Over/Under or Pump

[Jimmy33]

I’m going to start upland game bird hunting. I’m curious what most people are using. Over and unders or pumps for Upland gamebird. Mainly chucker quail and huns


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[Duckslayer89]

I think it’s personal preference. I like to use my pump Benelli supernova. I just really like the gun and it’s tough. Plus you get 3 shots instead of two.

[10mmg]

For that stated purpose I would look for a light weight 20 gauge o/u with 28” barrels. Having choke flexibility is worth not having the 3 rd shot that is rarely needed in my opinion. Also I like #5 shot when i could run into anything from quail to pheasant. My browning super lite 20 is right at 5 pounds loaded. Makes is easier to trek over hill and dale

[Jpmiller]

Not that I'm an expert but I use an 870 and I can't remember ever firing the third shot upland, and only a handful of times for ducks. If I were to buy a new shotgun I'd probably look over under.

[metlhead]

As ugly as a pump is in the uplands, that is your best bet. Good chukar country will ruin any gun. Also, you will have days when the birds are scarce. Optimize your effort by having the extra shot for another bird. I routinely go through all three on a covey rise. Knowing it may be a few miles, or never, before finding more birds.

[CP]

Autoloader, pumping is hard work.

[Alex4200]

Here are a couple of things people don’t think about when buying a shotgun for hunting. #1 - Fit is the most important thing. #2 - What type of dog are you hunting with. For a pointing dog I hunt with a open choke. And behind a flusher I like hunting with two different chokes.

Some other thoughts. When hunting ducks I like a pump gun. They will work in any weather or other nasty condition. But I don’t like pumps while hunting uplands because they can tend to rattle when walking.

I like autos for chukar and quail. Not because of the extra shell. Because I have had many a late riser come up during reloading even if I only fired once.

When hunting wild pheasants (not released ones at WDFW sites) silence is probably the most important thing to keep in mind. From sloshing water bottles to rattling dog collars and guns that make unnecessary noise like racking a shell in. This is where I prefer o/u or sxs.

But whatever you chose, always remember #1. Gun fit is the most important.

[salish]

There have been so many times I was glad to have that third shot. My main upland quarry are chukar and valley quail, both can be tight holding birds and there have been many times that a late flushing bird has popped up after I've emptied a double. I have two sxs guns I love, especially for pheasant, but for covey birds I prefer a 3 shot gun. As for me, I hunt with ancient Model 12 nickel steel guns in 16ga. Built on a 20ga frame and very light weight. Sometimes I will use a vintage Remington Model 11 Sportsman in 20ga, also. I recently picked up a Mossberg 20ga Youth Turkey gun to use as a dedicated turkey gun, but since it's so light and short (5.5 lbs, 23" barrel) I bought an IC chole for it and I may try it for upland this season, just out of curiosity.

[jrebel]

I have never owned an O/U so it is very hard to compare.  I have always appreciated the Semi-auto and pump guns for the third shot, especially when targeting birds with coveys that typically allow you to shoot all three shots.  With that said....an O/U allows for a longer barrel or overall shorter gun due to the loss of the chamber.  Some of the O/U's are very light weight which would be great for humping chucker hills.  I also think an O/U has a certain nostalgia when hunting upland game. 

I would end with saying, there is no wrong answer.  Over time you will likely end up with both if you enjoy the sport.  Happy Hunting.   

[BD1]

pump all day long...I have several and I actually prefer my youth 870 20 gauge for upland because it is so light to pack and hits what I point it at...usually  With that said I would probably get a side by side or maybe an O/U just because I don't have either. However I do prefer a pump, but as has been stated, it is a personal choice.
Have fun and shoot straight 

[rainshadow1]

I've had an O/U since I was 11yo. I love that gun. I love handling most O/U's! But you're talking hard hiking in rocky stuff... Not the place for a pretty gun!

That said, they make ugly O/U's too!

Go someplace with lots of options and handle a few. You have to decide.

My son has kinda claimed my pretty PRETTY beretta from me, but if he was going off into the canyons after chuckar, I'd overrule him and make him take his Youth 870... even though he's bigger than me now! Light, fast, and who cares if it clatters down a rockslide! It'll still shoot, it's an 870!

[kselkhunter]

I like the O/U and S/S shotguns for upland.  I even use for waterfowl if I'm in a blind, sometimes.   I like the option of having a second choke as by the second shot the bird is farther away for that second shot typically so being able to have a second choke for longer distance is nice.   Plus I grew up using O/U and S/S shotguns for upland hunting, so just prefer to carry those.   I  use an old low cost Remington O/U for most of my hunting.   

[RobinHoodlum]

I am a 3 shot guy all day long. For me, the 2 choke advantage of a 2 barrel isn't worth not having a 3rd round ready to go for late flushing chukar and quail. Plus, I am somewhat new to upland, so still tend to whiff from time to time.

I mostly shoot autoloaders of which I shoot a Franchi and Benelli. But, I also have a few Ithaca Model 37 pumps that I love. All of these are fairly light and easy to carry all day.

As mentioned, you will slip, trip, and fall and bang up your gun chukar hunting, so consider this if your purchasing a new gun.

[Smokepole]

Not that I'm an expert but I use an 870 and I can't remember ever firing the third shot upland, and only a handful of times for ducks. If I were to buy a new shotgun I'd probably look over under.

Yup.  I've hunted lots of upland birds with the 870.  Too heavy and slow for Huns, chukars, and ruffed grouse.  It's okay for blue grouse and pheasant imho.  I used a Browning White Lightning Citori O/U 20, and the difference is huge.  If you want to pile up birds, look for a good double that's light in weight.  20 is my favorite.

[Duckslayer89]

Ya after thinking my girlfriends youth Benelli Nova 20 gauge would be really nice to carry all day

[sawyer]

For the last two years I used a 20 gauge 870 pump. This year i switched to a 20 gauge over and under. The over and under has been REMARKABLY better for grouse hunting. Its lighter, shorter and has a faster follow up shot.

Pumps are great, but grouse are fast and my over and under can be shot faster than my pumps. I'd recommend a over and under. I got the stevens 555

[ASHQUACK]

Go get one of each. I have all of them and use them all at different times.  Besides,  who doesn't want more guns in the safe?

[10Key]

Weight is important if you are covering ground, lighter, the better. I have a 20 gage o/u and is light as heck. I couldn't imagine carrying a pump. That being said, the third shot would be nice. If I were to do it again, I'd consider a 20 auto-loaDer, they make some slick, light set ups these days.

[NW-GSP]

As others have said it depends on the hunting. I like a sxs, they swing nice for upland and having two different chokes is handy.

Chukar and quail do not always flush all at once so I can quickly reload two shells compared to a pump or auto loader.

[b23]

Pros and cons to all of them that is for sure.  My first when I was a kid was a Win. model 12 16ga. my dad gave me.  Sold that a long time ago and bought a Beretta AL2 12ga and had that ever since.  My dad was always and over/under guy.  Get something decent in any of the three types, go shoot the he11 out of it, and you'll have years of pleasure from it.

If beauty is what you're after, when it comes to firearms of any kind, to me, there is nothing sexier looking than a fine Over/Under.  Just something about them does it for me.  Kinda strange though because it's one of the few guns I've never personally owned.  Shot lots of them just never owned one. 

[wadu1]

I run all three depending on the situation. Upland I would carry an O/U and dump in two fresh shells ASAP. The O/U will give you choke flexibility as @10mmg said, and they tend to swing better. I've gotten a triple on geese shooting a SXS just load fast. Pumps are OK but overall length is longer which means heaver. Auto's are fine and not as heavy as pumps, actions are lighter but you still have the extra length. As @Alex4200 said "Gun fit is the most important" as a NRA certified Shotgun instructor I agree 100%. And for what it's worth, I prefer a 28ga for quail, grouse and pheasant. 

[mcrawfordaf]

Have only used an O/U but I love my CZ Ultralight. Damn things only 6lbs, you can hardly tell your packing it. And its nothing fancy or engraved you have to worry about dirtying and dinging  climbing up chukar cover.

[lovetogrouse]

I've been thinking about getting the ultralight. What gauge did you go with and how much did you get it for?

[mcrawfordaf]

I ended up getting a 12ga but more so due to availability. I initially wanted a 20ga but couldn't find one. Got one used for $700, from someone off this site actually.

[lovetogrouse]

Good to know, thanks!

[salish]

Weight is important if you are covering ground, lighter, the better. I have a 20 gage o/u and is light as heck. I couldn't imagine carrying a pump. That being said, the third shot would be nice. If I were to do it again, I'd consider a 20 auto-loaDer, they make some slick, light set ups these days.

This summer I purchased a dedicated turkey gun. It's a 20ga Mossberg youth turkey gun, a pump. The barrel is 22" and the gun is 5-1/4 lbs. It has spacers on the stock to extend LOP to 13", and I added a slip-on recoil pad for a little more. The gun is a scaled down version of the Model 500 designed to fit youth of adults of smaller stature. Since I'm only 5'7" it fits me really well. I hadn't planned on using this for anything but gobblers, but it's so light and handy I may try it in the chukar hills this season. As for it's aesthetics, it can't hold a candle to my old classic upland guns, but the pragmatist in me is wanting to give it a go. Eventually, it's going to wear a red dot for turkey, but this year I think I'm going to see how it works for upland.

[JDHasty]

"Mainly chucker quail and huns"

Easy choice.  Ithaca 37 20 ga pump or BUL 20 ga semi auto 25 or 26 inch barrel.  I had a Beretta 626 that was an absolute thing of beauty, but the novelty wore off fairly quickly.  Light weight 20 ga repeaters are tops for covey birds.  Don't get anything with the safety in the front of the trigger guard, make sure the safety is located in the back of the trigger guard close to your other three fingers to help keep your finger warm when it is cold out.  Why anyone would put the safety out there where your trigger freezes is beyond me.   

   

[nwwanderer]

Really like the two barrels for safety and function, you know that barrel is clear every time you open it and not many things to go wrong.  I would certainly go with the fit and feel advice first and for upland one you do not mind abusing, think chukars and basalt cliffs, makes sense.  I have a benelli nova that seems indestructible and will shoot any thing I stuff in it.  Good hunting!!!

[PaulM]

I agree with 10mmg. I have the browning superlight as well but in a 12 gauge. I have 26 inch barrels. Swings fast and mounts fast. Also consider balance. This would be my choice for good upland gun.

[jetjockey]

I have an 870 that was my very first gun.  I haven’t carried it in about 10 years.  I only shoot O/U’s and SxS’s, and contrary to some opinions, there is no draw back. Having two chokes for covey birds works.  Unless you like destroying birds with your first shot, the 3rd shot is useless 95% of the time because you have to wait so you don’t destroy the birds, and when you wait, the 3rd shot is all but useless. With a choke that’s open, and one that’s tighter, you get a i high better pattern at various ranges, and you typically don’t have to wait on your first shot.   Doubles will be shorter for the same length barrel, typically balance better, and also swing better.  Don’t let anyone tell you balance and swing aren't important, they are.   Don’t waste your time with a pump, or especially an auto that will eventually jam.  Buy a good double that will go up in value, and have fun.

[Ronquillo08]

I have an 870 that was my very first gun.  I haven’t carried it in about 10 years.  I only shoot O/U’s and SxS’s, and contrary to some opinions, there is no draw back. Having two chokes for covey birds works.  Unless you like destroying birds with your first shot, the 3rd shot is useless 95% of the time because you have to wait so you don’t destroy the birds, and when you wait, the 3rd shot is all but useless. With a choke that’s open, and one that’s tighter, you get a i high better pattern at various ranges, and you typically don’t have to wait on your first shot.   Doubles will be shorter for the same length barrel, typically balance better, and also swing better.  Don’t let anyone tell you balance and swing aren't important, they are.   Don’t waste your time with a pump, or especially an auto that will eventually jam.  Buy a good double that will go up in value, and have fun.

I agree

[nutntoit]

I started with an 870 12ga because it's what I could afford. I point and shoot an O/U better so for me it was an easy decision to switch when I could afford it. I have a few triples under my belt from my pump gun days, but I can honestly say I've never missed the 3rd shot. I haven't shot the 870 since I switched. As mentioned above, having two chokes is of much better benefit. If you can afford it, get a double. They point better, swing better and will more than likely fit you better than any pump you can find. Take care of it and it will likely out live you. I hunt with a few people who have guns from the 40s and are still slaying birds. Feel free to PM me if you need some direction on guns to look at in your price range.

[Datoneer]

I’m going to start upland game bird hunting. I’m curious what most people are using. Over and unders or pumps for Upland gamebird. Mainly chucker quail and huns


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As others have said its personal preference. I use an O/U 20ga for Chukar and Quail myself. My reasoning is I dont like gun jams and most of the time, the third shot is wasted on Chukars

[ian_padron]

If I could only have 1, neither. A semi auto is best imo for covey birds, as there are typically stragglers that get up late. The 3rd shot is totally useful in upland hunting vs the hail mary it usually serves as in the duck blind.

[Forks]

If I could only have 1, neither. A semi auto is best imo for covey birds, as there are typically stragglers that get up late. The 3rd shot is totally useful in upland hunting vs the hail mary it usually serves as in the duck blind.

This for the win.....Buy a nice one that fits and be done. If you ever make it to Nevada, pull the plug and load 5.

[mossback91]

Hunted upland the last 20 years with an 870 20ga and 12ga…..switched to a cz ultra light last year and it is a dream to pack around! It’s taking  some getting used to though after 20 years with one model of gun it becomes an extension of your arms!

All that said……I think my next shotgun purchase will be a browning sweet 16 lightweight semi auto

[MR5x5]

It's a simple pipe full of pellets...not rocket surgery!  The one that mounts most naturally will hands down do you the most good.

[rasbo]

12 gauge 870 and a nova 20 gauge. I would like a citori but I get over it after using my 870

[stephensnelson]

I started with a heeeaaavy mossberg knockoff 3 shot pump and hunted that for years. I picked up a relatively budget O/U three years ago for upland and converted the beast to a turkey gun. If I only had one shotgun it'd most certainly be a pump but given my options an O/U is designed to shoulder/swing fast which is what I really need/prefer. In my humble opinion I'd just ask yourself if it's going to be a dedicated upland gun in which case the O/U is easier to carry, swing, and shoot in my experience. If you're gonna use it for ducks, turkey, and about anything else that moves the pump is, in my opinion, the most versatile firearm there is.