Shotguns... pump? Semi-auto?

[Tony 270WSM]

Was looking at the sales flyer for Cabela's and wonder what are the stregths and weaknesses of a pump vs semi-auto. I've shot a Remington 870 before and liked the feel of it. The Mossberg 835 is the same price. Which would you consider better and why?

Then theres the Remmy SPR 453 and a couple Tristar semi-autos. Why would you take a semi over a pump or the other way around?

Have shot a few pumps, but don't know the pros or cons of them and the semis. Any advice?

[fishing is for fools]

   I like a pump for duck hunting because I'm good for one drop in the mud

[ducks55]

I just switched from semi-auto to pump. I loved shooting my semi-auto because it was not as long between shots but as it got older it wouldnt eject sometimes. My new pump is great though, its a Mossberg 500. Pumps are alot cheaper than semi-autos and you can get a better quality pump for the same price as a lower end semi-auto. I paid $200 for my Mossberg 500 and it works great. My dad has the 835 and likes it too. Its really up to what you want to shoot and the price range youre looking in. Also look at different guns and pick the one that fits you best. Good luck finding a new one.

[road.kill]

the remington 870 has been a trusted name in the shotgun world for a long time, i personally dont own one but know lots of people that do and they all like it

[300rum]

If you like an 870 and want to go auto try an 11-87 or an 1100.  I love the older 1100's for looks but have an 11-87 in 3.5".  The 11-87 shoots and points just like an 870.  It took probably 500 rounds to break in the 11-87, it had some trouble ejecting low base shells prior to 500, but i have no issues now.  I have never had a failure with high base rounds, just the low base rounds until broken in.  Keep the 11-87 clean, which is easy, you can clean the action in 5 minutes, and you will enjoy it if you like Remington shotguns.

I disdain mosbergs myself, I bought one when they first came out with the 3.5 12ga, 15-20 years ago    and it was junk, the receiver showed way too much wear way too quickly, within 1000 rounds.  The finish and blue was terrible and I have noticed it on other mossbergs as well.  In my mind there is no comparison.

[smdave]

I like the pump because I go through way less shells when I am out hunting then when I take the SA. 

Dave

[300rum]

You may shoot less rounds but they don't die of heart attacks!

[wadu1]

270, I shoot the frorunner of the SPR 453, MP-153 Baikal when I got mine they were under $280. I have never had one go down on me, for the price you can use them to paddle when the motor goes south. I also will use a 1100 for decoying birds and I have a Tristar Viper that has not been in a blind yet. As for 870's out of 6 that I have owned I had one that worked all the time. If you are concerned about ammo cost, get it at the end of season and save it for next year. I still have a bunch I got at Wally-world for under half price.

 

[boneaddict]

I had an 870 and it had the smoothest action EVER.  I sold it, the biggest regret ever, never sell a gun, and then bought a Browning Gold.  Its a great gun but gets fouled fairly easy.  Pros and cons.   I like the pump as its less likely to jam.  I think you lose a little power also with the auto.

[ducks55]

I agree on the older mossbergs being a little on the crappy side but I hust bought a new one yesterday and it seems to be built way better and for $200 you cant beat it. For a little more though an 870 would probably be a better option. The 1100 is what i had and it was an older model, it worked for years until it decided to retire this year. its really just based on what you like more than anything

[Bofire]

An 870 wingmaster and an express handle way different. look em over.
870 is the best pump gun built
Carl

[Rick]

I started bird hunting with a an 870. I used it for a long time and decided I wanted to shoot 3 1/2" shells. Sold the 870 and bought a Mossberg 835.

I HATED the 835. The ported barrel made it REALLY loud. I'd come back from hunting with ringing ears every time. I used it for about a year and sold it and bought another 870.

The 835 is even worse when you're standing next to someone shooting it. I won't even hunt with someone shooting an 835 anymore.

I think semi autos are a crutch for alot of guys. They can't shoot worth a crap,so they think throwing more lead will help them. 

[Gutpile]

As for 870's out of 6 that I have owned I had one that worked all the time.

6 870`s and only one worked? Nothing would compell me to believe that. I'm calling bs. Sorry. 6? Not one or two but 6? You just kept buying and buying until you found a good one? 

[jackelope]

Which would you consider better and why?

the remington because it's a remington.

[Ray]

I sold my first 870 back in 1994. Well I went and bought another one to replace it this year.

I also have a semi auto shotgun which is good. I will probably be using my 870 more than my semi auto though. The semi auto is not really that much of an advantage... It's the shooter that counts.

I couldn't think of any other shotgun than the 870 which has been used in so many different applications reliably. I'd even guess that there are more of these in circulation than any other shotgun.