1st Shotgun...Semi or Pump

Lycanthrope

I agree with you that pracice is key devloping skills, not only in shooting, but in many other endeavors. But certain things require that the tools used fit the user.

The way a shotgun fits the user is very important. Look at professional trap shooters and you will find that they have shotguns fiited to them. Missing one target out of one hundred is serious to them. Now the casual bird hunter doesn't have to go through the expense of custom fitting his shotgun. However, certain shotgunners seem to shoot certain types of guns better.

I like the looks of side-by-side shotguns. I wish I could be proficient with them. I know, with practice I might get better. Like most folks these days, I do not have the time to devote to the practice I need. Thus I use a semi auto shotgun. Even with limited pracice I do okay.

Telling someone to go buy a certain type of action without research isn't doing them any favor.
 
I'm all for the tool fitting the user, but all things being equal the semis are faster and softer shooting for most people.....and many a Skeet tourney has been won by the Remington 1100. We could make the arguement that a pump could teach you to call your shots, but it could also shortstroke under stress and get you killed.

Practice.
 
Fit

People of certain stature have a difficult time with certain shotgun actions. No amount of practice can completely remedy that.

My hands are on the small side. That is why I do not like slide actions. A friend of mine has bear claw sized hands, he is uncomfortable with the slim forearm on double barrels.
 
Lizziedog1,

I get the sense that you think I'm disagreeing with you, but....I'm not.

A shotgun does has to fit the user, but for a first time gunner who:

(a) wants a game/skeet gun
(b) needs a soft shooting, HD gun
(c) needs higher capacity (HD)

With this in mind, on the average, are they best served by a pump or auto?

Most pumps and autos have similar profiles, with autos being easier to hold with people with short arms as the forearm need not be forward. Both pumps and autos come in a wide array of sizes and can be modified in terms of weight, length and size.

Practice will find your limitations and you can modify the gun to fit you, but getting a gun to train away a users problems is NOT a good idea and is certainly not the best idea for a HD gun.
 
I'd have to go with the semi. I have an early 1100, and an later 11-87. I have never had a failure in either unless I had been shooting clays all day and had put several hundred rounds through it without cleaning...a situation you will never be in in home defense. I would not hesitate for a moment to count on my 1100 in a crisis situation...just my opinion.
 
first shotgun

I'm with most that have posted in this one, but mostely with mike mcc. Go with the pump. It's more acurate than a semi and is less apt to jam. I'm a huge fan of the remington 870, and they're about the best bang for your buck. But shoot One before you go and buy one. Make sure it fits you.
 
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