Slug Gun - pro/cons on choosing a pump vs semi

[Ahsan Ahmed]

Much appreciate opinions from Deer hunters using slug guns.....

I'm currently debating whether to go for a pump or semi (brandwise, very partial to the Benelli - 20ga + those have comparably better quality factory iron sights). Frankly, as a dedicated Upland hunter, I don't expect to see much use of that rifled bbl'd shotgun other than some very brief attempts during a couple weeks of deer season. Therefore, just don't see the need for a more expensive firearm.

Admittedly, the H&R Ultra Slug Hunter was also very appealing had it not been for the single action feature.....wish they had something like the Baikal single shots.

Your thoughts? Thanks,

 

[sheephunter]

A semi will definitely take some of the sting out of the recoil with the new high velocity slugs!

 

[MiG25]

personally i don't like the way that semis recoil, to me it is like getting hit twice. much prefer a pump.

 

[dannymat]

A pump will kick like a mule!

 

[ryanloco]

I use a pump 12ga. (rifled barrel).

To be honest, when there's a deer standing/running in front of you - you don't even notice the recoil !!

Guys in our group have everything from 870's 1200's - all the way to A5's and an 11-87 20ga. semi that sounds like someone is coughing compared to the 12ga.

I like the NEF/H&R option as a great low cost alternate. There are some great reviews of the NEF 20ga. accuracy on the shotgun forum. If you're planning to hunt in a stand the NEF is probably a great option to consider.

If your pushing bush and blocking - pump gets my vote.

 

[B rampton Mike]

I love my 870 pump guns...a 12 for deer hunting and a 20 for turkey hunting...Brampton Mike

 

[Claybuster]

The pump gun is less expensive. It will fire a shell of any strength, is more mechanically reliable but more operator dependent. Pump gun malfunctions are generally operator initiated so practice is recommended. The pump gun can be neglected more than a semi (not that you should neglect any gun.)

Semis are more expensive, need more attention to lubrication and the quality/power of the ammunition. They recoil less IF they are gas operated but kick the same if recoil operated like the Benelli autos. If you are disinclined to practice the semi is probably a better option.

Either way you'll get your deer.

 

[manbearpig]

the H&R Ultra Slug Hunters are a great value as a slug gun.

but if you think a PUMP recoils hard, then stay away from the hinge actions like the H&R. nothing recoils worse than a solid-breech gun with a cheap factory stock/pad.

 

[Huntsman]

I currently use 2 pumps. One Win 1200/12g and one Mossberg 500/20g.
I have no experience with a semi but good ol' Thomas Pigeon was using a Berretta Xtrem A2 synthetic rifled slug gun on one of his shows......it looked cool................For me, with recoil I threw on a Limbsaver recoil pad on my 12ga, my 20g is ported but recoil is low anyways.....

 

[apple]

Like Ryanloco said, You have a deer infront of you, you won't even feel the recoil on a pump. I use an 870, rifled barrel with no recoil pad at all ,and it's not like your shooting all the time. Also during deer season you will usually have some heavier clothes on.

 

[fergie.17]

i own a browning gold deer hunter (semi) in 12 ga and own a winchester 1300 (pump) in 20 ga. both fully rifled and the 12 ga semi kicks more than the 20 ga pump when target shooting but when there's a deer involved i don't notice any kick from either. mind you when i'm hunting i have much more cloths on. both are extremly accurate out to 150 yards. i've also owned a mossberg 500 pump with fully rifled barrel and it also was very accurate. i personaly would put a scope on any fully rifled shotgun. (hate open sights)

 

[Huntsman]

Yeah my 20g has a fully rifles cantilever bbl but my 12 has open sights(it's my tree stand gun).
My 12 also, is a smoothbore and I installed a Carlton RCT (rifled choke tube).
It's pretty deadly with Win. 1oz Foster's and my Mossberg 20g likes the Rem. Solid Copper sabots.