is pump action shotgun really better than semi-auto action shotgun?
- Thread starter loonie
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RNB65
Member
An O/U is more reliable than both of them combined.
So the answer is -- yes, no, maybe.
So the answer is -- yes, no, maybe.
RNB65
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Phantom Warrior
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Another example of an over/under from Beretta's webpage here. An over/under has two barrels, one on top of the other. Hence the "over/under." It fires twice with out any need to pump it or recock it. You just pull the trigger twice.
A lot of people prefer pump shotguns because they are very simple. Boom, pump, boom, pump, boom. Some semi-autos have problems with very light loads. Pumps don't. Also, if you have a dud round, just pump it out and keep going. Much like the way some people prefer revolvers over semi-auto pistols.
A lot of people prefer pump shotguns because they are very simple. Boom, pump, boom, pump, boom. Some semi-autos have problems with very light loads. Pumps don't. Also, if you have a dud round, just pump it out and keep going. Much like the way some people prefer revolvers over semi-auto pistols.
Quintin Likely
Member
It depends on what you consider "better." All shotguns, all guns for that matter, are rules unto themselves.
Generally speaking, yes, a pump action shotgun is more reliable than an autoloader since in a pump gun we aren't relying on springs, gas pistons, O-rings, the oomph from the ammo, etc. to cycle the action.
Shooting multiple targets with a pump shotgun becomes second nature once you acclimate to it. Missed targets are the fault of the user, not the gun.
Generally speaking, yes, a pump action shotgun is more reliable than an autoloader since in a pump gun we aren't relying on springs, gas pistons, O-rings, the oomph from the ammo, etc. to cycle the action.
Shooting multiple targets with a pump shotgun becomes second nature once you acclimate to it. Missed targets are the fault of the user, not the gun.
STiTkacik
Member
loonie-if you think that's pricy, you haven't seen anything yet.
The pump is more mechanically reliable. It will fire shells that a semi-auto won't, is less dependent on maintenance and has fewer parts to break down.
However, the pump is far more operator dependant. To operate them with the same efficiency as a semi-auto requires more effort. Personally I'd rather have a pump for predator control duties but only because I practice with one regularly. I wouldn't feel in any way less well armed with a good semi-auto.
However, the pump is far more operator dependant. To operate them with the same efficiency as a semi-auto requires more effort. Personally I'd rather have a pump for predator control duties but only because I practice with one regularly. I wouldn't feel in any way less well armed with a good semi-auto.
I prefer a pump shotgun.
My brother that is 5'6", 145Lbs with pockets full of wet sand, prefers his Remington 1100 gas-operated auto. He also didn't like the recoil operated autos like the Browning A-5, asnd some early Remingtons (Mdl 11 comes to mind)
My brother that is 5'6", 145Lbs with pockets full of wet sand, prefers his Remington 1100 gas-operated auto. He also didn't like the recoil operated autos like the Browning A-5, asnd some early Remingtons (Mdl 11 comes to mind)
das028
Member
Yeah loonie, Thats nothing! I've seens some custom trap guns in the ten's of thousand's of dollars. Do a search for Krieghoff and Perazzi!
As for the question, of which is more reliable, generally speaking a pump is. But It all depends on which gun it is.
I'll take my Benelli over any pump and day.
As for the question, of which is more reliable, generally speaking a pump is. But It all depends on which gun it is.
I'll take my Benelli over any pump and day.
HMMurdock
Member
The Benelli M3 pump/auto is sweet but recoil is a mother @$(#er. The Benelli M4 is a very reliable semi-auto, but far pricer than is practical for a shotty.
The semi-autos are very picky as to their ammo. Lighter loads (the cheap ones to shoot) often don't cycle. So you have to rack the bolt after every shot anyway. More of a bolt action than a semi-auto in that event!
I prefer a pump. Easy to control, very effective, reliable as sin (like a revolver) and there is nothing that makes you feel more like a man than pumping a smoking husk of a shell out of your shotgun after blowing the living hell out of a paper target!
If you need semi-auto get an assault rifle. If you need the power and effectiveness of a shotgun, get a pump.
TRL
The semi-autos are very picky as to their ammo. Lighter loads (the cheap ones to shoot) often don't cycle. So you have to rack the bolt after every shot anyway. More of a bolt action than a semi-auto in that event!
I prefer a pump. Easy to control, very effective, reliable as sin (like a revolver) and there is nothing that makes you feel more like a man than pumping a smoking husk of a shell out of your shotgun after blowing the living hell out of a paper target!
If you need semi-auto get an assault rifle. If you need the power and effectiveness of a shotgun, get a pump.
TRL
Uh, okay...
Anyway, I'd say that the pump has many advantages over a semi.
1. Pump doesn't jam with light loads or when dirty (unless REALLY dirty)
2. Pump is inherently safer; without fumbling, you can open the chamber and keep the gun from discharging, and fully unload it with little effort. When it's open, it's obvious from all angles.
3. Pump needs cleaning less often, and it's less work to clean it when you do. (Benelli semiautos are an exception, or at least they stay a lot cleaner and are a lot simpler than gas-operated semis)
4. A good, reliable pump is readily available brand new, Made in USA, for low $200s to low $300s.
5. Shucking a pump shotgun is pretty easy to do fast. Takes a lot less effort and practice than shooting a lever or bolt gun fast.
6. Pump guns are typicall a little lighter. When you use them for hunting, or add a lot of heavy tactical goodies, lighter is better!
7. You can swap barrels from NFA 10" to 34" for geese without any worry about feed problems and no modifications, adjustments or tweaks of any kind.
8. Folding and collapsible stocks, as well as short youth stocks go on all pumps. Some semis have buffer tubes and springs that extend into the buttstock, limiting your options significantly.
The semi has a few things going for it, though.
1. Multiple shots with no pumping.
2. Lower recoil (except Benellis without add-on features; you have to pay the price for easier and less critical cleaning somewhere, right?)
3. More options for where you can put your forward hand. This can be a HUGE advantage for hunting and clay shooting, a lot more than it would sound like.
Semis are great if you need what they have to offer. Pumps aren't "better." But they can be a better choice.
RNB65
Member
That's the one thing I always keep in mind whenever I pick up a pumpgun -- pump it hard. Hard back and hard forward. If you short shuck it in the middle of a gunfight, you're dead.
Gary G23
Member
I lost a three gun match Sunday because I borrowed a friends automatic instead of using my pump gun. The damn thing malfunctioned three times in nine rounds. Never again will I make this mistake.
Quintin Likely
Member
If that isn't a goofy, ignorant statement, I don't know what is.
The target downrange won't know the difference whether it got shot by an autoloader or a pump gun. Rock whatever works for you.
AStone
Member
Just remember to keep your hand well up on the fore end, with no fingers hanging off the rear that could get caught in between fore end and receiver.
But the good news is, you'll only do it once.
Aside from that, I agree with others: gimme a pump any day.
Nem
RioShooter
Member
Agreed. I shoot skeet with a pump and am unaware of actually pumping the gun. It's totally automatic.
Get a pump.
Loonie,
I am something of a newbie myself, hoping to get back in to hunting and other pastimes after an extended hiatus. Although I once owned a Winchester Model 59 (wish I still had it) and currently have a cheap 20 ga. O/U, I'm going to go with a pump for the following reasons:
1) Cheap. You can buy several pump shotguns for the price of a good auto or O/U. More experienced shooters may offer valid opinions on the superiority of other choices, but that could lead to a more expensive mistake for you.
2) Operating a pump is a skill every man should have. Pumps are ubiquitous and if you should ever have to borrow a shotgun, for hunting or suvival or whatever, it will probably be a pump.
3) Versatility. If you do decide to eventually go with an auto or O/U for whatever more specialized use you have in mind, the pump is easily adaptable for other uses, such as home defense or deer hunting.
These are my reasons for deciding to go with a pump shotgun and I invite the more experienced on this board to throw darts at them. I am willing to learn.
Loonie,
I am something of a newbie myself, hoping to get back in to hunting and other pastimes after an extended hiatus. Although I once owned a Winchester Model 59 (wish I still had it) and currently have a cheap 20 ga. O/U, I'm going to go with a pump for the following reasons:
1) Cheap. You can buy several pump shotguns for the price of a good auto or O/U. More experienced shooters may offer valid opinions on the superiority of other choices, but that could lead to a more expensive mistake for you.
2) Operating a pump is a skill every man should have. Pumps are ubiquitous and if you should ever have to borrow a shotgun, for hunting or suvival or whatever, it will probably be a pump.
3) Versatility. If you do decide to eventually go with an auto or O/U for whatever more specialized use you have in mind, the pump is easily adaptable for other uses, such as home defense or deer hunting.
These are my reasons for deciding to go with a pump shotgun and I invite the more experienced on this board to throw darts at them. I am willing to learn.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
The Archives have lots on this. A couple points fast....
Expertise with any platform is mandatory. Whatever you get, shoot it plenty.
There's no shotguns perfect for all shooters and missions. A pump can come close, but please try out some different shotguns and see what works for thee.
Net forums are fun and a great resource, but nothing beats hands on.
Expertise with any platform is mandatory. Whatever you get, shoot it plenty.
There's no shotguns perfect for all shooters and missions. A pump can come close, but please try out some different shotguns and see what works for thee.
Net forums are fun and a great resource, but nothing beats hands on.
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