Pump vs. Auto

A pump is a tool, an auto is a toy.

Tools are designed to work and last.

Toys usualy break and get thrown out.

Also pumps shoot every load without problems, autos may have problems with different loads (EG target loads vs turkey loads)


There are reliable autos, the Cosmi, built by a large Italian manufacturing company, will last forever. They start at about $8 grand. Leonid Brezhnev used one.

The Beretta 390/391 series has a reputation for toughness and durability. They are popular in Sporting Clays.

The Browning gold is gaining a good rep, after years of teething problems.

The old 1100 is still popular, but you had better learn how to replace o rings if you shoot a lot.





Just my observations mind you, your opinions may vary :)
 
Weight: My Mossberg is lighter after a full day in the field than any semi-auto I have ever lugged, particularly those capable of firing waterfowl loads.
Price: For an investement of $350, I have a basic synthetic stocked 28" bbled accuchoked Mossberg,plus a 24" rifled barrel for slugs, and an 18.5" riot barrel for home defense. It will do everything I need it to. I couldn't put together a similar semi-auto rig for that price.
Function: It always works. My dad's 11-87 is a good gun when well adjusted, however it can't handle a mixed diet of everything from 7/8oz light loads to 2oz 3" magnums with the reliability that my Mossberg can.

Shotgun recoil, other than turkey loads and slugs, doesn't really bother me.
It's a slow shove rather than the more painful snappy kick of a rifle.
 
"The old 1100 is still popular, but you had better learn how to replace o rings if you shoot a lot. "
Learn...you make it sound like Algebra. Have you every tried to replace an o-ring on an 1100? It's about as difficult as dropping a shell in a chamber. I replaced mine at around 4000 rounds, and at that point, still didn't have any problems, just did it because I bought a bunch when I got the gun. I've never had to adjust anything to get it to run.

I still am convinced that a decent auto will be faster and as durable and reliable as a 870, 590, etc. Mine will shoot 1oz., light tac buck and slugs in the same mag with heavy field and full power slugs. Like any gun, it has it's preferences, and with so many ammo choices out there, it a non-issue. I stay away from the winchester promo loads. Everything else is fine.

Tool vs. toy? Let me know when the next time you throw your "toy" away, so I can go get it. To me, an expensive K80 is a very expensive toy.

Sure they cost more, but for me, the extra performance is worth it.
 
The only semi auto shotgun I ever owned I won on a $2 chit at the local range. Never shot it and gave it to my Cuz who had shoulder surgery :)

Now I respect the venerable 1100 a great deal, it has won more Trap and Skeet trophies than any other make and is still popular. And guys who shot them always had a spare gun or two because any machine can break. And to think Remington tried to discontinue it!

For some folks replacing an o ring is rocket science, ask any gunsmith.

For a hardcore clays shooter, 40K rounds is just a couple of months worth of shooting.(OK maybe three or four months)

And I won't bite on that comment about the K80, just as I won't comment on people who own Ferraris, yachts, or go on african safaris. We all have our vices. :p

Besides, it is a good feeling stepping into the butt on a sporting clays course knowing the gun is going to work every time.
 
K80Geoff,
I used to compete with Real Shotguns - more than one bbl dealies. :)

The Rem 3200 was known for having the "fastest lock time".
Perazzis,3200's all on the line with the same goal in mind.

I shot a NIB Krieghoff a friend brough out and the sear broke! Heard of only one other time this happend only after may K's of rounds tho.

For the regular person, trying to buy a first shotgun to learn basics , that does not cost more than say a weeks / two weeks paycheck is what I try to recommend.

Of Course though he now passed away had a fella with a $50K custom live pigeon gun. Some events not held in our lower 48. Hey it was nice, real nice...but that fella could shoot a Model 12, 37, 870, heck...seen him use a H&R Topper bought for $20 and hit...

Speaking of chits...that old model 12 of his sure kept folks scratching and fetching...he like to saunder up in old work clothes and join in with new folks ...especially out of towners...I'd get the cigar box ready...grinning.
 
Ah the 3200, with that great safety/ barrel selector set up. Remington had their head up their poserior when they discontinued that gun.


It is an old saw at T & S clubs, never shoot against the old geezer with the worn out model 12 if money is involved.


PS Shhh..... :cool: live pigeon shoots still go on, you would be surprised how many and some of the places they are held. Big money in that game.
 
K80Geoff

I've paid attention to your posts. I have learned from you Sir- Thank You for doing so.

I agree 110% with your last post.
"Mum's the word"...that fella ,tho' been awhile... nah not me...word is there is resemblance tho'. ;)
 
I might as well chime in. I have several of each type of shotgun, pumps, semi's and O/U's. When I want to play I will get a pump gun out because they are fun and I can shoot them well, but I'm not going to run several hundred shells through one in a day for comfort reasons.

I really like to shoot autos but I hate to chase hulls around on the ground, but they are my favorite gun for comfort and I am as good with them as with O/U's.

When I get serious I grab my Beretta 682 SupersportO/U, Kolar tubes and carrier barrel, and is used almost exclusively for small gauge shooting, or when the money is on the line I will put the 12ga barrels on, but it is not a forgiving to shoot as an auto.

Fun= pump
Comfort= auto
Serious=O/U
Home defense= pump, or what may be at hand when the time comes.
 
I still am convinced that a decent auto will be faster and as durable and reliable as a 870, 590, etc.
Click to expand...

I'm not and I've owned both. The 1100 series has some vulnerabilities. The o-ring has been mentioned. The link is a vulnerability because when they break, the gun is rendered hors de combat. I've seen some broken extractors as well.

There isn't a specific design flaw in semi autos that makes them more vulnerable to malfunctions. The problem is the wide range of ammunition power and the need to keep them clean. As mechanical devices, the pump is more reliable and flexible however it is vulnerable to operator error.

There is room in my safe for both. As for real guns (those with two barrels and no magazines) I have some of those too. :D

Paul
 
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