Pump shotgun confusion?

J

Jayph

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After buying a bird license for the first time in 7 years and actually getting out I have fallen back in love with it. I have been using the 21" 20 gauge that I bought for my girlfriend but it doesn't quite fit that well for me and she doesn't like sharing when we go out together :D. I went shopping and Iam not really sure what to do as I couldn't find anything that wowed me to spend the money.

Heres my thoughts on today and maybe you could help with letting me know what else might be out there.

Benelli Super Nova: I was really hoping to like this shotgun but I didn't like anything about it. Maybe the demo was a bad one but I have never felt an action that was so gritty and rough. I didn't like the play in the pump and I found the plastic very cheap feeling. Probably a good shotgun but not my cup of tea.

Remington 870 express: This is the shot gun that I grew up on and is still a nice shotgun today however it's my fathers so that does me no good. I figured it would be the cheapest way to get me a quality pump but I was not impressed with the one I held. The stock didn't line up at all with the action, the finish was terrible (it was wore to bare metal from people pumping the action in the store) I have never seen such bad machining on some of the parts and the extractor looked like it was going to break. Either there quality control is brutal or they are not pumping out the same quality as my fathers express (granted 20 years old)

Remington 870 Wingmaster: Much better than the express but not perfect metal work. The blueing is not up to snuff as the older ones I use to drool over many years ago. However it did have really nice wood and the action was by far the smoothest I felt that day. For now it's the front runner.

Winchester SXP: Pretty nice shotgun, need to do more research (feel free to post about them) kind of a bummer they don't come in 20 gauge. Action was nice for the money, Not crazy about the plastic but could live with it. Nicest recoil pad and some neat features compared to other pumps. Need to do more reading on this one. Not sure how I feel about an aluminium action.

Browning BPS: Never held one but wish I would have. After reading some reviews and seeing some of there models I might have to try and see one in a store.

Ithaca model 37: This one was at the top of my list but none were found locally. If the fit, finish, and action are half as good as I read about, I think this would be a winner. Little nervous about the lack of twin action bars but it's always rated as one of the smoothest on forums so would really like to handle one. If anybody has one of the newer ones please post how you feel about it.

So is there anything else out there for pumps that I need to consider? I would really like a 20 gauge so I can just buy cases of ammo and be set for both shotguns. I was kind of taken back by what I seen today. Iam not that old but they sure aren't making them like they use to.
 
Airplanes are made of aluminum. As for selection it's my experience that every one has their favorite it really is what feels good to you, I just bought my first one, i went with the benelli nova (not enough $ for the super) it was a tough decision between it and the SXP.
I probably would of bought a BPS if I had the extra $$$.
 
The Winchester SXP is awesome. Mine has had lots of rounds through it with no issues. Before I bought it I tried an 870 but didn't really like it, a Mossberg that was okay but didn't fit as well and a Beretta semi-auto. The Beretta was a nice gun but the price tag wasn't in the cards for me and the Winchester shoots just as good.

I just wanted something reliable that felt right and that I'd like shooting. Haven't been disappointed yet.
 
Not sure what your experience may have been with the Super Nova (other than it's kinda "big" for Upland)....suggest look at the 20ga Nova. The Novas (and the Super Novas) are very robust guns with very smooth actions. WRT the "play" - it may be the slide action was in a "ready" state that recur prior to a rechamber of a fresh shell?

As already suggested, a 20ga Ithaca (used/new) or Wingmaster (preferably older makes in 20ga frames) will appeal more. The 20ga Brownings (you may wish to look at the BPS Upland Spl) although very well made will be heavier in comparison. However, IMO, the BPS Spl has a few features that make it a good all round choice for Upland hunting.
 
The Ithaca 37's single action bar is nothing to worry about, a design that uses a threaded barrel-reciever interface doesn't require a second action bar like a slide-in barrel design does.
 
I'be already put more than 250 rounds through my SXP and I still love it. I love it more then my 870 I had before and my good friends Super Nova. I love the slide release and auto ejection the most. seriously it is a great gun, you should give it good consideration.
 
I own a bps ,an ithaca model 37 and model 12's. I like them all. I am not a fan of the 870 express or newer wingmasters. I would consider an older winmaster. As far as new guns i would say a BPS. As far as used , I would have to say model 12. I shoot my guns ALOT... a model 12 will outlast me , my kids and my grandkids. There I said it.
 
I'l give a big thumbs up for the winchester SXP, I bought mine in July and so far have about 3000 rounds through it. It's inexpensive, super light recoil, speed pump is sweet, and super easy to clean.

If they offered them in the other gauges, My safe would be Full of these things. But for now, the 12gauge will do.

I bought the camp and field combo for a little over 400 bucks. 28" with 3 invector plus chokes and an 18" defender (cylinder bore) barrel.

The Remington's are suffering on the quality front at this point in time, not terrible, but not what they where.
 
I would go with the BPS.
New or used, tough to beat.
Then again, I just bought a used Remington Wingmaster in
16 gauge.
Never had a Rem, Rem, well chit, a Remington anything before
and this old gal seems to do as requested.
Had to clean out the spuds first though.
 
Definetly go with the ithaca model 37. I have used the benelli supernova, 870 express and wingmaster but the ithaca has always been my favourite to shoot with.
 
FYI, Winchester did make 20 ga. versions of their pump. Model 120, or 1200, or 2200, or 1300, whatever. I just saw one in the EE recently.

Don't let the aluminum receiver cause you any worry. The breech bolt locks into the barrel directly, not the receiver. Much lighter, and better balanced in the 20. Remember, you want a light gun for upland hunting. You carry it more than you shoot it.

Any of those pumps you've listed will do the job admirably, and others, too. But each has different characteristics, they all aren't built to the exact same specifications of pull, drop at heel or comb, cast-off on the stock, wrist size, pitch, placement of safety, location of action unlock button, high or low rib, point of aim, etc. Weight and balance will be different, shape of the fore end, etc. You've got to hold and fondle each one you're considering, or better yet actually shoot them.
 
New 870 express guns have quality problems. I wouldn't buy another thats for sure. The wingmaster might be ok.
The SXP handles and cycles quite well. I am a fan.

I can't speak to most of the others you mentioned.
 
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