Over/Under or Pump

[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.