IPSC 3-gun Match: Semi or Pump Shotgun

[nognog]

I havent tried 3-gun match yet, but getting my gear ready for it and would like to try one of the matches soon. I presently have the 590A1 (8+1), but thinking of getting a semi-shotgun (M4). I have been really thinking about this magazine factor between 5-round cap for semi against 8+1 pump advantage. I am not quiet sure which way to go. This question goes to 3-gun match shooters... if you really have the money to buy one of the ultimate shotty for 3-gun match (in Canada - NOT for USA 3-gun match purpose), what would you pick. For the purpose of 3-gun match (again) in Canada NOT USA, which has the advantage in engaging a long course of fire (20-rounds) , 8+1 or semi 5-rounder? Why?

 

[badboybeeson]

pump is the only way to go

 

[scotty]

Some semis have a fixed cycle rate. 5+1 kinda sucks, and a pump with 7+1 on a 18 or 20 will make up for the slower firing rate, if any, with the time gained over reloading earlier.

That being said, buy both and try both, then settle on the best.

 

[JBD]

Pump

Pump.

Most courses of fire allow you to have the gun loaded and on safe. 8+1 is more than 5+1. You would need to load an extra 3 rounds during the course of fire on the clock.

The shotguns which have the detachable mags may have an advantage over the tube fed pumps as you can load seven rounds at a time or whatever the mag will hold.

I've yet to seen a valtro in a match so I guess you could call me an armchair 3 gun commando for hypothesizing that it might give an advantage.

 

[Sosa]

Pump. I've got a Benelli Nova with a side saddle and a two shot extension and love it. I used to use a Rem 1100 with a 19in barrel. It woked great but the relaods kill you. By necessity most shotgun targets have a good bit of horezontal distance between them( to prevent overlap with shot) and that give you time to work the action and keep up with the semi auto's.

That being said if I could afford an M-4 and some of those fancy speed loaders I'd probably go that way for the Look Cool Factor LCF.

Sosa

 

[RUPZUK]

Pumps can work very well, if you do your job they will do their's- as in if you don't short stoke it and allow the trigger to reset the gun will be very fast and reliable. Also on the plus side you can start with more ammo.
Some loads don't cycle that well in a semi and sometimes you won't know it untill the timer goes "beep". You are also limited to a five round magazine.
To me the limited magazine capacity can both work for and against you, it completely depends on the stage design, start condition and number of rounds. Getting the rounds out of the gun quickly rarely wins, it's how fast you can consistantly get them in the gun. The box magazine consept has a definate advantage on paper ( a semi box fed even more ) , but that's on paper. I haven't seen one at a match yet, but as soon as a certain boat arives I'll let you know how they do.