I bought a 12ga 1100 at a dept store chain back in 1973 or 1974. It was a plain non vented barrel choked Modified for 159.00. I have used it but not in recent years. It has never failed to fire. It even has the original "O" ring seal. This shotgun looks like it's brand new. Remington came out with great shotguns with these 1100's and their world famous 870's.

As for age. Age has nothing to do with it as long as it was maintained.