shotgun: pump vs. semi-auto

[Fishing Doug]

Gun guys,

The gun monkey has a grip that just won't let go so I have another question for you guys.

Just wondering if you guys have a preference on pump vs. semi-auto?? I am in the market to replace my existing Mossberg 835 (never was big fan of this gun). This gun will be used as an 'all purpose' gun for everything from clays to turkeys.

Thanks in advance,

FD

[farmpond1]

I have a pump Remington 870 Wingmaster.  It's an awesome shotgun.  Cleaning it is easier than cleaning an automatic.   You never have to worry about a pump shotgun jamming.  Not a decent one, anyway.

[Catt]

Pump or Semi is strictly a personal preference; but if you are going to buy a shotgun buy the best you can afford; I shoot one of the finest pumps ever built and still in production the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight designed by John Browning.

[Olebiker]

Pump  -  If you can afford the Ithaca, get it.  If not, the Remington 870 is a foolproof gun that will live longer than you do.

[GitRDoneIke23]

I love my pump!! In a few months I'll be getting a Remmington 870. good gun, and not too expensive. For me I'll take my pump any day of the week. For defense you can't beat a side by side double barrel. But for chooting under overs are better.

Between semi-auto and pump; I'd say go with a pump.

How much $$$ are you looking to spend

-Ike

[Siebert Outdoors]

simi autos are very nice but take alot more care and wear parts faster.  They are more expensive to maintain correctly.

If it was me you've owned a pump I'd stick with a pump.  My favorite is a BPS

[IDbasser]

I had a Mossberg 835 and hated it too.  I have 3 Remington 870's and love them.  They are very dependable.  I have a Franchi semi auto, and I only use it on occasion.

[bmadd]

I've had two Remington 870's (20 and 12 ga). Both are awesome and I wish I still had my 12 ga. Currently I shoot a Browning Gold 12. I love this gun.

[Glenn]

If you're going to shoot sporting clays, you'll need an auto.

[justfishin]

I bought a Rem model 1100 semi years ago and never liked it for some reason. I had inherited a LC Smith side by side during my teens and still use it for rabbits to this day. I love that gun. That Ithaca Featherweight mentioned is a sweet gun. My buddy Joel hunts with one. Its a real pleasure in the field.

[Catt]

Auto loaders

Benelli Super Black Eagle II

Berretta Xtrema2

Winchester Super X3 Waterfowl

Pump loader

Benelli SuperNova

Browning BPS Hunter

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight

Remington 870 Wingmaster

Winchester Speed Pump

[Siebert Outdoors]

What type of clays we talking? Going out with the buds once in awhile and blasting, or shooting alot of clays?

Shooting alot of clays I'd go with an over and under. Autos dont last to the abuse of constant shooting.

PS, watch your 3.5" autos and minimum spec loads. Some guns wont cycle light loads.

[Catt]

Gun guys,

The gun monkey has a grip that just won't let go so I have another question for you guys.

Just wondering if you guys have a preference on pump vs. semi-auto?? I am in the market to replace my existing Mossberg 835 (never was big fan of this gun). This gun will be used as an 'all purpose' gun for everything from clays to turkeys.

Thanks in advance,

FD

[Hookemdown.]

Benelli Super Black Eagle II

That about sums it up.

[Bassn Blvd]

I've put over 1000 rounds through my Benelli Super 90 Semi-Auto and never had a malfunction.  Awesome gun.  It's also easy to clean.

[Fishing Doug]

What type of clays we talking? Going out with the buds once in awhile and blasting, or shooting alot of clays?

Shooting alot of clays I'd go with an over and under. Autos dont last to the abuse of constant shooting.

PS, watch your 3.5" autos and minimum spec loads. Some guns wont cycle light loads.

GMAN,

The only clays will be random shooting with the guys, nothing major.  

[Fishing Doug]

Auto loaders

Benelli Super Black Eagle II

Berretta Xtrema2

Winchester Super X3 Waterfowl

Pump loader

Benelli SuperNova

Browning BPS Hunter

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight

Remington 870 Wingmaster

Winchester Speed Pump

Thanks for the list, Catt, and thanks to everyone else for the input.

For those that have mentioned over/unders and side by sides-what is the attraction there? I see either as limiting due to capacity. Is there a significant difference in accuracy, reliability, etc.?

[bowtech_182]

I believe nothing beats a Benelli.  The only way you could get my M1super90 away from me would be to give me an M2 comfortech.  If you go pump I prefer the Winchester speedpumps over an 870.

[GitRDoneIke23]

Auto loaders

Benelli Super Black Eagle II

Berretta Xtrema2

Winchester Super X3 Waterfowl

Pump loader

Benelli SuperNova

Browning BPS Hunter

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight

Remington 870 Wingmaster

Winchester Speed Pump

Thanks for the list, Catt, and thanks to everyone else for the input.

For those that have mentioned over/unders and side by sides-what is the attraction there? I see either as limiting due to capacity. Is there a significant difference in accuracy, reliability, etc.?

I'm friends with the 2007 4H Texas state champion skeet shooter. He uses a Beretta over under. His brother also shoots competion and uses the exactsame gun. They said you can't beat an over under. They said they don't jam, and are better for shooting clays. I figure they know what they're talkin about.

I like the look of side by sides though. I'm sure they have their advantages too.

-Ike

[Siebert Outdoors]

I'd sticking with my original answer of Browning BPS.