Who makes the best pump shotgun?

Who makes the best pump shotgun for under $500-600? Something used for general hunting. 3" chamber, don't need 3 1/2. Also must have interchangeable chokes.

For upland game, I use an ithica 37 (picked up my last one for 200 used) and for waterfoul the Benelli Supernova has been very good, shoots 3 1/2" mags (nice for geese) and has shot even after the receiver was burred in mud...long story.

Others Rem 870 and Mossberg make rock solid guns too.

Found an 87 Ithaca the other day, but thought it was a little to high and after doing some reviewing, did not find much good news about the model. A good 37 would work, but they are hard to find with changeable chokes.

All things considered, you'll be hard pressed to surpass the Ithaca Model 37, and the Winchester Model 12. Otherwise, you'll be well off with either a 500, or an 870.

It all depends on your definition of "best". If dependability is the main concern, a $250 Mossberg is hard to beat. If you want heirloom quality fit and finish,a Browning BPS, Remington Wingmaster, or Ithaca 37 would be my choice. I personally chose the Browning, because I don't care for the safety location of the Ithaca or Remington.

I have 3 Ithaca 37s and have been hunting with them for about 52 years, and they are a fine gun. I also have one with an 18" barrel for home defense as well. I prefer them above all others but the Remington Wingmaster that I have is also a fine gun. I like steel guns blued with nice walnut stocks. You can not go wrong with either and you can find good used ones for reasonable prices that will last a lifetime.

viking 499,
What's wrong with your 87?

A 1960's-1970's era Wingmaster is the best shotgun ever made in my opinion. I have a '72 and it has never failed me and is just getting slicker as it gets older. Oh, and they're beautiful as well.

Don't have an 87, just found one for sale.

I think an older Remington 870 is the best pump shotgun at a reasonable price, but I sure have used my Mossberg 500 more.

Bar none, the most beat to death and beyond question on internet gun boards.

New, at your price point or below, Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88 "combo"...has long barrel (28") with swappable choke tubes, and the 18-1/2" cylinder-bore barrel.

If you peruse the "previously owned" racks, you should certianly find Ithaca mdl 37, Remington 870, Winchester 1200/1300. Perhaps even a few of the higher-priced (when new) shotguns.

I have a Maverick 88 which is now my HomeLand Security shotgun. But before I delegated it exclusively for that, I put just as much game on the table as my brothers with their more expensive Rem 870 Wingmaster & 1100.

Browning BPS. Just don't take it apart.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ATAShooter/win122.jpg

Browning BPS. All others are pretenders. I don't own one, but I think they're the best pumps.

Ithaca M37 is over-priced and doesn't have the tang safety I like, but they're great guns. The featherweight is lighter. The BPS is a heavier all steel gun, great for ducks, though. I may replace my Mossy 500 with one some day. Nothing wrong with the 500, though.

If you are going to use it for upland hunting - the lighter, the better.

If you are going to use it for target shooting - the heavier, the better.

I like the Browning BPS, but it is a heavy gun. You are better off with something like the Ithaca 37 or Massberg is you are in the field a lot. 8 ounces makes a big difference if you are carrying it all day.

Who makes the best pump shotgun?

Whatever one fits you best

For that kind of money you can get a really nice used wingmaster, a 2nd barrel, and a full assortment of choke tubes.

I have to agree on the Ithaca 37, though mine is a deerslayer and therefore a slug gun i assume there is no loss of quality on the others. If you're looking for brand new the Mossberg 500 is tough to beat, though for $500-$600 you could easily purchase 2 Mossberg Maverick 88's and have leftover money for chokes slings ect. In case you are unaware the Maverick 88's accept and are interchangeable with Barrels and many other parts from the Mossberg 500's. They are only cheaper because some of the parts are outsourced but they are still rugged guns with dual extractors and dual pump rails.
Good luck in your choices.

Best? Ithaca 37 or Winchester 12 depending on your ejection preference. I have 2 Ithaca shotguns. :D

I have only two shotguns with changeable chokes: An 870 and a Winchester 1300. I like the 1300 better, mostly because it fits me better, and I prefer the slide-catch behind the trigger-guard instead of in front of it. I think the 1300 is prettier too, but that's just me.

Browning BPS, hands down. Short throw, bottom eject, artist grade fit and finish. Next question...

If I'm heading out into the wilds...ithaca 37
If i hear a bump in the night...ithaca 37
The gun I'm answering the door with when my daughter's first gentleman caller comes knocking...ithaca 37
There is a fire engulfing my house and only one firearm can be saved...ithaca 37

And that's not even getting into the sentimental ties i have to this particular gun. Nicest shooter i own.

590a1, 37, 870, Get anyone of em.

If you are going to use it for upland hunting - the lighter, the better.

If you are going to use it for target shooting - the heavier, the better.

I like the Browning BPS, but it is a heavy gun. You are better off with something like the Ithaca 37 or Massberg is you are in the field a lot. 8 ounces makes a big difference if you are carrying it all day.

The only "upland" I do is doves. I don't have a quail dog and never have. I hunt a LOT of waterfowl and heavy is good for soaking up heavy loads of high speed steel shot. My 10 gauge weighs 9 lbs and I'm danged glad it does. :D Might be a little heavy to carry, but who notices when you already have 200 Texas Rags on your back?

MCgunner
Quote:
If you are going to use it for upland hunting - the lighter, the better.

If you are going to use it for target shooting - the heavier, the better.

I like the Browning BPS, but it is a heavy gun. You are better off with something like the Ithaca 37 or Massberg is you are in the field a lot. 8 ounces makes a big difference if you are carrying it all day.
The only "upland" I do is doves. I don't have a quail dog and never have. I hunt a LOT of waterfowl and heavy is good for soaking up heavy loads of high speed steel shot. My 10 gauge weighs 9 lbs and I'm danged glad it does. Might be a little heavy to carry, but who notices when you already have 200 Texas Rags on your back?

That 9# gun seems a whole lot lighter when you're dragging a morning limit of geese back from the pit from the morning hunt.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165728_1512384210040_1247430510_31086061_2693193_n.jpg

Yep, though this ain't a limit. :D

Your pic looks like the kind of morning goose hunters pray for. :D

http://i47.tinypic.com/ilvxgz.jpg

Awesome!!!!!

One that's been in your hands getting used for years.

The make and model isn't as important as practice.

I own a Winchester 1300 and I absolutely love it. I use it for just about everything. Never had a FTF. I agree the fit and purpose are No 1 in my book. Go to a range where you can shoot diff models and see what you like.

I've only handled one Browning, equipped with a 32" barrel. Holy smokes, it felt like I was swinging a 4x4 fence rail, and it weighed a half ton. The fit and finish were excellent, and the controls were good, but I'd much rather have my 37, or my 500.

Dr Rob NAILEDit.

More important than brand is familiarity.

Tastes great!

For the duck blind, my choice is the enclosed action, tang safety, bottom ejecting, steel-receivered Browning BPS. If I had to carry the gun a lot when weight is a big issue-as in typical upland hunting endeavors-I'd go for something like the Ithaca Model 37. Which is why I have more than one shotgun. :)