Would you choose a different shotgun...

At LFI-2, we all did a drill where we loaded up our shotguns with 5 rounds and fired them all as fast as we could. The fastest shooter with a semi-auto emptied it into the target in a bit over 1 second. The fastest shooter with a pump emptied it in a bit over 2 seconds.

In other words, there's not much difference in the real world. Either will do the job.

Semi-autos require a bit more care. The aluminum receivers on Benellis can be bent relatively easily. The Benelli M3 is completely pointless, IMHO -- an answer to a question that nobody is asking. 870s may not be impervious to mistreatment, but they sure are tough.
 
Use whatever suits you best. I've owned pump shotguns before, but I'm most familiar with the manual of arms for my M1S90. So, unless it was unavoidable for some reason or another (weapon malfunction, breakage, lost, etc), I'm not switching in the situation you described.
 
I have a Benelli M3 and a modified 870P. Although the M3 offers pump and semi modes, I feel a little more comfortable with my 870P. I have practiced more with this shotgun, and I can unload the shells rather quickly.

That is pretty much what it comes down to, practice. You won't even think (about pumping) after you have adequate time to practice with your shotgun.

Oh yeah, make sure you practice with the ammo you will use for HD. ;)
 
One thing about the "one arm is disabled" thing. I have seen gas guns that are not reliable when not properly mounted. In other words, I'd just as soon have my 870 as any semi. I really like my own 1100 but it is a toy more than a wepon that I'd trust my family's lives to. Just my opinion but for those who would like to try shooting a 12 ga. one-handed, please add the semi to your test and let us know how it works out. Maybe one of those Saiga's would be good but with no last shot bolt hold-open, loaded single shots (remember you've only got one arm) would be a problem.
Mike
 
i didnt think of that with a semi shot gun for the one arm thing. I guess its directly related to 'limp wristing' a semi hand gun, jams jams jams
 
There is a reason that thousands, upon thousands of LEOs carry the pump, and that is the reliabilaty factor.

It is not that it is easier to train with,or anything else.

If you feel more comfortable with an auto, then by all means use it.

I just would not advocate changing platforms from what you are familiar with for the sake of having a faster action, a few more shots, looking cool, or any other reason.

Social work is a very serious matter,and in a bad situation, you want what works for you.
 
why not a SXS or O/U or for that fact a bolt action shotgun.

I have and old stevens 20 gauge bolt action shot gun (clip fed) and many bad guys would just be intimidated as hell to see what 9/10 times they would think is a huge bore rifle pointed right at them.

Also a double barrel is really easy to reload with one hand if it has ejectors. Just pop open hold some way (between legs, etc..) and put in new shells from pocket. unloading both barells is usually a good deterent. plus if you have a backup like a snub nose 38 you can ditch the shotgun after the 2 shots and unload a few into anyone else that rushes you.

If just pump vs. auto I would go with pump for pure preference.
 
I have never short-stroked,... and have a few semis and pumps of various types/manufactures...

870 is my first choice for any 'need' situation... it is 100% my 'goto' weapon
 
My truck gun, as mentioned elsewhere, is a Winchester Ranger 120 cut down to an 18.25" barrel. Right now it has a 5+1 cap, soon will purchase a mag extender to give it 7+1. Here in Colorado we can carry in a vehicle with rounds in the tube, but chamber empty. Right now I keep 4 rounds of OO buck, leaving one space for a slug if I need it. I figure close range is more likely.

I also keep a cartridge belt next to the gun with 8x1oz slugs and 17xOO buck in the loops. My emergency ammo bag has another cartridge belt loaded the same and 2x15 9mm spare mags for my Sig 226 daily carry, for which I already have 2 spare mags in my carry rig.

If all of this can't get me out of trouble it's time to call for close air support.

I realize I can't effectively reply to long range sniper fire, but if the other guy knows what he's doing I won't even know he's there until it's too late. In any case I'm not sticking around to play counter-sniper games when I'm trying to bug out... and any REALLY effective long range sniper rifle doesn't multitask well. Long range stationary shooting is about it.
 
My go-to shotgun is an 870. I keep the magazine loaded, but the chamber empty. I WANT the BG to hear that he just done screwed up by picking my home. :D

Backup is a Winchester 1897 riot gun. backup to it is the 1100.

... then there's the .45's ... :D
 
I prefer my Mossberg 590 pump 12 gauge, but would be just as happy with my Remington Wimgmaster if only its barrel was shorter and magazine longer.

Obviously, the one you shoot quite a bit is the best choice. If you don't shoot quite a bit, a pump is easier to understand and therefore much safer and more reliable.

Get whichever one tickles your fancy, add in a case of LOW RECOIL ammo, turn that ammo into empty hulls and now you have a defensive system that is ready to go... as soon as you replenish the case of ammo.
 
I'm old and set in my ways. The 870 platform has worked for me for over 40 years and will continue to do so.

Short stroking? The cure for that is elbow grease and BA/UU/R.....
__________________
Molon Labe....
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Dave, you're still young at 59 or 60. I'm 67 and that's getting old. :D
 
"One thing about the "one arm is disabled" thing. I have seen gas guns that are not reliable when not properly mounted."

That's crap, gas operated guns are not affected by mount. Recoil operated guns may be affected by mount.

Use the gun that you are most familiar with, that you shoot the most often. Use the gun you take the safety off without even knowing it, the gun you can use without having to think. Because if you really need a gun you won't have time to think.

There is nothing about the type of gun, choke, barrel length, load or an extra shell in the pipe that makes as much difference as the operator error under stress. Use whatever gun your most likely to use correctly when your scared half to death and operating on instinct.

The gun can't save your a$$, unless you can.

Jeff
 
Thanks, akr. I'm 60. I did a flurry with a teen a month or so ago. He had a 391. I was able to beat him handily with an 870 and good technique.

As for one arm disabled...

I was instructing for the state of MD when the Miami Shootout got everyone's attention. We instructors worked out one armed 870 methods that worked. I believe some of the fancy gun skuls teach them now.

However, best to neutralize the threat before these need to be used. A good shotgunner can do that amazingly fast.
 
I'd rather have a pump.

If I had some low recoil loads for my father to use, I need to know that they will work every single time.

A pump action is plenty fast enough for anything you need to do if you get some practice in.

And, if flood water, mud, muck, and grime is involved, the pump definitely wins.
 
Im a big Double Barrel fan, although its only 2 shots I dont plan on missing. if it were four or five guys Id use my Remington Model 10 with Slugs and 00 Buckshot.
 
if it were four or five guys Id use my Remington Model 10 with Slugs and 00 Buckshot.
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So if it was four or five guys, you'd ask them to wait while you got your other shotgun and loaded it?
 
I have owned some pumps, but to be honest, I have seem people have more problems with pumps then autos. My choice is an A5 Browning, I have 4 of them and as long as the friction rings are installed right, They have been absolutly reliable for me, and since I am most familiar with them, that would be my choice. If I can trust a 1911 45ACP for my defense hand gun, I can also trust a good proven A5
 
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