Why do people prefer pump actions over semi-auto?

wow...don't take it personal...I just think that semi autos are better for HD...for the same reason that our military uses automatic rifles instead of bolt action rifles.

I think if more people could afford a quality semi auto, more people would like them and get off the pump bandwagon. But I might be wrong...afterall, I'm just another person posting an opinion on the internet.
 
It's just personal preference for the most part. I grew up in a time when autos were a lot slower than they are now and if you were good you could outshoot an auto with a pump. I've owned a few autos and while I never had any trouble with any of them I just never really felt comfortable with one. Now I have four pumps and no autos. Also have five SXS's. Somebody brought up recoil. Felt recoil with a pump or SXS has more to do with how the gun fits you than anything else. I know some 20 gauges that kick harder than 12 gauges in the same style.
 
.284,

I agree about the 1100....I had a Remington 1100 Competition Master that would muck up and malfunction. I have not had this problem with a Benelli.
 
i have a friend who has a funky semi-auto and it wouldnt cycle with anything less than 2 3/4 drams of charge, he was shooting the light remington target stuff. I had some winchester gray box 7 1/2 shot that has 2 3/4 drams.

i traded all mine shells for his cause my benelli m4 could eat anything.

I will concede, my gun was expensive. twice as much as a remington 1100.but the price was worth it. no flaws EXCEPT supposedly i cant fire faster than .14 seconds cause the firing pin will ride down with the bolt.
 
I'd never buy a funky semi-auto. I'm too much of an old geezer.
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actually it was funky by my standards. it was like a classic semi that had a metal plate with an etched lake scene with ducks and stuff on it. and it was probabbly like 20 years old or something. wood, and what not
 
I don't think it's a matter of preference nor economics.
I had a Browning "sweet sixteen" for a l o n g time, as I recall it was not gas operated, I think when your life hangs on the line a gas operated semi auto isn't quite the same as a pump action. I'd actually prefer a semi auto for self defense purposes-can operate it with one hand if you get hit, but I'm not at this point, convinced it's as dependable when your arse is hanging in the balance, as a pump action...please, convince me I'm wrong as I'd prefer to have one (a semi auto). Let's talk about dunking the thing under water and get some real gunk inside it before we talk. I know many, many decades ago duck hunting a Remington 1100 was considered a joke by the Browning club, could drop a Browning in cajun goop, blow it out so to speak, and keep on a going. While I admit in an urban confrontation your shotgun is not likely go get goop inside, but ...please, inligthen me on the attributes of the semi auto for self protection, as I'd go buy one tomorrow. BTW, the loud racking sound of a pump action doesn't turn me on like it seems to a lot around here *LOL*.
 
you can get the Semi that was designed for the USMC. the benelli m4.
life lesson lol: dont put the sling you got off an airsoft rifle onto a 1600 shotgun.

sling broke, the gun fell onto desert like ground. i was transporting it with the bolt open, so a lot of sand and fine gravel got inside. i shook it out, tapped it a few times, loaded it up, and it fired 125 rounds with no FTF FTE.

so far ive fired it a lot, and its never messed up. My coworker was in the marines, and since they were issued the m4s and did not have ownership of the guns, they dunked them in mud over night, picked it up and fired. and did other stupid **** with them.

they are that reliable.
 
Katrina Guy

Right, the Browning. My 2nd duck hunting gun was a Belgium made sweet sixteen. What a gun! Yeah, spring operated and darn near bullet proof.....no pun. Sadly, I ditched it because steel shot became a way of life and it was nearly impossible to find in 16 gauge. I was 15 or 16 and didn't have the ching for a 12 gauge browning. Can I have a do over on that 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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I'd be pretty sorry if I said something like that too.

wow...don't take it personal...I just think that semi autos are better for HD...
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You're the one who got personal there. If that's what you just think, you ought not then make statements about how those who use pump guns as being not only poor but view semis as "sour grapes"- if we can't afford them, they suck. You like HK pistols too? That's the same argument they use.

News flash, here, mathman, some folks have different preferences and might well use a manual operating gun even though they can easily afford something better. Yes, pumps can short stroke. Semis can fail to cycle. Both have problems. No need to impugn those who prefer something else, it just makes you look ignorant, and not just in the classical sense.
 
You're the one who got personal there. If that's what you just think, you ought not then make statements about how those who use pump guns as being not only poor but view semis as "sour grapes"- if we can't afford them, they suck. You like HK pistols too? That's the same argument they use.

News flash, here, mathman, some folks have different preferences and might well use a manual operating gun even though they can easily afford something better. Yes, pumps can short stroke. Semis can fail to cycle. Both have problems. No need to impugn those who prefer something else, it just makes you look ignorant, and not just in the classical sense.
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Take it easy buddy...kind of hard to claim someone is ignorant over the internet...especially when comments are taken out of context. I understand people have different preferences and that pumps are fine...my main point was that semi autos get a bad rap because of the semi autos of yesteryear. The new ones are extremely reliable...and the biggest hurdle is their price. Not sayin' that all folks who buy pumps can't afford semi autos...just sayin' that it is the reason for many.

I can see how my remarks can be seen as pompous and elitist...my apologies...and no, I don't own an HK.
 
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From the OP:
Why do people prefer pump actions over semi-auto?

I'm not trying to start an argument here, I'm genuinely curious.
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No need for people to get irate.:eek: The OP just wanted peoples opinions. You don't have to agree with 'em all.;)
 
I've had my Mossberg 500 since I was 12 and it has never failed me once. I also have experience with other pump shotguns such as the Remington 870. For me it's just a nice feeling being more involved in the reload process by pumping the gun. Not to mention pump guns are better at accepting special ammo such as mini shells. Autos are okay I guess. I shot a lot of shells through my buddy's Remington 11-87 and my Great Uncle's Browning Gold 10 gauge (very hard on the shoulder). For me the pumps just feel nicer with me. :cool:
 
Give It Time

Given time, semi-autos will be accepted. All new-fangled technology requires time for some people to accept.
 
Given time, semi-autos will be accepted. All new-fangled technology requires time for some people to accept.
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I find it funny to think my 35 yr old 1100 as newfangled.:rolleyes:

Do you think those newfangled solid state color TV's will ever catch on as well?:p
 
I used to have an 870, hunted with it for years and never shot it otherwise, because it just wasn't pleasant. I sold it for $300 and bought a NIB 1187 for $400 OTD. I put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it (I had TWO on the 870, a screw on and a slip on, partly because of LOP but mostly to try to not break my arm) and it shoots like a dream. I can put 20 deer slugs through it and never feel a bit of pain. The 870 would bruise my shoulder after 1 box of shells.

Why do people prefer a pump? That's a good friggin' question.
 
I can put 20 deer slugs through it and never feel a bit of pain. The 870 would bruise my shoulder after 1 box of shells.

Why do people prefer a pump? That's a good friggin' question.
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I agree. I guess I'm just a sissy boy, I don't like getting slugged in the shoulder with a brick.:rolleyes:
 
You know, I'm just making jest with some of the old geezer comments that have been made. 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.
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I was just having fun last night too. In fact I own and shoot semi shotguns as well :D

Just was feeling spicey last night..lol
 
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