Which Pump Gun Is The Best?

[Mr. T]

I'm just looking for opinions as to which gun is the best in people's opinion.

 

[GunsBeerFreedom]

The big 4 (Mossberg 500, Rem 870, Win1200/1300, and Ithaca 37) are all pretty interchangeable and are mostly a matter of personal choice. I find the Charles Daly line pretty nice as well, and the Benelli nova is great as well. In the end, it mostly boils down to what feels best for you.

EDIT: WOW, I did pretty good for not seeing the poll.

 

[Tim the student]

Hard to say, I think they are all quality guns. I voted the 870 though - all the ones I have seen at the range, and that I, and my family own all work well and haven't had the rough chamber issue. Maybe its just sentimentality talking for me personally.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

If you want to save some $, go take a look at the Parder Pump 12 gauge. Its a copy of the 870 design only:
> made using arguably better materials
> 5 round magazine standard
> drilled and tapped out of the box
> 3" magnum chamber standard
> costs ~$200 brand new

Buying one saves you lots of cash for practice ammo and extras over buying most any other new pump shotgun.

As far as reliability, reviews across the board report very consistent quality. I think I've read maybe one or two post mentioning a problem with a PP 12 gauge, as opposed to 5-10 reporting problems with new 870's.

 

[Southpaw 02]

IMO you left the best one out. The Ithaca 37

 

[Dave McCracken]

870's my personal choice, but any of the Big Four will have me well equipped.

 

[19-3Ben]

I voted 870, but the question really needs more details. Best in what way?
Durability? 870.
Smoothness? In my experience, the 1300 wins.
Accuracy with slugs? In my experience, the Mossberg 500 wins.

There are pros and cons to each, and within each one of these, individual guns will differ from others of the same make and model (ie. I have a Mossberg that happens to be exceptionally accurate and can't really represent the entire group.)

 

[reckless carolinian]

Should have included the 37.

 

[chas08]

I voted 870 of the choices in the poll. Had model 12's, 37's and 31's been included, it would have been a lot harder to choose.

 

[deacon8]

If it was a "Wingmaster," I would choose the 870. Otherwise, I would be tempted to vote for the Model 12, but it isn't on there.

 

[bushmaster1313]

You left out:

Winchester Model 12
Remngton 31
Ithaca Model 37

But the all time "Best" is the one that you will practice with the most!

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Depends on the application.

Bird hunting: Remington 870

Home defense: Mossberg 500

 

[MAX100]

My opinion.

870 older used
Mossberg 590A1 18.5" barrel
Hawk 982
Pardner Protector
BPS
Savage Stevens 350 ghost ring sights, very slick action - Ithaca 37 style shotgun - Very well made and the best deal out of the bunch.


GC

 

[Guns and more]

As far as reliability, I'd call it a tie between the 500 and the 870. I give the nod to the Mossberg safety, although I don't like the action release on the 500. Since the 500 is a bit cheaper, I'd go with the Mossberg. (and I did)

 

[monduconstruct]

I wish I knew more about the Ithaca 37's ... seems like people are saying great things about them, both here and in other threads. It's funny that people seem to be recommending 870's but always with the qualifier that they're used and older models ... I guess their build quality is really suffering, at least in the eyes of the people here.

 

[EdLaver]

I am partial to the Winnie 1300, I have the Defender Speed Pump with the fiber optic front sight (don't make em anymore). Best pump I have used and I have tried em all. You can rack it and run it HARD and it will laugh at you asking "Is that all you got?"

 

[batmann]

I have used and shot most of the choices here and when it came to putting down my $$$$$$, I went with the Browning BPS. I have two, an 'engraved' model and new 'Tactical' model with extended mag and composite stock.
The reason I pick Browning over the Remington or the Mossy is they are still made out of steel. I like the bottom loading/eject, tang safety, the fit of the metal to wood (or composite) and the feel of the BPS. The down side is they are heavier because of the build, but I will give up a little weight for the quality. I have never had one let me down and the older one is my Goose and Duck gun and has made many a trip to the Sporting Clays range. The new 'Tactical' model is my HD shotgun, not much more I can say about trust and reliability.

 

[monduconstruct]

batmann - I just went to the Browning website and couldn't find their tactical model - think they still make it?

 

[SmokeyVol]

Winchester Model 12

 

[ByAnyMeans]

Winchester model 1300 speedpump, fastest smoothest pump I own. Love it so much I bought two, a long barrel for skeet and a short barrel defender for home defense.

 

[gotgcoalman]

have a 1300 and it beats any newer gun i have.

Never misfired or failed to feed.

If i ony had to own 1 gun it would be a 1300!

 

[bushmaster1313]

have a 1300 and it beats any newer gun i have.

Never misfired or failed to feed.

If i ony had to own 1 gun it would be a 1300!

better than a Model 12?

 

[KenW.]

Pre-'64 Winchester Model 12. As proven by the New York State Police at Attica.

Of thones you've listed, I'd choose the Moss. 500.

The 870 is a great skeet & trap gun, but the Mossberg is more durable in my opinion.

 

[fiddleharp]

How on earth could the Ithaca 37 have been left out of this poll?

 

[Al LaVodka]

500.
Reliability, ergonomics, options, price.
Duh.
Al