Semi auto or pump

[sasha]

For shooting clays using a 12 gauge, is the semi auto better than a pump shotgun?

 

[3macs1]

For shooting clays using a 12 gauge, is the semi auto better than a pump shotgun?

Takes a lot more practise to shoot a pump well plus you have the recoil to learn to accept which you don't notice on a semi..

 

[superd222]

Need more information - are you shooting trap only, or all clay-bird games?

If you're shooting trap, a semi might send spent hulls and the guy to your right spinning, so a pump could be better.

If you're shooting skeet - either can work very well. I shoot a semi, pump, and O/U for skeet. Sometimes, a semi can fail to feed (otherwise jam - even clean guns have done it). If that's going to bother you, you might want to consider another option. Same for sporting clays.

If you're hunting with it, you'll have to decide what you want to hunt with too.

Try to shoot both types before you make a decision.

Good luck - SD

 

[Claybuster]

If you are just starting out shooting clays I'd suggest avoiding a pump gun. There is a lot to learn about the games and having to remember to pump the gun between shots is just one more thing. A semi is a better choice IMO and if you are shooting trap I'd strongly recommend a shell catcher to prevent your hull from hitting the shooter next to you.

 

[bdogg]

Semi-auto with a shell catcher like suggested above...you can pick up some decent Remington 11-87 or 1100 for a good price...

 

[mpsmyth]

Depends what you're comfortable with. I only have a pump right now that I use for everything. I find it works well for trap, and like it out hunting. I'm only hunting turkey and deer with it though as not a duck hunter. Semi's can work well for skeet and sporting clays as you can get that follow-up shot off quicker, if it dosen't jam on you. Once you're comfotable with a pump you can cycle it pretty quick though and get back on target. I just like the pump's but wouldnt' turn down a semi for the right price.

 

[3macs1]

Depends what you're comfortable with. I only have a pump right now that I use for everything. I find it works well for trap, and like it out hunting. I'm only hunting turkey and deer with it though as not a duck hunter. Semi's can work well for skeet and sporting clays as you can get that follow-up shot off quicker, if it dosen't jam on you. Once you're comfotable with a pump you can cycle it pretty quick though and get back on target. I just like the pump's but wouldnt' turn down a semi for the right price.

Old pumps that are capable of being slamfired are actually quicker on the second shot than a modern semi in the right hands.MY ithaca 37's are quicker than my X2's and x3's.

 

[M12shooter]

If you are just starting out shooting clays I'd suggest avoiding a pump gun. There is a lot to learn about the games and having to remember to pump the gun between shots is just one more thing. A semi is a better choice IMO and if you are shooting trap I'd strongly recommend a shell catcher to prevent your hull from hitting the shooter next to you.

True, but if you have been shooting a pump all your life it should be of no handicap. I do well on doubles with my M12 Winchester trap but an auto is certainly faster.