Semi-auto Fighting Shotguns

I was big on combat shotguns 20 years ago, owned a SPAS-12, which solves the OP conundrum of semi or pump since it can do both, even in the same firing sequence.

The evolution of my hobby at the time was the Daewoo USAS-12, which looked like an AR-15 on steroids, came with 20 shot drum and 2 x box mags( cant remember if 8 or 10 shot). That thing with 12 pellet 00 buck( the heavy load for 2 3/4") fired as fast as you could pull the trigger, recoil was mild, it just rocked back and forth as you squeezed 2-3 shots a second to target.There was a full auto version as well, which Daewoo sold direct to LEO around the world. I put thousands through mine, mostly blasting old junk, doors and bottles, and only ever had one jam- found out it didnt like winchester 1oz rifled slugs in the 20 shot drum.

These days I am happy with mid powered loads in a 44mag lever. Less recoil, less noise, close enough to a one shot stop for me. Flashlight under the barrel, it can shoot 4 legged pests at night to twice the range of 12ga.

I picked up a LTT 1301 at the beginning of the year. Added a light and a holosun optic. It has, hands down, turned into my favorite gun to shoot. I'm not overly concerned with not having a 30 round magazine because, in my life, I would be able to handle 99.99% of any eventuality I'd face at my home with the rounds in the magazine and the side saddle. Have put a few hundred rounds through it with zero failures. The thing just makes me smile.

Mark

I've got an M1 Super 90 that has not had a single malfunction over several years of duck hunting which is a good test for a shotgun. I would trust it 100% for HD. It replaced an 1187 that was not reliable.

I had this 20 gauge standard weight 1100 redone for my wife a couple of years ago. She loves it and it's been a reliable shotgun for the 49 years I've owned it. The shorter barrel (now 20") and stock (- 1.5" including the recoil pad) have had no effect on reliability and all the women want it. But we're not through with it just yet.

What will be "the rest of the story?"

Instructor at a defensive shotgun class pointed out to the class that we all had pump shotguns, but were all carrying semi-auto handguns. I'm now convinced that the semi is better, as it usually is quicker on follow-up shots and can't be short-stroked. Found a Benelli M1 tactical I like. Still have a couple of pumps. I concur with the earlier Ayoob comment that there's a lot to recommend a 20 ga.

Don’t trust the semnis

I’m a pump man myself

The semis tend to run like junk just when you need them

JCooperfan1911 said:

Don’t trust the semnis

I’m a pump man myself

The semis tend to run like junk just when you need them

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A good quality semi, well maintained, will work when needed. See post #5.

Yes, I admit I have a pump for my HD gun. I also have a lot of time shooting pumps, mostly 870s. Those who do not may short shuck them, just when they need them. Poor maintenance, short shucking, either way, it boils down to operator headspace and timing.

Spoken like a man that has never owned anA5!!!

JCooperfan1911 said:

Don’t trust the semnis

I’m a pump man myself

The semis tend to run like junk just when you need them

Click to expand...

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that a semi in your avatar?

I had to go over to the Gulf a week or so before that Iranian General got an unexpected welcome. No, my trip was not related to that. It was a commercial contract for some networking work. Anyhow I met a person on the Berretta team at the hotel and we talked all about shotguns and semi's. He talked me into the FN SLP. Straight stock. I like it. Shot many a round through it. Even learned to load my own for it. Even took it twice to sporting clays. I suck at sporting clays, but did just a hair better than sucks last time out with the FN. I also have a Mossberg 9200, and a Linberta semi. The Linberta eats anything I give it. The Mossberg, I am afraid it might break so I take it easy with it. The whole goal was to get better at shooting the shotgun. Have I? Just a little.

My Remington Model 11 (1914) runs pretty well......

Boattale said:

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that a semi in your avatar?

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I find your lack of faith disturbing,

-Darth Vader

JCooperfan1911 said:

I find your lack of faith disturbing,

-Darth Vader

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Does it run like junk just when you need it?

I never hear the semi-auto bullpups mentioned. In the You-Tube videos they seem to do fine with buckshot and only ever have issues with #7 or smaller bird shot.

I've had auto 5s, 11-48, 1100, 11s, and shot a fair number of the new stuff. My experiences with the AR looking shotguns and their plastic mags were disappointing. The 930 JM seemed good.
Being an "old" trap shooter and hunter, my personal choices would be either a model 12, an 870, or a 37, not necessarily in that order.
I've shot a fair amount of skeet with a m12 and an 870 and have never had a failure to feed on doubles, nor at trap doubles either.
My current 1100 Trap would not be my first choice but for me, my 70s 870 would.
Ain't going to disparage anyone else's choice but my personal experiences and prejudices have me pumping.
200k rounds through an 870 since 1975 might be a factor.

PapaG said:

200k rounds through an 870 since 1975 might be a factor.

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I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you've built up some pump-gun muscle memory that will serve you well in a time of high stress and adrenaline. Much better than the guy (or wife) who has put maybe a box or two of practice rounds through his/her HD pump gun.

I6turbo said:

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you've built up some pump-gun muscle memory that will serve you well in a time of high stress and adrenaline. Much better than the guy (or wife) who has put maybe a box or two of practice rounds through his/her HD pump gun.

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Thanks. I’m comfortable shucking the TB and really enjoy shooting “report doubles”. I’m running 98% for the last three years.
My TB was my only gun in the mid 70s and I killed my first deer, first wood duck and a bunch of pheasants in central ILover my fantastic Springer “Maggie” before I got serious about trap. I miss that dog.