Here's my Rem 31 12ga mod made in 1936.

James, Nice mate to my 1936 Model 31A "Standard" Grade, 28-inch Full with an extra 26-inch cylinder --

Attachment 116951

Attachment 116952

The next year things changed. Remington introduced the Model 31AP "Standard" Grade with a plain stock and a ringed slide handle --

Attachment 116953

and the checkered guns became the Model 31AC "Standard" Grade --

Attachment 116954

By 1939 the gun with the plain stock and ringed slide handle was the Model 31A "Standard" Grade

Great thread, gentlemen! I picked up a Rem. M31L in 16 gauge not too long ago at a gun show in very good condition. I suspect it was used as a pheasant gun primarily here in IL back in the 50's and 60's esp. when we had a good population of them?

I had a new solid black pad put on and the stock refinished @ that time, also. The ringed forearm was in good shape yet. It has no rib and is choked FULL in 28". VERY smooth action...! IF I use GOOD ammunition, it works perfectly for me.

A great shotgun, in my opinion. Thank you for the ads, Researcher..!!

So far, the only Model 31 ammo problem I've had was my 20-gauge doesn't like RIO shells.

My first shotgun was a Model 31 20 ga. It had the beavertail forend, plain barrel and Polychoke. In recent years, I had been looking for another, but wanted a solid rib. I finally located one, a 20 ga Skeet model with a solid rib. Made in 1937. It needed a little wood work (split in wrist) and has honest wear. I have been shooting skeet with it and love it.