Autoloader vs Pump for HD

[50caliber123]

the 10 gauge was kind of a fun-gun idea, not anything serious. I don't care for doubles, really. Its not out of ignorance, either. I used to own one, and it was an EAA IZH-43. 12 Gauge coach gun, hammerless, with a single, selectable trigger, and choke tubes. It was very compact. However, it kicked very badly when, and only when, fired from the shoulder. That's with light field loads (remington 1 1/8 oz. #6). If you shoot from the hip or hold the gun outstreched with one hand, it didn't kick nearly as bad. Dissatisfied, I sold it. I prefer pumps, because its what I learned to shoot. I love the sound of a mossberg's slide being racked back in forth. I do have a Remington 870 Express 12 Gauge w/ 18.5" barrel, and do not want another one. Good gun, but one is enough for me. I want something more specialized. Why do some people have such low opinions about the Mossberg? I own a 500 Pursuader, and it has never failed me. I just want a little more options, that's why I started this thread, with the potential choices.

 

[MCgunner]

I've been hunting ducks with Mossbergs for 20 years now, they replaced my double when steel was mandated. I have no gripes, very effective, reliable shotgun IMHO. I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it, either, which is a good thing when you're hunting salt marshes with it. The poor thing takes a beating in the salt environment, but shows little wear after about 15 years I've had this one. It's a camo finish and takes the wear well. It's not as smooth pumping as an Ithaca or Browning, but i like the fact it doesn't have a loading gate on the bottom. If I'd been hunting with an expensive gun all those years, it'd be beat up and look like dung by now. The ol' Mossy does the job and I really don't care all that much what it looks like, LOL.

My old Wingmaster 870 had a loading gate and when your thumb was numb from the cold, that thing hurt! I'd occasionally not get the shell in the magazine until it clicked before yanking my cold thumb out of the way and the round would pop up under the loading gate on the bottom of the mag and jam the works. I'd carry a screw driver afield to get that shell back in the magazine when that happened. It was a PITA that I don't have with the Mossy. Ithaca 37s don't have that stupid gate, either.

A coach gun with screw in chokes? I like that idea. A 20" barrel removed from the action would stash in my Gold Wing's saddle bags for a hunting trip. 28" is too long to fit. I don't think that a gun that short would swing too smoothly, probably whippy as heck, but I might could get used to it. Be fun to have the option. Just what I NEED, though, another friggin' shotgun. ROFL!

But, too the topic, on the question of auto vs pump, put me down for pump, too. It's just as fast and less problem prone. I have a Winchester 1400 for bird hunting and with game loads I get a FTE now and then. Probably could do better with more powerful loads that'd work the action harder, but I'm hunting dove with it. It only happens maybe once in a box of ammo and it's not that big a deal bird hunting, but it would be unacceptable for SD. I wouldn't trust auto chunking shotguns.

 

[JesseJames]

Aren't Benelli autoloaders inertia-driven reloading system?
The M2 and Super Black Eagle II.
Pricey but sweeeeet.

 

[wbrown609]

The biggest advantage for a pump is that you have the ability to get off a second shot even if the first shot doesn't go bang. It is the same argument that people have with the revolver vs. semi handguns. The revolver also doesn't depend on the first shot going bang to get off another shot. Also the pump should cycle more reliably since it is being done manually.

 

[david_the_greek]

Benelli M3 Super 90. go ahead and break the bank, it is worth it and when people try to argue about whether pump or auto is better you can just say "ok I agree with you" and swith its firing mode. I first shot an m3 super 90 when i was young and was able to handle it (not too hefty around the waist either). Never once had a problem, always looked cool shooting skeet. actually was laughed at till I scored better than those around me.

 

[azflyman]

If I was going to go with a SXS, I would want a 10Gauge double in coach gun configuration, if possible. That would be even scarrier, as the barrels are a little bit bigger than a 12. Do they make those?

Why yes, there are a few around. It even looks scary when I have to clean the damn thing.

az

 

[Ironballs]

IMO, for HD, a pump is the way to go, 100%

(for semis, had and sold M1s90, 1201pf. Currently have FN SLP and 11-87P) but would gladly reach for my simple remmy 870 for any business that needs taking care of-