Will pump-action centerfire rifles ever make a comeback?

[tactikel]

Pump action shotguns emerged prior to the war (WW I). 100’s of thousands were sold, were affordable, worked well, and were robust. After the war (WW II) millions of veterans came back familiar with pump action shotguns (rail cars of surplus .30-06 ammo was for sale cheap). A pump action.30-06 deer rifle was embraced. Those days are long gone. An AR-15 or an AR-10 will do anything a Remington pump will do, more accurately, reliably, lighter, and cheaper. The pump action rifle is a fine hunting choice, best choice for the 1960s.

 

[bluejeans]

I grew up shooting pumps.. still have win 1890, 1906 and a rem 760 30-06 carbine. I’d really like to see a modern colt lightning in .357

 

[Miami_JBT]

Two classic fudd blasters that were always outliers that had and still have a fanatical support base.





Remington 7600 chambered in .30-06 Springfield.





Browning BLR Lightweight '81 chambered in .308 Winchester.

The modern bolt-action blows both of 'em out of the water in lightweight portability and sub-MOA accuracy. Yeah, the Remington Mennonite Machine Gun has a free float barrel that can do some great stuff. And the Mormon inspired Miroku is a smooth as silk lever-action with a slick throw. But both are outclassed by modern production rifles.

And I'm fine with that. Guns like these will stay popular for the shooter that is bored with modern production. And eventually, Browning will retire the BLR like how Remington retired the 7600.

 

[Miami_JBT]

Pump action shotguns emerged prior to the war (WW I). 100’s of thousands were sold, were affordable, worked well, and were robust. After the war (WW II) millions of veterans came back familiar with pump action shotguns (rail cars of surplus .30-06 ammo was for sale cheap). A pump action.30-06 deer rifle was embraced. Those days are long gone. An AR-15 or an AR-10 will do anything a Remington pump will do, more accurately, reliably, lighter, and cheaper. The pump action rifle is a fine hunting choice, best choice for the 1960s.

Doughboys and GIs came home with different wants and desires after their conflicts. After WWI, the bolt-action reigned supreme and after WWII, the semi-automatic started to claw away that market. Remington, Browning, and Winchester all had their own designs.

The pump, prior to WWI was Remington's claim to fame. Much he same way the lever was for Winchester. But both designed superb bolt-actions that evolved into what we have today.

The pump, like the lever, took a back seat. But unlike the rise and dominance of thr bolt-action. The lever stayed due to pop culture keeping it on the forefront due to westerns. Winchester and Marlin rode that wave.

There wasn't a film titled "Remington 14" like there was "Winchester '73."

 

[Mosin77]

Another thought. Nowadays if someone wants the “experience” of a powerful pump, a 12g is readily available and affordable. This probably dissuades most from considering a centerfire pump rifle unless nostalgia or local laws make it especially desirable.

Ex: I could go buy one for $500-1000, but realistically I could go take my Mossberg to the range with a box of high brass shells and it will probably give me much the same workout, so not a huge motivation to search out a nice 760.

 

[LoonWulf]

Another thought. Nowadays if someone wants the “experience” of a powerful pump, a 12g is readily available and affordable. This probably dissuades most from considering a centerfire pump rifle unless nostalgia or local laws make it especially desirable.

Ex: I could go buy one for $500-1000, but realistically I could go take my Mossberg to the range with a box of high brass shells and it will probably give me much the same workout, so not a huge motivation to search out a nice 760.

Yeah, id love a centerfire pump rifle, but im not paying going rate for one.

So untill i run across something way under valued, this will have to do.

 

[ilbob]

Short answer is not unless the laws change enough to make them popular for some reason.

 

[Big7]

Not sure I would spend the money like I have for lever actions and they ain't any better, really.
Rephrase: I'm quite sure I wouldn't buy one and I'll buy just about any functioning firearm, unless, of course, I
knew for sure I could sell it for a handsome profit.

 

[crestoncowboy]

No. They are inferior in every way.

When a hemi cuda or old Harley comes up for sale it sells quick and not cheap.... but again, it's inferior in every way to current things and if you tried to sell either one new you would go broke. People buy because few are left. Not because they are or even were.... ever the best.

Edit....I'll add i have one 30-06 and several rimfire pump rifles.

 

[crestoncowboy]

Doughboys and GIs came home with different wants and desires after their conflicts. After WWI, the bolt-action reigned supreme and after WWII, the semi-automatic started to claw away that market. Remington, Browning, and Winchester all had their own designs.

The pump, prior to WWI was Remington's claim to fame. Much he same way the lever was for Winchester. But both designed superb bolt-actions that evolved into what we have today.

The pump, like the lever, took a back seat. But unlike the rise and dominance of thr bolt-action. The lever stayed due to pop culture keeping it on the forefront due to westerns. Winchester and Marlin rode that wave.

There wasn't a film titled "Remington 14" like there was "Winchester '73."

I think the lever rifles were helped far more by the rifleman and Virginian and every old western made. Matt Dillon and rooster etc etc.

As far as modern rifles selling.... most today never saw that 50s movie. I don't think "winchester 73" is selling anymore lever action rifles today than vanishing point is selling challengers or misery is selling hammers or dirty Harry is selling n frames.

I like lever guns. Have many in my collection. I think the lever is far superior to the pump. Modern semi auto is superior to the lever. For power bolt is pretty well perfected. Ive never finished Winchester 73. (Hated magnificent 7 both versions). Lol.


Shotguns I prefer a pump despite owning several of all actions. And knowing full well that semi auto is superior to pump nowdays. I also drive around on a bike that's outdated and inferior and drive a 79 f150 all the time around home despite having 10 or so trucks right up to 2022 that are worlds better trucks. Not even in the same category lol

So I get the love for pump rifles. The only one I have any love for is the old gallery gun type rimfires. Some people listen to vinyl despite several generations of better music platforms. Nostalgia maybe. Idk.

 

[Miami_JBT]

I think the lever rifles were helped far more by the rifleman and Virginian and every old western made. Matt Dillon and rooster etc etc.

As far as modern rifles selling.... most today never saw that 50s movie. I don't think "winchester 73" is selling anymore lever action rifles today than vanishing point is selling challengers or misery is selling hammers or dirty Harry is selling n frames.

I like lever guns. Have many in my collection. I think the lever is far superior to the pump. Modern semi auto is superior to the lever. For power bolt is pretty well perfected. Ive never finished Winchester 73. (Hated magnificent 7 both versions). Lol.


Shotguns I prefer a pump despite owning several of all actions. And knowing full well that semi auto is superior to pump nowdays. I also drive around on a bike that's outdated and inferior and drive a 79 f150 all the time around home despite having 10 or so trucks right up to 2022 that are worlds better trucks. Not even in the same category lol

So I get the love for pump rifles. The only one I have any love for is the old gallery gun type rimfires. Some people listen to vinyl despite several generations of better music platforms. Nostalgia maybe. Idk.

Winchester '73 was simply an example of how the western genre as a whole sold the image of the lever-action. Same happened with Colt 1873s. Every western pretty much shows a Colt SAA being used. Never mind the fact that during that time period. The SAA was easily outsold by small concealable pocket pistols like S&W Top-Breaks and their clones. Plus, all the surplus cap 'n ball guns and their conversions.

But the magic of Hollywood makes everyone think that the lever action and the SAA were the guns that won the west. When in reality, it was surplus single shot muskets converted to shotguns and if a handgun was in play, it was typically a surplus cap 'n ball since they were cheap.

Hollywood did the same for WWI. Everyone thinks all the Doughboys went over the top with a M1903, when in reality it was the M1917 that out outnumbered the M1903.

Pump rifles, never got the Hollywood treatment, period. As I said, there never was a film titled "Remington Model 14" like there was a film titled "Winchester '73." And that's because by the time "Winchester '73" came out, Hollywood was cemented in using the lever-action.

And that was a budget reason too. Hollywood loved t use the Remington 3-in-1 blank cartridge, which became the 5-in-1 blank cartrirdge. 5-in-1 blanks can be used in firearms chambered for the .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, .45 Colt, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum because, although the bores differ in diameter, the chambers are of similar shape.

They were originally called 3-in-1 blanks for the three weapon calibers in which they are fired, namely .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, and .45 Colt. Winchester lever-actions were commonly chambered in .44-40 Winchester and revolvers were commonly chambered in .45 Colt. But, one blank could be used on set. Making production costs cheaper.

 

[benEzra]

After reading this thread, I happened to run across an ad for a new pump-action AR in a gun magazine. AR-based rifles are a lot less expensive to make than a new-production 7600-style rifle would be.

 

[crestoncowboy]

Winchester '73 was simply an example of how the western genre as a whole sold the image of the lever-action. Same happened with Colt 1873s. Every western pretty much shows a Colt SAA being used. Never mind the fact that during that time period. The SAA was easily outsold by small concealable pocket pistols like S&W Top-Breaks and their clones. Plus, all the surplus cap 'n ball guns and their conversions.

But the magic of Hollywood makes everyone think that the lever action and the SAA were the guns that won the west. When in reality, it was surplus single shot muskets converted to shotguns and if a handgun was in play, it was typically a surplus cap 'n ball since they were cheap.

Hollywood did the same for WWI. Everyone thinks all the Doughboys went over the top with a M1903, when in reality it was the M1917 that out outnumbered the M1903.

Pump rifles, never got the Hollywood treatment, period. As I said, there never was a film titled "Remington Model 14" like there was a film titled "Winchester '73." And that's because by the time "Winchester '73" came out, Hollywood was cemented in using the lever-action.

And that was a budget reason too. Hollywood loved t use the Remington 3-in-1 blank cartridge, which became the 5-in-1 blank cartrirdge. 5-in-1 blanks can be used in firearms chambered for the .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, .45 Colt, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum because, although the bores differ in diameter, the chambers are of similar shape.

They were originally called 3-in-1 blanks for the three weapon calibers in which they are fired, namely .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, and .45 Colt. Winchester lever-actions were commonly chambered in .44-40 Winchester and revolvers were commonly chambered in .45 Colt. But, one blank could be used on set. Making production costs cheaper.

View attachment 1218585

View attachment 1218586

I'm just saying that most gun buyers today saw John wick... not even John Mclain much less John Wayne. I'm in my 40s and I'm old compared to most. Majority saw the gun they wanted on a video game now.

Just yesterday I had someone came over wanting their first gun. Dying to shoot a 1911. They did. Didn't really like the kick. Then I let them shoot a Beretta 92. I Mentone lethal weapon and die hard..... never heard of that. Then a 226 and usp. Knew those from a video game but didn't want such an old design from the 90s rainbow six era......


They weren't impressed when I asked where the hell they thought the 1911 name came from. Apparently the under 25 didn't even play the ww2 call of duty games.

No clue what they will buy. Everything "kicked" too much. Lol. Hit better with a glock though.

 

[Miami_JBT]

I'm just saying that most gun buyers today saw John wick... not even John Mclain much less John Wayne. I'm in my 40s and I'm old compared to most. Majority saw the gun they wanted on a video game now.

Just yesterday I had someone came over wanting their first gun. Dying to shoot a 1911. They did. Didn't really like the kick. Then I let them shoot a Beretta 92. I Mentone lethal weapon and die hard..... never heard of that. Then a 226 and usp. Knew those from a video game but didn't want such an old design from the 90s rainbow six era......


They weren't impressed when I asked where the hell they thought the 1911 name came from. Apparently the under 25 didn't even play the ww2 call of duty games.

No clue what they will buy. Everything "kicked" too much. Lol. Hit better with a glock though.

Hollywood and pop culture in general is still pumping popularity into the lever gun.

Yellowstone, Jurassic World, Longmire, Red Dead Redemption 2 are some recent examples.

 

[Miami_JBT]

After reading this thread, I happened to run across an ad for a new pump-action AR in a gun magazine. AR-based rifles are a lot less expensive to make than a new-production 7600-style rifle would be.

View attachment 1218592

Made for Aussie Gun Ban Work-Around. And that rifle being advertised comes to around $879.42 US. A used Remington 7600 or 760 is around that price range.

Troy Industries made a pump-action AR for American Ban States.



It sold about as you'd expect. It was an absolute failure.

Americans want AR-15s, not pump-action clones of 'em.

 

[Enfieldier]

Winchester '73 was simply an example of how the western genre as a whole sold the image of the lever-action. Same happened with Colt 1873s. Every western pretty much shows a Colt SAA being used. Never mind the fact that during that time period. The SAA was easily outsold by small concealable pocket pistols like S&W Top-Breaks and their clones. Plus, all the surplus cap 'n ball guns and their conversions.

But the magic of Hollywood makes everyone think that the lever action and the SAA were the guns that won the west. When in reality, it was surplus single shot muskets converted to shotguns and if a handgun was in play, it was typically a surplus cap 'n ball since they were cheap.

Hollywood did the same for WWI. Everyone thinks all the Doughboys went over the top with a M1903, when in reality it was the M1917 that out outnumbered the M1903.

Pump rifles, never got the Hollywood treatment, period. As I said, there never was a film titled "Remington Model 14" like there was a film titled "Winchester '73." And that's because by the time "Winchester '73" came out, Hollywood was cemented in using the lever-action.

And that was a budget reason too. Hollywood loved t use the Remington 3-in-1 blank cartridge, which became the 5-in-1 blank cartrirdge. 5-in-1 blanks can be used in firearms chambered for the .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, .45 Colt, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum because, although the bores differ in diameter, the chambers are of similar shape.

They were originally called 3-in-1 blanks for the three weapon calibers in which they are fired, namely .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, and .45 Colt. Winchester lever-actions were commonly chambered in .44-40 Winchester and revolvers were commonly chambered in .45 Colt. But, one blank could be used on set. Making production costs cheaper.

View attachment 1218585

View attachment 1218586

I picked up some fired 5 in 1 blanks in the hills above Santa Clarita CA in years past, undoubtedly dropped in one of the uncounted movies and TV shows filmed in the hills and canyons over the decades. I came across one of the cases the other day in my junk drawer.

 

[Spats McGee]

For whatever reason, I've never been able to warm up to either pump action rifles or lever action shotguns. They probably work just fine and it may be wholly irrational on my part, but it is what it is.

 

[4v50 Gary]

If it's done, it should be detachable box magazine like on the pump action AR (for Kaliforniastan and New York). Same center of gravity (no shifting of center b/c of bullets moving down a magazine tube) and ability to use spire pointed bullets in it. I know the French had a unique way of addressing it but no one is going to design a new cartridge just so it can be tubular magazine fed.

 

[gwpercle]

I was thinking ... there is no way pumps would ever make a comback ... But ...
It Hit me ... if semi-auto's are ever outlawed ... the Pump and the Lever guns will be right on top !

Lets hope that doesn't happen !
Gary

 

[Picher]

In over 60 years of hunting, I've never owned any other type of action but bolt-actions and have owned about 4 dedicated deer rifles, starting with the honorable 30-06 and now, the .270 Win, which shoots flatter and hits a bit harder, due to fast-opening ammo, yet great penetration. I'm on my second .270 Win, after having a couple of '06s. I find that the .270 Win, having slightly-higher velocity tends to produce quicker kills, yet is just as accurate as the '06. It also has slightly-faster and more ballistically efficient projectiles, tending to drop less at longer, (yet sane) ranges. The .270 also has adequate power to kill moose and I had a one-shot kill at a moving bull moose at about 260 yards down a haul road. It was a quick shot, taken while sitting on my folding stool, barely getting to him in the lungs, before being protected by thick woods that framed the road.