Pump Action

Status
Not open for further replies.
yes...very reliable and many models for different applications. pick one that is the best fit for what you're using it for
 
You will have to explain what is concerning you before anyone can answer that question? "Need to know" is a strange question when it comes to a shotgun. Here's one thing, don't shoot yourself!! Sorry, J/K LOL
 
Forgot about that I want somthing that can be used for duck hunting and just playing around with. May not be able to get some stuff where I live.
 
You need to know what gauge you want, how they work, and what you intend to use it for, then you need to handle a few to see how they fit and feel to you.

Admittedly there will be some who read this question and want to say "all you need to know is how to say 'eight-seventy'..." :rolleyes:

They might be right though... :)

Shotguns have a tendency to multiply, so hold onto your wallet and keep an eye on the safe. :D


gp911
 
For duck hunting and just playing around with, I'd be hard pressed to recommend any new pump other than Remington 870 Express 12 gauge with a 26" or 28" barrel. If you could find a used 870, you'd probably be in good shape too. The main reason I say 12 gauge is that you'll have a better selection of ammo for it vs. a 20 gauge.

A Mossberg 500 in a similar configuration would probably work fine as well. Better if you are a lefty.

There honestly isn't much to know in the beginning without some hands-on time. It would be helpful if someone could help you figure out how it fits you, but that's hard to know without either some experience or help. I don't think you can really describe it. There are varying qualities and prices of pump shotguns, but really the best value is the simple 870. It's a proven design and it's affordable. Some will say the Mossberg is the same.
 
If you want to use it for duck hunting I would suggest a Mossberg Model 835 since you specified you want a pump shotgun. It can fire 3.5" Magnum shells and the #62145 model has their new Advantage Max-4 camouflage finish.

If you would rather a Remington then you might want to look at the Model 870 Super Magnum XCS. It comes Stock with their SpeedFeed I shell holding stock and Mossy Oak Duck Blind camo. Their Model 870 Express Super Mag Waterfowl model isn't bad either but I think the XCS is the better of the two.

I like the Mossberg better but it's all a matter of choice, both companies make fine products.
 
Last edited:
Mr. Brown16, I do suggest that you go to the sticky on the top of the thread about "Old TFL threads", and scroll down the list to read the one titled "The Big Four". This will give you a basic intro to the Remington, Winchester, Mossberg, and Ithaca options.

I have a Remington 870, a Winchester 1300, and a Mossberg Maverick 88 (cheaper version of the 500). All are very capable pump action shotguns, and each represents the base model.

I would recommend avoiding Chinese shotguns and stick with the well known manufacturers like Remington, Winchester, Mossberg, Ithaca, and Browning. Check out what is available at your local stores to see what fits you best and what suits you best as far as controls go.
 
Just one thing to know.... MOSSBERG....:D I like the Mossy I own, a M500, for waterfowling. I really prefer it anyway over the 870 I had. The 870 will work, but the express models are rather rust prone. I got mine in camo, really a tough finish. I hunt mostly bays and salt marsh down here and they're really tough on a gun. I've had my 500 for going on 20 years now and it's still shootin' strong and lookin' good, well, a little scratched here and there, but not rusty.

I shoot lefty so I'm biased with the tang safety, though. I can shoot with a crossbolt safety, have that on my Winchester autoloader I'm taking with me this weekend along with my side by side for the opening of dove season, but I really do prefer a tang safety and the Mossberg has that.

If I had the money, I'd buy a Browning BPS in a heartbeat. Well, truth be told, I'd probably get a Mossberg 935 autoloader, but I'd love to have a BPS. As pumps go, that's my top of the line, bestest, most favorite. It combines the SUPER smooth Ithaca action with a tang safety. You won't find a smoother operating pump anywhere in the world. It makes the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 look like chinese junk by comparison. It's just sorta high for a pump. I can get an auto like the 935 for similar money. I bought a few guns last year so I'm building my gun fund back up. I might go shotgun shopping again in the future and who knows, but I've really been thinking 935 autoloader lately for waterfowl only. I have a 2 3/4" only Winchester autoloader. What I like about autoloaders, gas guns, is the light recoil. That would really help with 3" loads and the 935 will shoot 3.5" also. I might retire the old 500 if I get a 935, but I don't think I'll sell it. I don't like selling guns anymore unless I don't like the gun and I cannot say that about the 500. Besides, everyone needs at least one pump and you can't have too many shotguns. :D

BTW, I don't know if I'd ever use 3.5" even if I get a 3.5" gun and even on geese. 3" heavy shot is about as effective as it gets, more effective than any 3.5" steel loads. Yeah, the ammo is a might expensive, but you don't shoot THAT much on geese, not like I do on ducks during a season, anyway. You can find 2 3/4" steel that is capable on ducks, much less 3" steel. I don't even know if Canada has steel shot/non-toxic laws, though, but I'm just sayin' I don't need no stinkin' 3.5". I might play with some on geese if I ever get a 3.5" gun, but I don't need that at all for ducks over decoys. The 835 is a good gun, though. If you go that route, get a 24" barrel so it'll balance more like a 500, shorter, lighter action gun. I have a 28" 500, but the extra 4" of barrel is not necessary.
 
Last edited:
As a fellow "Big Guy" (6'4" and getting ever closer to 300#) I REALLY like the 835. It seems to fit me better than most other pumps I've handled, and everyone else who shoots it seems to comment on how large it feels. It may just be a perception stemming from the way the gun is set up, but it FITS, and that's all that really matters.

I shoot 3.5s at geese every fall. Sometimes (at the outer limits of effective range) the 3" shells just won't get it done, while the 3.5's haul 'em down. The overbored 835 also seems to pattern big-payload loads better than the standard-bore 12g guns.

I've got at least a few thousand rounds through mine without any problems that a good cleaning wouldn't fix.
 
A pump is a simple to operate, time-tested, reliable action and you are wise in selecting it. There is nothing to know except rack the slide and you're ready to shoot...BTW, I don't like auto/semi-auto anythings (long guns, handguns, transmissions, etc.) so I may be a tad biased.
 
Very helpful posts.

Thanks for your responses fellas. I, too, am a shotgun newbie. And your input is super valuable. I'll check the sticky and see if any of my friends have a 870 or Mossberg for me to try out. Most likely I'll use it for self defense and will take some courses with it.

Keep them coming.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top