauge per Remington customer service.
- Know what your Remington firearms are worth with this up-to-date 54-page.PDF download from the 19th edition of Standard Catalog of Firearms. Completely updated pricing for Remington firearms with new entries and photos.
Model 878 :This model was a transition between the 58 and the later 1100 and only made in 12ga. It came into being in 1959 , discontinued in 1962. Anything mentioned above for the 58 butt-stock, applies to this model.
The sizes listed below are for lead shot, for steel shot the hole size may have to be opened up a drill size or two. | |||
Model 878 | 12ga- (Magnum) | .0935” / #42 drill | 1 ea Barrel |
“ “ | 12ga-30” | .110” / #35 “ | 1 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga-28” | .116” / #32 “ | 1 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga-26” | .120” / #31 “ | 1 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga- Compensated | .125” / 1/8' | 1 “ “ |
I If you have either of the above two models it would be advisable to not use them much as parts that can break are obsolete. If it has sentimental value, hang it on the wall. If you insist, what few rounds a average hunter would fire each year may not be bad, BUT do not even think about using them to shoot trap, where MANY thousands of rounds can be fired. Or find a used model 1100.
Remington 58 factory exploded views |
Model 1100 :This model apparently became available in 1963. The standard frame model was designed for 2 3/4' ammo, came with a plastic buttplate. Chambering was for 12, 16 and 20ga on the standard frame. The 28ga and 410 used a narrower frame and many times the wood was Mahogany which was lighter. There was a 20ga Light Weight which used the same receiver as the 28ga. The 3' magnum 12 and 20ga versions came with a rubber recoil pad. It could have been had with either a plain barrel or a ventilated rib.
IIt was different in the gas system in that it used 2 inverted taper gas pistons, initially used a steel ring as a seal around the magazine tube in the barrel hanger bracket. This steel ring was later replaced by a neoprene O-ring. There was a floating gas piston and bleed-off slots in the hanger bracket. The barrel had gas ports drilled so it aligned with the front of the piston which aligned with the front of the piston behind the seal. This piston pushed the action bars rearward which was attached to the breech bolt carrier, which was in turn attached to links like the previous 11-48 model used. This then was driven against a recoil spring housed inside a tube inside the buttstock again like the 11-48.
This system function pretty well as a self-compensating unit.
The stocks were walnut which incorporated pressed in checkering. There were a few Left Hand versions made.
Suffix Serial Number letters designate a gauge, & or a frame size for both the 870 / 1100 & 11-87 | |||
12 ga. 2 ¾” | V | 20 ga. LW (small frame) | K |
12 ga. 3” Magnum | M | LT-20 | K |
12 ga. 3 ½” Magnum | A | LT-20 Magnum | U |
16 ga. | W | 28 ga. | J |
20 ga. (full size frame) | X | 410 | H |
20 ga. Magnum | N | 11-87 12ga. | PC |
Gunsmithing the 1100 :The guns need to be kept clean to function properly. Trap shooters would purposely buy 3' guns, then shoot 2 3/4' trap loads in them so that the guns would not eject the fired cases on the firing line so they could recover the fired cases for reloading. Many times IF the gun was recently cleaned it may occasionally eject even the fired trap load. But let it fire a box of ammo, then it would function (or function like they wanted), not ejecting.
One thing to check if it malfunctions is to check the gas O-Ring seal. These need to be cleaned and/or replaced if much gas is flowing by. At this time be sure that the piston and the piston seal are in the correct relationship, otherwise the barrel will not seat against the receiver properly, the gun will malfunction. So when you take it apart, be very observant, replace it the same as you took it apart. The older guns had a picture decal on the inside of the forearm showing the proper sequence of assembly. If you get in a bind and can not locate one of these O-Rings, go to a local automotive store, purchase a distributor shaft O-Ring for a older Dodge slant 6 engine.
For better service in wet weather, replace the gas piston and seal with the newer 11-87 stainless steel version.
The firing pin coil spring was replaced about midstream with one that looked like 2 it was 2 springs tied together that someone forgot to cut into. This was for a reason, in that the original one long coil had a tendency to break in the middle and then one tail would bind inside the other, possibly binding the firing pin from retracting. This new spring has better support.
At the time when steel shot came into use, Remington had a few barrels burst. They did some tests and discovered that the barrels at that time were roll marked with the name, model, caliber right over the front part of the chamber. This apparently set up some stress in that area. So, they moved this roll marking farther forward thereby eliminating this potential problem. Therefore the factory recommended that no steel shot be used in the older barrels with this rear roll-marking.
Also the guns may not eject reliably with steel shot even with the newer barrels, depending on the ammo make and load. If this is the case, then a gunsmith could open up the gas port hole a drill size, check for function, do it again if needed.
On gas operated guns the gas port hole size is critical for the gauge and the shot load. Listed below are normal specifications.
Gas Port Hole Sizes :On gas operated guns the gas port hole size is critical for the gauge and the load of shot. Listed below are normal specifications.
The sizes listed below are for lead shot, for steel shot the hole size may have to be opened up a drill size or two. | ||||
Model 1100 | 12ga-34” Trap | .079”/ #47 drill | 2 ea. Barrel | |
“ “ | 12ga-30/28/26/22” | .079”/ #47 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 12ga-26” Skeet | .086”/ #44 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 12ga-26”(Compensator) | .086”/ #44 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 12ga-30”(Magnum) | .073”/ #49 “ | 1 “ “ | |
“ “ | 12ga-34” (Duck-Goose) | .073”/ #49 “ | 1 “ “ | Goose |
“ “ | 16ga-28/26” | .076”/ #48 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-28/26/22” | .076”/ #48 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-28” (Magnum) | .076”/ #48 “ | 1 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-26” (Compensator) | .086”/ #44 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-28/26” (Light weight). | .067”/ #51 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-28/26” (LT) | .067”/ #51 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-26” Skeet(LT) | .067”/ #51 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-28” Magnum (LT) | .064”/ #52 “ | 1 “ “ | |
“ “ | 20ga-28” (LW Magnum) | .064”/ #52 “ | 1 “ “ | |
“ “ | 28ga-Reg/Skeet | .067”/ #51 “ | 2 “ “ | |
“ “ | 410- Reg. | .067”/ #51 “ | 1 “ “ | |
“ “ | 410-Skeet | .060”/ #53 “ | 2 “ “ |
The model 1100 uses a “C” clip called the Intercepter latch retainer, std size #15398, with a thicker #15661 to be used if when fitting the standard retainer, the latch is to loose. This should be installed with the sharp side toward the shoulder of the stud, otherwise the clip may not stay for long as it is stamped out of sheet steel, the top side of all stampings is sharp, while the bottom side will be slightly radiused before it is pushed thru the stamping die.
The early guns used a intercepter latch that sometimes the spring's tail would pop out of position behind the latch, bind things up inside the receiver. The cure for this was to replace this latch with a newer style that had a lip that the spring was retained behind.
The intercepter latch stud in the receiver becomes battered or broken, the gun needs to be sent back to the factory for repair.
The action spring follower was originally made of steel. This could rust, bind inside the tube. Replace it with a new aluminum follower. Also the action spring could get rusty, (especially if the shooter was a duck hunter and sat in a blind with the buttstock in the water), figure on replacing these springs often for hunters who get the gun wet.
Check the barrel magazine bracket occasionally for the spring loaded detent still there and functioning. The magazine tube cap has detent grooves all the way around on the underside. These mate to the plunger, hold the forearm cap from unscrewing. If the cap comes loose, the barrel then becomes loose, then weird things begin to happen.
If you get erratic feeding, you might consider checking the magazine spring. This spring has to force the live round rearward with enough force to trip the lifter latch. Replace the spring if any doubt exists.
And last but not least, the gun has to be 'backed up'. This means the shooter has to hold the stock tight against their shoulder. The gun needs a strong resistance since when firing, the internal parts are trying to move, but if the gun is also moving the same direction because you are holding it loosely or even if you are wearing a goose down vest will soften the recoil enough that the gun may not function reliably. Visualize the gun tied to a couple of ropes from a tree, loaded and the trigger pulled. The gun will move rearward under recoil, the system will not eject because all the energy is being exerted rearward, with nothing to resist.
Again in the heyday of Remington 1100s being used fro trap shooting, many shooters would purchase 3' magnum guns, but fire low base trap loads through them so that the guns would not eject the fired cases. Ipad emulator on mac. Some would even still eject the trap loads until a few boxes of ammo was fired to dirty up the gas system.
The fire control unit, (trigger guard assembly to most of us) is pretty well designed and usually only needs to be cleaned occasionally. The one thing that will break more than most other parts here may be the lifter dog, which is a small spring loaded metal piece that is attached to the rear of the lifter that stops, holds the action open on the last shot.
Model 1187 : This model was introduced in 1987 as a improvement to the 1100 in 12ga only and toted by the factory at that time as the Premier. Most all the common parts still interchange except the extractor which was thickend. The 1100 is still made in other chamberings. Rem-Choke screw in choke system was introduced in with this model in 1987. This Rem Choke is basically an insert that is a Win Choke threaded unit but the with the choke tube longer by about 3/8'. When Remington finally did come out with a threaded choke insert, it seemed that why they drug their feet so long was because of NIH, (Not Invented Here) as everyone of the other manufacturers were using the existing Win Choke unit, but named it something different (same interchangeable unit).
The extractor was widened, apparently for improved extraction. The gas piston and seal was made in stainless steel .
The sizes listed below are for lead shot, for steel shot the hole size may have to be opened up a drill size or two. | ||||
Model 11-87 | 12ga | 30” Premier/Field | .101” / # 38 | 2 ea. Barrel |
“ “ | 12ga | 28” “ “ | .101” / # 35 | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 26” “ “ | .116” / # 32 | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 30” Special Purpose | .101” / # 38 | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 26” “ “ | .116” / # 32 | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 30” Trap | .116” / # 32 | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 28” “ | .120” / # 31 | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 26” Skeet | .125” / 1/8' | 2 “ “ |
“ “ | 12ga | 21” Spl Purpose Deer | .083” / # 25 span | 2 “ “ |
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Originated 05-17-06 Last updated 11-02-2020
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Some guns don’t age as well as others. We might look at the design choices from decades ago and wonder how they were ever considered practical. There are others who look so dated that they don’t even resemble anything you could call a weapon.
Then, there are the classics that age like a fine wine. One such weapon is the Remington 1100 shotgun. Even though it has been around for a while, we thought it would be fun to take a look at why it has withstood the test of time. Good guns come and go, but the Remington 1100 is a slice of Americana that will live forever.
- Model Name 1100
- Brand Remington
- Weight 8 lbs.
- Barrel length 18 to 30 inches
- Caliber 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 gauge
- Designer Wayne Leek
- Ammo capacity Varies
The Remington 1100 shotgun was first released in 1963, when designer Wayne Leek wanted to make a follow-up to the 58 and 878 shotguns. The 1100 is a gas-operated semi-automatic, eliminating the severe recoil that came with most of the Remington pump-action family members.
To this day, there are still 1100 models in production. There are currently over 4 million Remington 1100s in circulation, culminating in a beautifully-crafted 50th anniversary edition in 2013.
The Remington 1100 is a consistent top-seller in big stores across the United States. It’s still a go-to weapon of choice for professional skeet shooters, as well as private citizens interested in keeping their homes free from invasion.
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While the Remington 1100 has been around since the 1960s, there has been a healthy amount of competition and technological advancement since its debut. Does it still stand the test of time, and should you invest in something whose design outdates many professional shooters? Let’s take a look at the design features.
Design
The Remington 1100 looks like an older shotgun. This can be a positive or a negative depending on your personal taste in gun design. Personally, we think it looks delightfully classic. While the Remington 1100 has been outshined by other semiautomatics in practical features and additional modifications, very few shotguns have come close to simply looking as beautiful as this gun.
After owning this gun for a good amount of time, you may notice some degradation to the metal and wood finishes. This is to be expected with such a versatile weapon, as you can take the Remington 1100 with you in almost any environment. It’s a tribute to the design of the gun as to how versatile and flexible the Remington 1100 is. You can win a trophy for trap shooting, and in the same breath, hunt an elk that could keep you fed for months.
Remington 1100
The stocks on an older Remington hold up well after decades of exposure to elements and wear and tear. You’ll notice some engravings on the bolt and receiver, which we think is a lovely touch that you never see anymore in a high-class weapon.
If you like, you can replace the butt stocks that will deteriorate over time. Remington made this very simple, which helps since the buttstocks are one of the first things to go on the 1100. If you know your way around simple gun maintenance, this won’t be a problem for you.
Dependence
The Remington 1100 has stood out among its peers for a good reason. Although reliability can fluctuate depending on the amount of use you put into the Remington, you’ll find that this shotgun holds up better than a huge majority of its competitors.
The rubber o-ring that comes with a gas-operated semiautomatic will inevitably break down as you continue to use your shotgun for years. There are cases where people report their o-rings last for decades, never needing any replacement. For many others, though, the o-rings need to be maintained before anything else happens to the gun.
Without being able to modify the amount of gas that goes into the barrel with each shot, you won’t be able to change the system to accommodate different strengths of shells. If you’re not deep into customization options, this shouldn’t affect you, but be aware if you’re used to swapping parts. The Remington 1100 was released at a time when modifications weren’t as prevalent as they are today.
Remington 1100 Serial Number Decoder
If you do find that your o-rings need replacing, they are very affordable. If your usual store is out of stock for the Remington 1100, you can swap them out with a generic #21 Viton version instead.
DynoGoods Shotgun Barrel Seals for Remington 1100 or 11-87 12ga,..- Made in the USA, high quality replacement o-rings for Remington part number F15899
- Fits Remington models 1100 and 11-87 12 gauge shotguns. Also compatible with 16GA and standard 20GA **Does NOT fit 20GA..
- Corrects shell cycling malfunctions due to gas leaks from worn or damaged orings
- Chemical-resistant fluoroelastomer, 75A durometer
- Item packaged in resealable 3x4 plastic bag
Versions
The Remington 1100 comes in a couple different variations. You can find a 2 ¾” and 3” version, and you’ll begin to notice some of the differences between pump-action shotguns and semi-automatic shotguns here. The latter only handles one type of ammo on a consistent basis, preferring to stick with heavy or light ammo without changing between the two in the same session.
If you insist on finding a version of the Remington 1100 that accepts more than one kind of ammo, you can search for the Versa-Max. You might consider swapping out a barrel if you’re dead-set on different shell lengths, but we think you’re better off with one shotgun and one barrel.
Usage in Hunting
If you’re planning on taking down an animal, the Remington 1100 is a perfect fit for your venture into the woods or mountains. Using the stock feels like a natural extension of your body when you hoist up the weapon for aiming.
You’ll feel a click with the crossbolt safety, so be careful if you’re getting too close to your target. The other parts of the gun are tailored for hunting. If you want, you can use your Remington 1100 without a sling to make for a better exit strategy. This is entirely up to you and your comfort level with your surroundings.
Bear in mind that the 1100 is heavier than most modern shotguns, but this can actually work to your advantage. Because of the weight contained in the gun itself, it will stabilize better in your grip, making you a better shooter.
While you’re out in the woods, you might consider adding a rifled barrel with sights, or a cantilevered scope base. The latter isn’t always easy to find, but it will give you better accuracy and firepower throughout your trip. Sending sabot rounds through a rifle barrel is guaranteed to give you a better shot when you’re aiming to take down an elk.
If you’re looking for a used gun to use for target practice, your bank account will appreciate you choosing the Remington 1100. It’s an affordable choice if you just want something to take out and use for skeet or trap shooting.
We already talked about the low recoil thanks to the weight of the gun. This will help you quite a bit when marking your targets in the air, especially if you’re going through several boxes of ammo. Securing a semi-automatic shotgun for clay pigeon shooting will give you a nice advantage on others who are blowing a ton of money on brand new models.
Most of the time, you would expect a tube-fed shotgun to come with you into a competition if you’re choosing a semi-automatic. You can make some simple modifications to the Remington 1100 if you’re serious about winning a 3-gun tournament.
The easy loader and shell carrier already help you out when entering the competition, and afterward, you can add to what’s already included. A bigger bolt handle, extension on the magazine tube, and an enlarged safety are all things to consider if you plan on taking the Remington 1100 with you into a competition.
User-Friendliness
Loading the Remington 1100 can be a bit slower than what you’re used to with other firearms. This is due in part to the silver tab that is used to unlock the loading gate. You can snag a replacement part for this gate, speeding up your reloading process by quite a bit. If you’re concerned with being able to put more ammo into your shotgun right away, go ahead and order a replacement part.
Keeping the bolt hold open on the final shot, you have the option to toss a new shell into the side port. With this, you slam the release and you have yourself one round ready to go. Most of the time, you’ll find that you can fit 4 rounds into the chamber. There’re always extension options if you decide you need a higher capacity.
Maintenance
The mark of any great gun owner should be the regularity of cleaning your weapons. The Remington 1100 requires a little more TLC than others, thanks to the gas-operating system. You’ll find a lot more dirt and grime accumulating inside the loader due to the gas ports meeting.
Taking apart the Remington 1100 requires you to pull out the barrel and stock by unscrewing the magazine cap, then locking the bolt back in its place. This gives you access to the o-ring, cycling gas parts, and the entire gas system.
The Remington 1100 is as retro on the inside as it is on the outside. The guts of the shotgun reveal springs, pins, levers, and circlips. You might have some trouble cleaning the inside of the receiver, especially if you’ve gotten used to maintaining more modern firearms. With that said, you might find cleaning an older model of a shotgun to be therapeutic. There’s something to be said about caring for an older weapon with the same attention to detail as the original manufacturers intended.
As you can see from this review, the Remington 1100 has withstood the test of time. While you can find other semi-automatic shotguns that are lighter, cheaper, and more cost-effective, they just don’t make them like they used to.
Why are Remington 1100 models so widely available to this day? The answer is simple: this gun was made to last. Countless other models of guns have been rendered obsolete. The Remington 1100 is the gun that says to other guns, “I’ve forgotten more than you’ll ever know.”
If you have someone new to shotguns, whether they are young or old, the Remington 1100 would make for a great history lesson. Using the old-school engineering on the inside and the extreme detail on the outside, anyone interested in firing a shotgun for the first time will do well with this classic.
Check for a used model before you go new, as the same standards apply to Remington 1100s in production today as the ones you’ll find form decades ago. You simply can’t go wrong with this gun, and when they write the ultimate history of American-made shotguns, this one will stand at the top.
Thanks to the wide availability of the Remington 1100, you can find one just about anywhere you would normally go to purchase a shotgun. A trip to Cabelas will likely reward you with a huge inventory of new models. You can also find used shotguns dating back to the original version from the 1960s. Walking into a physical store will let you inspect each gun yourself, letting you see any cosmetic or functional problems before buying.
If you decide to shop online, you will likely run into some trouble finding any valid listing for a Remington 1100. Semi-automatic shotguns are not commonly sold online unless they are coming directly from a private seller. Be sure to check the profile of anyone who lists a gun for sale and see what else they have listed to be sure they aren’t running some kind of scam.
We hope you have enjoyed this look back at one of the great contributions to American firearms in the Remington 1100. Whether you buy a brand new model or stick with a used gun, you’ll understand why it has stuck around for as long as it has.
Last update on 2021-01-13 at 07:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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