It more depends on what you want to shoot out of it and which one your more comfortable with. id rather have the 870 because i like pumpsbetter but an 1100 would be nice to use also. I dont kow much about the 1100's the one i have i never use it dosnt like to cycle light loads with it and shoots to the right and low for some reason. Its very old. My grandfather got it when he was younger and gave it to me when i started hunting. But id rather have the 870 and get a rifled slug barrel for it.