Semi-Auto vs Pump gun; advice?

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Parataxis

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I checked back a couple pages to see if there was any discussion on here; I couldn't see it, so please accept my apologies if I missed it and this is something that comes up often.

I'm looking for an all-purpose shotgun; some trap, some upland, hopefully ducks and turkeys, and maybe eventually deer and other large game. After looking into lots of things, I figure that a 12ga, 26" with removable chokes is probably the best bet for something that does it all reasonably well (I'm short, so don't want too long of a barrel).

What I'm stuck on though, is the question of Semis vs Pumps. (I've ruled out O/U and SXS because of price; I'm on a bit of a budget - it's flexible but not to that price level.) Are semis worth the extra money? (I know this is a very subjective question). Are pumps more versatile? Will I regret either?

As I see it, there are pros and cons to each. Comments and advice would be muy appreciated.

Semi

Pros: Less recoil, possibly faster reloading?
Cons: Price, weight

Pumps

Pros: larger magazine, easier to clean/use if I forget to clean
Cons:might be tough to keep my point when reloading?

Ideally, I'd like to stay in the 500-800 dollar range (which would be a pump, most likely), but if going into the low four-digits for a semi would be a marked improvement, then that's something I'd have to consider. Better to buy one more expensive gun now, than a cheaper gun now and the same more expensive gun later, right?

Thanks all.
 
Some semi's are very reliable, but they tend to cost more. You might consider a winchester SX3, probably the cheapest of the very reliable shotguns. You can get them for around $1000.
 
If your recoil sensitive buy a semi
If your worried about what ammo to buy get a pump
Budget you can get a high end pump for the price of a lower end semi
If your not savy with fiddeling get a pump some semis can be a pain to disasemble
If you wanna shoot more ammo between reloads buy a pump
 
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I have two shotguns I use for hunting. A Baikal MP153 semi and a Benelli Nova pump.

They are both good reliable guns. Every now & then, I see a Nova pop up on the EE for around $400.

Cheers
Jay
 
Buy a pump. They force you to aim that second shot.
Beat the hell out of it while under warranty, Get it fixed when it is broken.
When your good, buy a semi and do the same thing.
 
Buy a pump. They force you to aim that second shot.
Click to expand...

Nothing can force you to concentrate on every shot. I have seen people spray the area with pumps as well. Some of them never let go of the trigger until the gun is empty.
 
Try out the fit of every pump action and auto-loading shotgun in your price range. Buy the one that fits you best. Fit is more important than who makes the gun. If it doesn't mount to your shoulder and line up with your eye naturally, you won't ever be as accurate as you want to be. Some guns come with shims for cast, drop and LOP which helps to fit the gun to you.

I own a SX3 Walnut Field in 20ga and it's a really nice gun. I see that someone mentioned the Mossberg 930; I've shot one of those and felt it was pretty good and it's definitely in your price range.

For pumps in that range I'd go for the BPS if it fits you.

You have some good used options in either action with that budget as well.
 
Considering your budget, a pump is a no brainer. Cheap semis are unreliable and sure to frustrate you. Hard to beat a Benelli Nova or Super Nova for a pump.
 
My Mossberg SA-20 (Armsan produced) is more reliable than my 870 pump (MIM extractor is probably the culprit) . Get what you think is cool. You definitely don't need to spend a grand on your first shotgun.
 
sheephunter said:
Considering your budget, a pump is a no brainer. Cheap semis are unreliable and sure to frustrate you. Hard to beat a Benelli Nova or Super Nova for a pump.
Click to expand...

I've actually been considering one of the Benellis (mostly because they're beautiful, I'll be honest). Is there much difference between the Nova and the SuperNova, other than the shim kits? (Also, are they difficult to figure out?)
 
Reduced recoil and the modular stock design are the two major differences. I've got a Nova and like it just fine but the Super Nova wasn't available when I bought it.
 
1st step - go to gun shop and shoulder a bunch of different ones for fit and comfort
2nd step - decide on what you really like semi or pump
3rd step - buy the one that fits you the best and the action you like the best

Don't forget to look at the stoeger line of shotguns, they are great guns and good prices, personally I like the semis because of the reduced recoil and rapid follow up shots, but shoot just as well with one as I do a pump
 
For waterfowl, nothing performs like a semi, period.

For everything else, a pump is probably not going to be a real handicap, but won't give you any advantage over a semi either.
 
sheephunter said:
Considering your budget, a pump is a no brainer. Cheap semis are unreliable and sure to frustrate you. Hard to beat a Benelli Nova or Super Nova for a pump.
Click to expand...

One of the fellas in our club got a very nice newer made semi, and after using it, sold it in favour of his Benneli pump!
I asked him why and he just prefers the pump.

Cat
 
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