I've owned a lot of guns that I no longer have. At this point, only a relative few guns appeal to me enough that I want to own them and shoot them. That's not to say that other guns aren't "good guns" because almost all guns are plenty functional, plenty reliable, unless something is wrong with them. It's just that they don't appeal to me enough to displace a gun that I like more when the opportunity comes to go shooting. My only pump shotguns are Ithaca 37s (I like the 1955 and earlier versions). My only Semi-auto is a 1954 Auto 5 (I prefer the early/mid 1950s models in these as well).
Dependable pump shotgun
- Thread starter elktrout
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9x56MS
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My Dad used to work at Ithica gun works and I too love the older models with the small rat tail forearms. I have a 24” barrel 20 gauge deerslayer and a 20” barrel 12 gauge deerslayer. Both are excellent grouse guns as well as slug guns.
flightsimmer
Member
I like the Mossbergs because of the top tang safety's if you're going to have standard hunting stock, BUT!
If you're going to put a pistol grip or a top folding stock on it, then the Remington 870 is better suited because the safety is on the trigger guard.
Both are fine shotguns with a ton of options.
mcb
Member
The Browning BPS needs included here.
With its bottom eject and top tang safety it is almost 100% ambidextrous, the bolt release is on the left side for the front of the trigger guard is the only asymmetry in the whole gun and is still easily used by both right and left handed shooters.
The receiver is steel and enclosed in the back and no ejection port on the side making it one of the stronger pump action receivers going.
With no lifter gate loading shells into the magazine is easier, smoother, and less like to get your thumb chewed up by the edge of the gate.
It worth a look they are robust pump shotguns.
BPS on the bottom with magazine extension.
With its bottom eject and top tang safety it is almost 100% ambidextrous, the bolt release is on the left side for the front of the trigger guard is the only asymmetry in the whole gun and is still easily used by both right and left handed shooters.
The receiver is steel and enclosed in the back and no ejection port on the side making it one of the stronger pump action receivers going.
With no lifter gate loading shells into the magazine is easier, smoother, and less like to get your thumb chewed up by the edge of the gate.
It worth a look they are robust pump shotguns.
BPS on the bottom with magazine extension.
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DustyGmt
Member
Were there not only a very limited number of those bottom eject Browning BPS's made? I saw one in a video once, IV8888, Chad and Barry spoke very highly of Chad's Browning BPS and said if you could ever find one buy it. They will eat the short shotshells (minis) like nothing. But definitely not a shotgun you should expect to come by from what I'm told.
I like the safety on the 870 better but the slide release on the mossberg better. I do not care anything about a pistol grip shotgun. That's why it's so hard to pick a conclusive winner between the 870 and 500. They are both fantastic and have desirable features as well.as both being dead nuts reliable, but in terms of feel and aesthetics, the edge goes to the 870. It just feels more stout.....
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mcb
Member
Browning has been making the BPS for a couple decades. Certainly not as prolific as the 870 and 500 but they are out there if you look and Browning is still making them in several configuration and in all standard gauges.
contender
Member
stay main stream..
Handle a few different makes/models. Pick the one that has the features you like and feels right when shouldering.
If you must buy one going totally on faith and in the blind, then for me it would be the 870 Wingmaster
Handle a few different makes/models. Pick the one that has the features you like and feels right when shouldering.
If you must buy one going totally on faith and in the blind, then for me it would be the 870 Wingmaster
CopperFouling
Member
I had a Nova. I did not have any reliability issues with it despite hunting in pretty nasty weather. It was super ugly, though. It did beat me pretty bad during clay games after 50 or so rounds. Not sure if it was the ergonomics or the weight.
I’d say an older 870 Wingmaster or Browning BPS would be better choices.
I’d say an older 870 Wingmaster or Browning BPS would be better choices.
CopperFouling
Member
I could be wrong, but I think the BPS is a bottom eject. At least the half dozen that I have handled and shot have been.
entropy
Member
Every one of them I've handled and shot have been. I think Dusty thought they were less common than they are. It's not as popular as the 870, nor made in anywhere near the numbers, but those that like them really like them, particularly waterfowlers that use them.
DustyGmt
Member
I must've got it wrong, I'll have to go back an rewatch that IV8888 video. It's their Mossberg 500 vs. Rem 870 video. Barry says something about Chad's BPS and says good luck getting one because there were only 2,000 of them made. He might have been referencing a specific sprint run BPS perhaps.
DustyGmt
Member
Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500/590 - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/ at about 6:58 Barry says "if you want a BPS like Chad's forget it, they only made 2,000 of them and sold them right away, if you want one hi cap" I thought he said bottom eject when he said hi cap, my bad.
Does he not know what he's talking about or were there only a handful of tactical models available?
https://www.youtube.com/ at about 6:58 Barry says "if you want a BPS like Chad's forget it, they only made 2,000 of them and sold them right away, if you want one hi cap" I thought he said bottom eject when he said hi cap, my bad.
Does he not know what he's talking about or were there only a handful of tactical models available?
mcb
Member
He is referring to the high capacity, from the factor, Tactical BPS version as pictured above. They only made ~2000 of the Tactical BPS. The have made a whole lot more of the standard magazine length versions in all standard gauges. It used to be hard to find magazine extension (I made the extension in my previous picture of my BPS) but there are after market magazine extensions if you want one now a days.
DustyGmt
Member
SwampWolf
Member
The best of the best, imo.
SwampWolf
Member
I've had no problem with my less than pretty Nova but, for those contemplating affixing a holder for extra shells on the receiver, be advised that tightening the bolts too much will cause the plastic receiver to distort enough to bind the action. At least that happened to mine. Backing the bolts off a turn or two fixed the "problem".
All in all, I've found the modestly priced Nova to have a smooth action, to be reliable and to be tough as nails. And, because I much prefer a cross bolt safety to be mounted on the front of the trigger guard instead of the rear, it's another reason why I like the Nova.
All in all, I've found the modestly priced Nova to have a smooth action, to be reliable and to be tough as nails. And, because I much prefer a cross bolt safety to be mounted on the front of the trigger guard instead of the rear, it's another reason why I like the Nova.
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DM~
Member
My vote goes to the 870...and I practice what I preach!
DM
DM
Palladan44
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870 1st pick or Mossy 500 2nd pick.
Older 870s smoother, better fit, petter polished innards. Some 90s to 2000s "express" models show workmanship similar to Russian Izzy AKs.
More plastic parts, bead blasted metal that looks spray painted......but they still work well with no problems Ive ever experienced.
Older 870s smoother, better fit, petter polished innards. Some 90s to 2000s "express" models show workmanship similar to Russian Izzy AKs.
More plastic parts, bead blasted metal that looks spray painted......but they still work well with no problems Ive ever experienced.
flightsimmer
Member
I think I found a solution to your dilemma, buy one of each, then keep the one you like best.
YMMV.
YMMV.
Kyle S.
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- Aug 13, 2017
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- 97
I have a Nova and I've had a few reliability issues in the passed(had a stuck shell on a big buck and he got away). Its a good gun and actually lighter than my single shot 16 gauge, but it is butt ugly. If I had the chance to do it over again I'd get a mossberg 88 for a beater or an old 870 wingmaster for the craftsmanship.
entropy
Member
You do have the chance to do so. Sell the Nova, or trade it, towards the shotgun of your choice.
PonyKiller
Member
1976B.L.Johns.
Member
Another vote for the 870 as it is the only shotgun I have ever purchased.(About 45 years ago @ a Gibson's, of all places!)
It has filled my needs even though Dad was a bit upset that I didn't buy something pre-1964..........(He despised stamped parts over machined).
It has filled my needs even though Dad was a bit upset that I didn't buy something pre-1964..........(He despised stamped parts over machined).
My brother is looking to sell me his Stevens Model 320 pump action security shotgun for a really decent price.
What's the good, bad, ugly on this shotgun.
I've shot it several times at the range and it seems to work fine.
What's the good, bad, ugly on this shotgun.
I've shot it several times at the range and it seems to work fine.
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