Why do people prefer pump actions over semi-auto?

Pumps over autos

I prefer the pump for home defense because of what a militari firearm's instructor once told me "the racking sound speaks all languages.":eek: It tells the intruder very clearly they are about to have a serious problem on their hands and no matter what language you speak, you know that sound. Once an intruder hears the racking sound of a shotgun their brain :eek:normally begins to tell the body to find the closest exit.
 
Once an intruder hears the racking sound of a shotgun their brain normally begins to tell the body to find the closest exit.
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...or, it tells their brain where to aim and shoot.:eek:

I do realize that arthritis can stop some folks from
racking one into the tube.
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Oh please, and I guess you think semiauto pistols aren't for girls because they can't work the slide.:rolleyes:

Excuse me now, I have to go gum my zwieback toast and recharge the wheelchair so I can go to range later.:p:D
 
I personally like my 870 wingmaster above my autos probably because I have had it much longer and am most confident with it. I would like to also mention that I have noticed that many of those that have only ever had autos and nothing else seem to waste more ammo when hunting than those that started with either a single shot (like me) or a pump. I have hunted with a club composed of 40+ members for many years and those with autos seem to just unload at a deer rather than aim. Single shots and pump gun users tend to gain a one shot one kill habit. I’m not putting down users of semi-autos just those that think having one makes up for accuracy (or the lack of).
 
Some of you guys are taking this way too seriously/personally. We're not trying to convert each other, we're explaining our own positions. There IS a difference.

Funny thing about short stroking- I short stroke a LOT more with light loads than I do with full power 1 1/8 oz. loads- I never short stroke those, while 7/8 oz. will occasionally get me to do it. My theory is that it has to do with my left hand (I'm a righty) has an easier time getting a full stroke when pulling the gun down out of recoil. With a Knoxx SpecOps, I don't feel much recoil (it's as soft as a 1100, if not softer), but there is more energy to deal with.

Easy enough, I quit using light loads and started buying/using full power value pack loads.

And for the record, I've yet to find a load that won't work well in my 870- I've read some stuff about the Express not liking some kinds too, but I've seen some 1100s (mine included) that just won't work with some ammo brands.
 
Some of you guys are taking this way too seriously/personally.
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You know, I'm just making jest with some of the old geezer comments that have been made.:D Nothing serious or personal here.

For the record, I still have a pump action but I've just started to like autoloaders. Probably because I'm getting old.:p
 
and sxs o/u kick way harder than semis. good semis have such a soft kick, you can shoot them all day and not bruise at all.
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That is not necessarily true - it depends on the weight of the gun. All other factors being the same, the heavier the gun, the more it absorbs the recoil. My O/U is 8-1/2#, over a pound heavier than a typical semi.
 
This has been a really interesting discussion, and a lot more good natured than I was afraid it could have been. :D

Not trying to convert anybody here, but a couple notes. Katrina Guy mentioned gas seal degradation--my Charles Daly takes standard O-ring seals which I can get at Valu for 50 cents. It also makes the same sound as a pump action when I rack it. :) Not that I'm going to disagree with anybody who has a pump.
 
sometimes I want one shot, with a pump thats what you get
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We are talking semi-automatic autoloader... Not some highly modified 600RPM full auto street broom...:rolleyes: You can load a full tube in any autoloader and when you pull the trigger once "that's all you get"... If you want to pull the trigger once for one shot why not just use and NEF single?
Brent
 
Matter of personal preference and sometimes just economics. Figure an 870 or Mossberg can be had at a fraction the cost of a good semi, and both are proven, reliable shotguns many will stop there. For me, I just grew up around pumps, I love the feel and enjoy the simplicity.
Maybe I'm the exception, while I enjoy semi-auto pistols, I like revolvers and plan to move more into picking those up now. I also appreciate the simple, accurate bolt action and single shot rifles. Sure my SKS is fun, but when it comes down to it, I love my X-bolt over it.
 
We are talking semi-automatic autoloader.
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Actually, I think I've been ripped off. My autoloader doesn't load itself when I pick it up, I still have to buy and put the shells in myself.:(

Here I thought I was getting one like in the movies that never runs out of shots.:D
 
They watch to many movie's, the movie's are in love with the sound of a pump. For me it's the sound of my 1100 bolt slamming closed:D
 
Like I said before...I don't really think too much of what others prefer. Personally, I would not like to be confronted with either a pump or semi...

But it is a matter of fact that a quality (emphasis on quality) semi auto is faster to shoot and easier to shoot and is every bit as reliable (if not more reliable in high stress situations) as a pump.

This is coming from someone who can shoot both extremely quickly and precisely...but I am better with a semi.

But the key is QUALITY semi auto...such as a Benelli. My Benelli has NEVER jammed on me...however, I have short stroked my 870 more than once.

Those who don't wan't to admit that semis are as good as pumps (if not better) probably just can't afford them...sorry.
 
"Those who don't wan't to admit that semis are as good as pumps (if not better) probably just can't afford them...sorry."

That's just silly. Can't afford them? Get serious would you. I have enough just in my checking account to buy a new car and I'm not talking about some optioned out Camry or Accord either.

I have many more autoloaders than pumps, but the pump has always been more reliable mechanism. Okay, the Winchester SX-1 has been as reliable, but I haven't had it nearly as long as the oldest pump.

Google "Benelli click" just for grins. :)


"I have short stroked my 870 more than once."

Sure, blame it on the gun. <chuckle>

John
 
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i love my mossberg 500 for the price

but i would love a benelli m4 even more, its just that autos can get expensive
 
The Benelli Click you refer to is caused by operator error as well...the Benellis require that the bolt fall into battery without being slowed down by the operator. Most of these 'clicks' are caused by people trying to ease their bolt into battery.

I never blamed my short stroking on the 870...that is my fault...but in the heat of a real self defense moment, short stroking is a real possibility.

Never said pumps were bad...just said semi autos are better for a lot of people (myself included).

Kind of like: I never said I don't know how to use a pump...just that I don't have much use for one.
 
Those who don't wan't to admit that semis are as good as pumps (if not better) probably just can't afford them...sorry.
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Yea that makes sense, having experience and preference to one means you're just too poor to know better.

:rolleyes:
 
I sold a Remington 1100 after I had to keep cleaning the gas ports to continue it's proper operation. I used it primarily for duck hunting and was throwing a ton of shells through it on a daily basis. I bought a 870 pump. Duck hunting, pheasant, deer w/ a rifled barrel, and turkey with an extended choke tube old blood and guts has never failed me.

However, I have a buddy who threw a hastings 24" cantilever rifled barrel on a 1100 and then added a nikon scope for a pretty looking deer gun.
 
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