Over/Under vs Pump Shotguns experiences

trabn

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Hi all,

I'm looking for advice from users of both O/U and pump shotguns to determine a first purchase.

I don't own a shotgun yet, and have been interested in a break action O/U but am finding they are quite a bit more expensive than some basic pump models. Pragmatically, it seems like pump is the way to go, but wanted to get some insight from the community. Do you find the over/under break set up has a good 'fun factor', or is pump the way to go while getting started?

I'd be using mostly for clay shooting, likely hunting in the not-too-distant future.
 
Different actions are different kinds of fun. If you can, buy both, there are many reliable inexpensive pump shotguns, the O/U is going to cost you considerably more than a pump.
A pump will also allow you to hold more rounds.
A reliable Mossberg-Remington will cost you 300-500$ while a quality reliable O/U will be 1000+
 
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Start with an inexpensive pump and later you will discover what is needed. O/U allows you using multiple chokes so its better for clays (especially double). For hunting you are limited to 3 rounds anyways.
 
Welcome to the friendliest corner of CGN. There is a lot of accumulated experience in those that frequent this Subforum, and I hope others will chime in.

It sounds like you are just starting out, good for you. You should have many years of shooting enjoyment ahead.

Your choice of first shotgun, for clays and hunting, depends more on the amount of cash you're willing to spend upfront to get started. Every action type has advantages and disadvantages, and all have ardent devotees -- so advice on type will be varied, too. All will do the job and bring you pleasure, and every gun today is the result of many decades (or a hundred or more years) of design evolution and perfection. Not all are made to the same quality, however, and that can cause a big hit on enjoyment. Budget-priced guns are made to sell, not perform or outlast; they are also most likely to frustrate and disappoint. Whatever type you choose, quality should be very high on your priority list.

Much is said here on fit, which is a valid concern. Best if you can try different guns, and, better still, if this is combined with helpful advice. But for casual use, most guns fit most people just fine, at least while you get the hang of shotgunning.

If I may impart some unsolicited advice to someone new to the sport, it would be this: whatever gun type you choose, treat it as a single-shot for as long as you possibly can -- it will make you a better shot. It is tempting to fill up the magazine on a pump gun, and crank away at flying targets (why else get a pump?). This is the best recipe I can think of to rack up miss after miss. Your brain is thinking about cycling the action before the first clay/bird is hit, and there is not enough concentration to really get the first, or second, target. I am within hearing range of a duck marsh, and every shot I hear is bang-bang-bang. I can almost guarantee each attempt is a miss. A second shot should be for the second target, not to correct a (likely) miss on the first. When you only have one shell in the gun, it does a remarkable job of focusing your mind on the target, as you only have that one chance. Become good at wingshooting, and clay birds and hunting become terrific pastimes. Get frustrated early on, and you're more likely to drop the sport and move on. There are excellent books, and more-than-likely YouTube videos, on wingshooting, if you don't have friends who can help. Just remember that proper gun placement and timing are of primary importance when it comes to hitting targets, not choke selection or magnum loads (my opinion, for what it's worth).

If you go the pump route, a 1950s-1960s era Ithaca Model 37 or Remington Model 31 would be my choice -- properly machined metal, too costly to do nowadays. There are equal arguments to make for a Winchester Model 12, or the older Remington Wingmasters. All of these second-hand guns can be had for the same or less than a new budget gun, the difference is that they were made with much higher quality materials and methods. Newer pumps are made in factories run by accountants.
 
As far as pump guns go, i am firmly in the vintage M12-Wingmaster camp, even though I rarely shoot one ,I own several of each.
I also have dozens of O/U's over the years , and have very little bad to say about any of them.
I did have a a Stoeger O/U that had multiple issues , and cannot stand the bottom Load/ bottom eject BPS and M37's , but other than that , if a guy likes it, Go for it!
Cat
 
A note, light o/u kick with heavy waterfowl loads. All shotgunning requires focus. Try what you can and I would start with a pump. Pattern your gun and shot it lots. If you/when you go to the range just have them throw singles for a while, no need to worry about doubles. Good luck!
 
While I agree with pinfire having multiple shells in the gun does allow you to add a foot of lead to each miss if your concentration is sound. Most missed targets are missed behind. Therefore if you miss add more lead try again and if you hit the target you know where to lead for following shots. I grew up hunting ducks over the lake and being able to see the shot hit the water really was an advantage to me

As for pumps vs doubles you will get more gun per dollar with a pump than with a double. I mostly use doubles now but I grew up on pumps and have no issues shooting clays with them
 
Pump gun all the way for your first shotgun, they are the quintessential shotgun. Nothing else sounds like the slide racking on a 12g pump gun, plus they are just plain fun to shoot and learn how they work. Don’t buy a cheap one, buy a quality shotgun that will last you for years. Remington, Mossberg, Ithaca, Winchester, Browning will all do you well, something that’s threaded for chokes will allow you to use it for multiple uses down the road.

Don’t discount an older well taken care of gun, they’re better in so many ways than some new Turkish pos.
 
Not one of the OP's original stated platforms, but I think a decent semi will suit you better and be more fun in general than a pump or O/U and most likely less expensive than any O/U you would actually want to spend money on..

Something like a Beretta A400 semi (gas operated system) will not only be soft shooting compared to the pump ( full day of clays and less felt recoil to beat you up as a new shooter) but many of their models have a shim system for the stock to adjust cast and drop to fit you better.
Plus its more than capable for any hunting scenario you might use a shotgun for.

Fun - less felt recoil = more shooting, and mag dumps are more fun with a semi vs a pump.

An inertia system gun like a Benelli M2 or SBE 2 or 3 may have a little more felt recoil, but still overall (in my opinion) a better experience than a pump.
Plus they will go for a looong time between cleaning.

I mention these two brands specifically as they will last a long time, better ergonomics and feel than many other brands, and likely retain a higher resale value than others should you decide to sell down the road.
 
Pump gun all the way for your first shotgun, they are the quintessential shotgun. Nothing else sounds like the slide racking on a 12g pump gun, plus they are just plain fun to shoot and learn how they work. Don’t buy a cheap one, buy a quality shotgun that will last you for years. Remington, Mossberg, Ithaca, Winchester, Browning will all do you well, something that’s threaded for chokes will allow you to use it for multiple uses down the road.

Don’t discount an older well taken care of gun, they’re better in so many ways than some new Turkish pos.

I agree with this. And here’s more: With not too much practice you’ll be able to impress the skeet guys who shoot O/Us. Beyond that you can swap out barrels and - bingo - you have a slug gun and you’re ready for deer (out to 100 yards)!

Personally, I found the cycling of a semi auto annoying when shooting clays. It’s nice to hit both clays with a double barrelled gun but it doesn’t compare with the satisfaction you feel when you hit the same 2 with a pump.

Hunting is a different story: when you’re in the moment - and you’ve shouldered your gun - it makes no difference whether it’s a pump, semi or O/U.
 
IMHO there is a lot to like with a pump gun as your first shotgun. You will buy more than one and best thing to do is shoot a relatively inexpensive pump, have lots of fun and learn what sort of thing you like. Then heading down the O/U or semi route (or both), then down the sub-gauges etc. etc... An older gun should be a candidate- lots of good options on the EE. A fixed choke gun isn't quite as useful- but an open choke is probably preferred.

A semi definitely is softer shooting

Shooting skeet with a pump is a lot of fun.
 
Buy an inexpensive pump first such as a two barrel combo 500 and then figure out which o/u is a right fit for you. Don't do what I did and willy nilly go out and buy any old o/u. That started me on a path where I had to own 38 o/u's before I found the right one. They all feel different and they are all set up a little different from one another. You may find that the thinner furniture on a Beretta is more to your liking compared to that of a Browning or that you can't live without an ejector cutoff but don't want to limit yourself to extractors only. Take you time to figure out what type of o/u fits you best. You will find that there are more variables then you can imagine when you entre the o/u rabbit hole.
 
Thanks for all the great advice. I hadn't considered looking for an older model but given the notes above I'll be patient in picking one. Sounds like pump is the way to start - I've rarely hit clays the few times I have been so we'll get a go from there, practice up and then expand in the future.

Thanks again everyone!
 
I guess it depends what's your end goal...
- Some folks like the accumulate stuff. Personally I like fewer-nicer stuff.
- For clays, a heavier gun will be nicer. For hunting, a lighter gun will be nicer. Which of the two are you most likely to spend the most time doing?
- What kind of hunting? Chasing grouses and hares, a break barrel will give the option of two chokes to knock down your target.

If you're in for the long run, might just as well get a nicer gun and be done with it. Then you can spend your time and $ shooting it and improving your skills.
 
I do extremely well shooting sporting clays, my guns of choice are old 870 wingmasters with fixed full chokes, I have many double guns but find them boring, I also do not feel handicapped in any way with a full choke.
 
Post #4 has eloquently typed some great advice.

Older shotguns may use a factory imposed choke.
Newer versions can come equipped with screw in chokes allowing you to alter the pattern to your choice.

Getting an older shotgun that has been fitted with this method may be worthy of consideration.

If you stumble on a Browning Two Shot or Double Auto, have a gander at it.
They are sweet.
 
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