Choosing A Pump-Action

EightSeven

EightSeven

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
Northern Ontario, Canada
This is one for all you shotgun users out there!

I'm looking for a pump-action 12-gauge, but I am not sure which make to go with, especially with the Turkish and Chinese options now available. I'll be using this SG for bird and small game hunting. I'm used to hunting with a break-action single shot 12 gauge, so magazine capacity isn't incredibly important to me. I want something relatively compact (I don't need another 28" barrelled monster) with a smooth action and solid feel.

My primary consideration at this point is the Remington 870 due to all the aftermarket support, but I am keeping an open mind (hence my open invitation for suggestions here).

I'm looking to get the most bang for my buck! What would you suggest?
 
rem 870 or mossberg 500. Longer barrel (26-28") is nicer for wingshooting, shorter barrel is nicer for handling in confined area, and easier to transport. It's a trade-off either way. One of the 2 barrel sets might be appropriate, but depends how you use it.

I have one of both because i don't like shooting ducks with a 20" shotgun, (doesn't swing worth s**t) and the 28" barrel isn't great for close quarters stuff.
 
EightSeven said:
I'm looking to get the most bang for my buck! What would you suggest?
Click to expand...

in a pump the absolute best bang for your buck, hands down, is the Mossberg Field Combo. i have seen them as low as $300 and thats amazing for an 870-comparable pump gun with 2 barrels and a set of chokes. theres also a field/security combo which is probably better if you can find it - unless you live in an area with a shotgun only deer season, or dont own a rifle, the rifled deer barrel isnt all that useful. the 870 combos arent that much more $, and you can always recoup part of the cost by selling the extra barrel(s) on the EE.

but IMHO the overall best bang for your buck right now in a hunting shotgun is actually a ~$450 semi. consider something like the SPR 453 with a 24" barrel. its one of the least finicky and most reliable semi actions, and will shoot just about any 12ga ammo that exists. from light target loads (after you break the gun in it cycles these fine) to 3.5" shells the gun will digest anything. combined with the range of steel rated chokes it comes with it should let you hunt just about anything you can hunt with a shotgun.
in an old post of mine i compared the chokes with standard Briley chokes and theyre a bit different - you get:
Ok, so these are Briley's choke constrictions vs the MP-153/SPR453's (Briley on the left):

IC: 0.010 - - IC: 0.007
M : 0.020 - - M : 0.019
F : 0.035 - - F : 0.025
XF: 0.040 - - XF: 0.032

the MP-153/SPR453's Improved Cylinder(IC) is actually an Improved Skeet(IMK),
the Extra Full(XF) is basically a Full,
and the Full is an Improved Modified.
Click to expand...

[youtube]4bA5JFrHRTU[/youtube]
 
+1 for 870 Express combo. Just watch water as the finish is like paint. Get it parkerized and you'll have a gun for 4 maybe 5 generations of hunting everything that moves.
 
Maybe I should have made this a poll. Some people are saying the 870 Express, others have been commenting (outside of this thread) that they've been having issues with them. What kind of issues? Are they workable via modification?
 
I have a Benelli Nova that i haven't had any problems with very nice gun tears down for cleaning really easily. The supernova is available now i don't know much about it but I'm sure it is a good model to check into also.
 
EightSeven said:
I want something relatively compact (I don't need another 28" barrelled monster) with a smooth action and solid feel.

I'm looking to get the most bang for my buck! What would you suggest?
Click to expand...

Should there be no budget constraints - you may wish to look at the BPS Upland Special 20ga. One very well made and smooth pump action shotgun, a little heavy though (at 6lbs 12oz) Upland perspective but still great, IMO. I mentioned the 20ga as that will effectively serve your Upland (including Small Game) needs.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=011B&cat_id=012&type_id=216

As already mentioned, another good option would be a Benelli Nova in 20ga - price would be along the same lines as the BPS.

http://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/benelli_nova_pump.php
 
Get an 870 Express, don't waste your money on the Wingmaster. Don't worry about water. And don't worry about what others say they have for issues. I've owned several and believe me, I've put them through Hell. Best shotgun on the market especially in that price bracket.
 
Remington 870, Ithaca 37 or Winchester 12, unless you're a waterfowl hunter and require steel shot, buy any of these used and enjoy. There is something to be said for a shotgun made from steel and walnut.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom