1st Shotgun...Semi or Pump

G

Greg Di

New member
I've searched high and low and can't find the answer I'm looking for.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a pump action shotgun over a semi-auto. I'm looking for one gun to a little of everything at this point, HD when it's at home, but yet be workable if I go shoot skeet or invited to a bird hunt. I know that it's better to have a specialized gun for each activity, but at this point I'll have to settle for one.

Also, and reccos on models would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Get ready for a land slide of information and opinions. You will most likely get the same results as the people who ask if a revolver is better than an auto.

Personally, I prefer the pump guns. Reliable as the day is long. I've shot Mossberg, Rem., Win., etc. Never had a problem ejecting an empty case.

The only auto I've shot was a Browning. After about a box (maybe two) it started jamming.
 
C'MON! IT'S A SHOTGUN! Get a pump, learn to use it well and you will have the fire rate of a semi-auto and more reliability to boot.

Plus, you'll look cooler with a pump:cool:

But seriously, every red-blooded american needs a pump shotgun.:D
 
Because it's your first shotgun, I would recommend a pump, just for the simplicity. Unless, of course, you have experience with semi-auto rifles, in which case, you will be fine with either.

As far as pump models go, just about anything from Remington, Winchester, or Mossberg is going to work great.
 
It's good to get a pump first and a semi auto next...it's easier to learn not to pump after learning to pump than it is to learn it vice versa...make sense?
 
I have a Remington 11-87 Semi and love it but I have to agree with everyone else here. If its your first shotgun, get a pump. It will be cheaper also.
 
I say pump too especially if you are going to use it for HD because that is not the time you want an auto to jam on you.
 
Gregdi

I am a casual shotgunner. I do the occasional bird hunt or round of trap. I should practice more, but like most of us, time is not always available.

Do you have a trap range or sporting clays course near you?

If you do, go visit it. Most likely you will find a bunch of friendly shooters that are willing to help you. If possible, try shooting both actions. Some shotgunners seem to do better with certain actions. I do my best shooting with a semi. I do so-so with pumps and stack barrels. Side by sides, forget it, I couldn't hit a flying target the size of a beach ball with them.

So try to get a chance to shoot both types of shotguns. Maybe you can even get a chance to shoot a break open type action. Then you might find a preference partialy based on your ability.
 
I like the pump-guns and 870's are what I own. Here at casa del-9mm we have two semi's. One is Mrs. 9mmMike's 1100 20 ga. and she shoots it often. The other is my 1100 which pretty much gets loaned to friends. When I go out to kill clays, I always take an 870. Next to the bed, an 870. If I ever actually hunted, it'd be with an 870.
Mike
 
+1 to Bart412, including the 11-87 ownership part.

(But I don't fully agree with an earlier statement that if you get really good at pumps you can equal an autoloader. If you're really good - you can approach an auto loader's rate... But if the auto loader's operator is good too. No contest - they are the next step up.)
 
Other Considerations

A couple of other factors need to be considered besides rate of fire. This is the least important factor in bird hunting. Faster shots does not make up for lack of wing shooting practice.

A person that is sensitive to recoil would be better off with a self-loader. This is espically true if heavy waterfowl loads will be shot often.

The other consideration is in regards to maintenance. All guns require cleaning and care, but a slide action is a bit more forgiving then an autoloader. Colder and wetter climates amplify this.

A person trying to decide between a pump and a semi auto has many things to consider. Both action have their advantages and disadvantages.
 
Same story... it's always nice to have a pump shotgun around, even after you've progressed into semi-autos... start with an 870 or 590 and then get yourself an SX2 or 1100. Shotguns are such a BLAST@!! :D :D
 
Quote:
(But I don't fully agree with an earlier statement that if you get really good at pumps you can equal an autoloader. If you're really good - you can approach an auto loader's rate... But if the auto loader's operator is good too. No contest - they are the next step up.)

True, but I was thinking more along the lines of accurate firing.

In a round of skeet, you may have to take 2 shots in very quick succession, and both a pump and an auto-loader can do that.

The only way the pump's fire rate is significantly less than the autoloader's is when the two guns are just putting lead out as fast as they can and not really aiming.

However, it does take more practice to achieve that fire rate with a pump, with an auto it's a piece of cake.
 
Even Faster

If you want to concentrate on rate of fire, nothing can beat a two trigger side-by-side. At least for two shots. The third shot in most bird hunting situations usually benefits the ammo maker more then the hunter.
 
Semi. It's in vogue to have pump shotty for home defense yet have an auto pistol.......

Find ammo your semi auto shotty likes and it will be as reliable as any semi auto pistol and faster.

Determination and practice develop good skills, not the weapon. If you look to the weapon to teach you, you're not being honest with yourself.
 
The third shot in most bird hunting situations usually benefits the ammo maker more then the hunter.
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth.

I vote for the pump for misc. chores, and a single shot for hunting.

I've moved from the pump to the single and I've noticed a big improvement. It points so much easier for me. As proficiancy develops a SXS or OU is usually the choice of upland hunters.
 
Semi. It's in vogue to have pump shotty for home defense yet have an auto pistol.......
Click to expand...

Some of us use pump shotguns and revolvers for home defense...frankly, I'm not real interested in shooting rounds as fast as I can in my home. ;)
 
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