The Standard weight 20ga. 1100's will have an X suffix and that applies to both the 2&3/4" guns as well as the magnums that had 3" chambers, IIRC All of the the standard weight guns were built on 12ga. frames.
I don't recall off the top of my head if the action bar weight was heavier in the 3" 20ga. guns or not, but I'm thinking it is the same in both chambering's. It is heavier in the 12ga. 3" magnums.
I would think that if your friend's gun is clean that it should function/cycle with any of the heavier 2&3/4" field loads in #8 shot for target use.
Also note that hulls w/steel heads will not have the same memory as those with brass, often creating added drag and that alone can keep some 20ga. 1100's from running smoothly.
