best pump

When i have to pick a go to pump gun I always choose the benelli nova. I have never had a malfunction of any kind ,and i like the way this particular gun feels. It is just heavy enough to keep recoil down and I like the way it is fairly thick so theres more to hold on to.

Not to far behind would be the classic, Remington 870. My family seems to be more partial to these,since I have inherited 4 of them.
 
The pump-action might be the most popular repeating single-barrel shotgun ever developed. Pump guns keep working when other guns fail because they have a less-complicated design that depends on the hunter to power the action rather than a complex set of ports and pistons. The pump shotgun embodies the values of blue-collar America: It's dependable, hardworking and unpretentious.

The top five pumps? That's like
naming the top five supermodels. I never saw one I didn't like, but based on my personal experience, here are my picks.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/gear/2007/09/top-5-pumps
 
Best pump shotgun?

;) My vote would be for my older version Wingmaster .12 GA Remington 870. Awesome and very smooth operating .12 GA shotgun. Never jams or fails to function with any type shells (8's to 000 buckshot). Sure, there are more expensive shotguns out there but this one is perfect for me.
 
I have experience with most US made pumpguns, going back to the 50s.

Here's my personal choices, in the order I like them with comments....

Remington 870s. Total lifetime round count nears 6 figures. Durable as a crowbar and a good pointer.

Winchester's old Model 12. Great gun, just hard to market against the 870's 600 lb gorilla.

Ithaca's great Model 37. A classic, and as smooth to pump as the 12. Very durable, as are the other top three.

Mossberg's 500 series, the VW Beetle of pumpguns.Will not last as long as the top three, but longer than any of us under anything but very heavy use. I'd still expect over 50K rounds from a 500. Maybe 75K.

Winchester's 1200/1300 series. Nice to pump, but not as long lasting due to some small parts needing replacement frequently. Very good pointers. Also sensitive to dirt and neglect. That's based on agency weapons. Personal 1300s with some PM seem to be quite reliable.

The Nova family. Decent guns, but the bad triggers and rattle of the Nova I find off putting. Haven't tried a Super yet.

Can't comment on the imports or the BPS from personal knowledge.

HTH.....
 
It's interesting to see the BPS love in this thread. It doesn't usually seem to be as popular in these sorts of threads.

I did fire a friend's BPS. I liked it quite a bit. It was one with the Dura-Touch camo coating on it. It feels very interesting, almost like rubber. The camo pattern was kind of low resolution if you looked close, though. It was also very smooth cycling, at least as smooth as my Ithaca, maybe smoother. There weren't any problems.

I didn't like the tang safety, though. There's nothing wrong with a tang safety, lots of people absolutely love them, and they are good for lefties, it's just that I am used to a crossbolt safety.
 
My "rattle trap" Mossbergs have outperformed my 870's so far for the most part. I like my 590a1 more than my 870p (better ergonomics/disassembly), I like my big-5 cheapie 500a WORLDS better than the THREE different 870 express tacticals I had (like it or not every Express I had jammed multiple times right out of the box, 3 straight guns isn't a coincidence), the only Remington I've had that's stood up to my Mossbergs in my opinion is a Wingmaster, and even it had more problems than my Mossbergs. and I prefer both over the 1300 (1300 is a great gun too, just don't like the rotary bolt design with all the small parts, a lot more finnicky of a design). I could see the 870 having a longer overall life, but I definitely prefer Mossberg overall.


Usually, I don't even clean my 500a. I take it out, put about 200 rds through it a week, beat it to hell and it just gets smoother. Pretty soon I'm going to strip, clean and lube and it'll be smoothe as h%&&. They "rattle" because they're made with a little give to work in nasty environments. I used to bash Mossbergs like most of the other naysayers because of it's perceived "cheapness". That cheapness is more about value, even the cheapest Mossberg is one tough gun and will last forever if cared for.
 
They "rattle" because they're made with a little give to work in nasty environments. I used to bash Mossbergs like most of the other naysayers because of it's perceived "cheapness". That cheapness is more about value, even the cheapest Mossberg is one tough gun and will last forever if cared for.
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Agreed. Fortunately, Ive never considered myself amongst the "naysayers" as Ive always been a Mossberg fan...particularly in regards to the 590/590A1 models. Simple design, ergonomic feature-set, certainly tough enough, easy to acquire (and to acquire parts for), easy to disassemble, reliable....whats not to like? The only downside I can see is that I wished they featured a steel receiver vs. the aluminum. But, this is minor.

Another "underdog," of sorts, is the Benelli pump. I certainly wish peeps would quit dismissing the Benelli due to its "rattle." There are far too many positives with the Benelli SuperNova to discount it based on such things (heck, the Nova as well). I mean, besides the butter smooth action, the durability of a tank, the attention to almost every detail (besides a bit of rattle), you also get the hard chromed bore. To me, this is a "high-end" feature that you just dont find on any sub-$500 shotgun that I can think of. Plus, their GR sights are top notch...if you are a fan of such things. My main complaint(s) about the SuperNova (mine being the Tactical model) is that bead sights are not an option, mag capacity is ridiculously truncated and parts are too darn expensive or hard to acquire. But, all in all, I believe the Benelli (SuperNova) can hang with anything out there when comparing durability, reliability, quality and initial cost.

Mossbergs and Benellis....
 
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NEO, I didn't DISMISS the Nova due to rattle, I merely stated I did not like the rattle nor the heavy, gritty trigger. Chances are you do not either.

Any other pumpgun with those probs will get the same from me.

IMO, Benellis, for the most part, are great shotguns albeit pricey for what you get.

As for Mossbergs, while not my first pic, I've stated repeatedly and publicly they're a lot of gun for the money.
 
NEO, I didn't DISMISS the Nova due to rattle, I merely stated I did not like the rattle nor the heavy, gritty trigger. Chances are you do not either.

Any other pumpgun with those probs will get the same from me.

IMO, Benellis, for the most part, are great shotguns albeit pricey for what you get.

As for Mossbergs, while not my first pic, I've stated repeatedly and publicly they're a lot of gun for the money.
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It was not my intention to "single out" your response. Actually, my response was aimed at a much broader audience; essentially any negative opinions (both here and there) regarding the Benelli pumps.

I agree that the trigger, for instance, is not as solid as that of my Mossberg 590A1 (for example); however, Ive never considered "trigger pull" much of an issue for scatterguns (particularly those used for HD) as I might for a handgun.

When it comes to the shotgun, I pull the trigger and the SG goes "BOOM." Thats enough for me when it comes to HD and shotguns.

In terms of price and the Benelli. Well, Ive yet to see a pump shotgun (below the $500 mark) that offers what the Benelli does. Heck, the hard chromed bore alone sets Benelli from the rest, within this price bracket IMHO. Factor in quality parts, smooth as butter action and rock solid reliability and toughness, what can actually compare based on initial cost? As much as I love the Mossberg A1, even it cannot compare when going dollar for dollar...nor can the 870P (from what Ive seen).
 
I've only ever shot three variations on the pump action. I'm crazy about the Winchester 1300 platform! I just brought home a Defender for my wife this week, in fact. My brother's old Wingmaster is a very nice gun too. Also, I had the opportunity to shoot one of Wilson's Scatterguns. It was nice, but not worth the money, IMHO.
 
Too bad you're not closer, NEO. A couple shots from Frankenstein with its sub 4 lb, clean trigger will have you changing your mind about shotgun triggers.

Check out the top shooters in any shotgun sport from 3 gun to FITASC. Regardless of discipline, their shotguns will have light and clean triggers.

Exception, release triggers. But I'm not going there.

Fit and technique are more crucial to good shooting then a good trigger, but it does matter.
 
Too bad you're not closer, NEO. A couple shots from Frankenstein with its sub 4 lb, clean trigger will have you changing your mind about shotgun triggers.

Check out the top shooters in any shotgun sport from 3 gun to FITASC. Regardless of discipline, their shotguns will have light and clean triggers.
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I wish I were closer as well.

Now, I can appreciate a "smooth" trigger pull (my 590A1 does indeed seem smoother than my Benelli SNT), but 4 lbs. for a trigger? That seems a bit light for HD use. Coming from the handgun world, "competition" style trigger setups are certainly great for winning trophies and such, but they could prove a bit of a liability when it comes to HD use, IMHO. Im only assuming shotguns are the same.

Still, a 4 lb. pull would be nice. But, for me, not necessary.
 
Pump shotguns are as American as apple pie. I like lots of different makes/models, and I'm still learning after almost 40 years of experience with them.

We've got Remington 870s, Mossberg 500s, Winchester 1200/1300s, and a couple of old Ithaca 37s here, so I guess it's safe to say I have some experience with the Big 4. Of the bunch, I like 870s best, because I have more trigger time and training with them.

I carried a department issue Model 12 Riot for a while riding reserve with a small town PD in the 1970s. I liked it a lot, and if I ever find a decent deal on one, I'll adopt it to go along with all the other Cinderella pumpguns here, just for old time's sake.

Yeah, there's a stray BPS Upland in the safe too. It's OK, but I like other designs better. Not saying there is anything wrong with the gun or the design, just a matter of personal preference.

The older I get, the more I find soft spots for older and more overlooked designs in these modern days. I REALLY like High Standard pumpguns, for example. They are slicker than greased owl snot, the slickest pump actions I have ever seen. There's an old High Standard K-102 Riot propped in the corner at my knee, with a Claymore bag load of buckshot and slugs hanging by the strap over the muzzle. My dealer told me the old warhorse was surplused out of a neighboring county's Sheriff's Office, as usual it was filthy and battered outside but mechanically sound. I cleaned it up thoroughly, dressed the worst of its injuries, replaced the magazine spring on GP and have been shooting it regularly since. It'll do to go to war with.

And I really love the old Stevens 520s and 620s. A John Browning design from the turn of the previous century (patent applied for in 1903 and granted in 1905, first produced by Stevens in 1904), these old cornshuckers are seldom noticed and even less often sought after in this enlightened era. But they have served this nation well in combat as both trench and riot guns, and bring four figure price tags when they turn up in full military garb. They offer the best takedown system I have ever seen on a widely available shotgun, copied in part from that used on the older Burgess pumpguns. And I don't mean just a dismountable barrel- the magazine tube comes off as a unit with the barrel. The gun makes a very manageable package when taken down, especially with a riot length barrel.

In my retrograde 'progress' I now find myself now looking for a serviceable Winchester Model 97 to learn on. Yep- I've got the pumpgun bug really bad...

lpl
 
Neo, the 4 lb trigger is quite controllable.

It matches the one on my GM, a trifle lighter than the ones on my Model 94 and the 10-22, and close enough to the SA function on a number of mixed revolvers here.

Catch my drift?....

And once again, Lee said it for me.

Pumps are both fun and functional, reliable tools. Practically every one he mentions in that last post is a favorite here also.
 
My 12ga 870 Wingmaster has been my favorite and the best one for me. I have put thousands of rounds through it with out one fault. I use it for hunting deer, turkey, duck, quail, and dove. Have busted my fair amount of skeet with it also. I even have a rifled slug choke and a removal scope mount with red dot sight for it also.

I also have a 12ga Maverick 88 that has been a fairly decent gun. It was my first pump that I graduated to from the old 16ga single shot. I used it for a few years before getting the Wingmaster. I did have to replace the firing pin assembly once which is when the gun smith told me that I should trade it first chance I got. I decided to keep and still have it today. I believe the maverick will not hold up like other higher end pumps but probably still worth the cheaper price you pay for them.

I also have two Mossberg 500 (one 12ga, one 20ga) that have done me well with the exception of a problem with the 20ga wanting to release more than one shell when chambering which a trip to the smith fixed for good.
 
Neo, the 4 lb trigger is quite controllable.
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Im sure it is...for a shotgun. However, a weapon being "controllable" is not always enough. For a handgun (for HD use anyway), I remain dubious as "light" triggers are, IMHO, more prone to unintentional fire...hence, possibly leading to disastrous legal consequences when it comes to HD or the like. Either way, I "catch your drift." However, Ive never felt the need for a 4 lb trigger (SG or pistol) in order to effectively defend my home or myself, family, etc. Sure, it may "feel" more sexy, but its not necessary when the weapon is controllable, accurate and reliable as is. Essentially, heavy triggers dont bother me much; its the sloppy triggers that I tend to have an issue with. None of my weapons seem to have this issue (Mossberg, Benelli, Sig, Springfield Armory, etc)...as far as I can tell anyway.

Of the bunch, I like 870s best, because I have more trigger time and training with them.
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This says alot...whether an 870, a 500/590, Browning, Benelli, whatever, it seems that "trigger time" leads to familiarity, which leads to comfortability/confidence, which leads to...you get the idea.

Whether slick triggers are your thing or custom finishes or various features and whatnot, pump shotguns are reliable, useful and fun. Basically, it all comes down to personal taste.

My personal tastes revolve around accessibility/functionality (reliability goes without saying). This is what sets the Mossberg apart from the 870, IMHO. Now, whether the parts will last as long, I dont know. But, thats what replacement parts are for...so Im not concerned.

The 870 may be slick, but the Mossberg (in my case, the 590A1) is just as reliable (once that pesky mag tube spring issue has been dealt with), smooth and well built as any 870 Ive ever handled/shot. Even if it were not, its what Im familiar with, its what I shoot all of the time and its what I trust. But, then again, Im speaking strictly from an HD use perspective...not that of a hunter, sportsman or whatever. In terms of that other stuff, I cant say.

Hence, my "focus" and needs are somewhat limited, but its this "limit" that Im concerned with exclusively. All else is just icing to me. ;)

Regardless, Im of the opinion that this thread should be titled "Best pump shotgun for YOU." This is more appropriate.
 
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