HD:Short shucking pump or FTF/FTE semi-auto?

C

checkmyswag

New member
Which one of these is more likely to occur give all other similar circumstances (load, training, brand, shooter)?

Looking for an HD shotgun, was looking at Remington 870P until I saw the Mossberg 930 SPX and it got me thinking about autos.
 
I think that in an hd situation you would probably be overly forceful when racking the shotgun, so i don't thing thats likely. Of course, I've never been in that situation so i don't actually know.
 
Pumps are more reliable in theory, but in reality the auto will be more reliable. The pumps have 2 advantages. They are cheaper, and will cycle some very light loads that a semi won't. Buy a good auto, feed it decent ammo and it will be more reliable then the pump.

It's not that the pumps are unreliable, just that the people shooting them will mess up far more often then the auto's will malfunction in stressful situations.
 
It's not that the pumps are unreliable, just that the people shooting them will mess up far more often then the auto's will malfunction in stressful situations.
Click to expand...

But who is to say, that it won't be the operator causing the auto to malfunction?

You can't blame the pump for being susceptible to idiot operators, if you aren't going to acknowledge the same issue for autos. Improper grip, obstructing the bolt, blocking ejection... just a few things that can instantly turn the auto into a paperweight.
 
Pump will be more likely, only because it requires more interface with the human operator - a semi is pull the trigger - with factory ammo, it should not have a FTF or FTE, whereas the human, under stress, would be more likely to short stroke the pump causing issues

YMMV
 
You can't blame the pump for being susceptible to idiot operators, if you aren't going to acknowledge the same issue for autos. Improper grip, obstructing the bolt, blocking ejection... just a few things that can instantly turn the auto into a paperweight.
Click to expand...

Big difference between what CAN happen and what actually DOES happen. The auto WILL be more reliable.
 
This is really a tough question, a lot of other debates for ME are easier to settle.

I like the idea of pump-action for me as I consider myself somewhat experienced and knowing that if I do my part, the gun will do it's part.

I like the idea of auto for others in my house who may need to use the gun as it requires less operation. BUT, if it is not correctly positioned against the shoulder, then it may malfunction.

Think the best of both worlds may be a pump action with a recoil reducing stock and some training for those who may need to use it.
 
Last edited:
BUT, if it is not correctly positioned against the shoulder, then it may malfunction.

Think the best of both worlds may be a pump action with a recoil reducing choke and some training for those who may need to use it.
Click to expand...

HUH?

If the semi is not all the way into the shoulder, it will still shoot.

And what is a recoil-reducing choke?
 
Ugh, recoil reducing stock, not choke. My fault.

Regarding auto cycling...if not held properly...does it not potential fail to cycle like a limp wristed pistol?
 
jmr40 is absolutely correct. The auto WILL be more reliable for more people. Training can help a lot, but most people can't train for the fear factor involved in a situation where a firearm is used to defend their life. This is where short shucking can occur and is why the auto will be more reliable for more people. (I am, of course, talking about a high quality auto with high quality ammunition.)
 
Something I factor in is the ability to use the weapon one handed. Its a lot easier to operate an auto one handed then a pump
 
some inertia operated autos will need to be shouldered but most are probably going to be gas operated.
wouldnt think the pump would fail if the user was familiar with it and shot it alot also think pumps are probably eaisier to load.
 
Regarding auto cycling...if not held properly...does it not potential fail to cycle like a limp wristed pistol?
Click to expand...

The only way to not hold it properly would be to hold it so loosely, firing it knocks it out of your hand - and it would still fire. SA shotguns do not operate like SA pistols where limp wristing can be an issue - at least not any of those I have owned, shot, or seen being shot
 
Also are you talking about what is more reliable in the field or in the shelter of a house? I may be wrong, but think a pump would be ore reliable in wet, dirty, perhaps freezing conditions.
 
Dont forget the intimidation factor...racking the slide before that bad guy walks up the stairs will most likely send him out the door quickly. You wont have to worry which platform is more reliable.
 
Dont forget the intimidation factor...racking the slide before that bad guy walks up the stairs will most likely send him out the door quickly
Click to expand...

Only in Hollywood; besides, then it gives your position away - in either case, not something to rely on
 
I’ve had more malfunctions with a pump than I’ve had with my auto. That’s only because of the guy behind the gun. I’m just more comfortable with my auto, have more confidence with my auto and more importantly I’ve had 0 malfunctions with my auto.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top