waterfowl pump or autoloader

T

TrevorMack

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Nova Scotia
Wondering what people prefer and why while waterfowl hunting. Is it a pump or an autoloader? Really gonna focus on waterfowl next season instead of big game as I have done since I started hunting. I have both but am wondering which is preferred and why
 
Either will work Trevor......... I consider an autoloader a "nice to have"..... but I did well with my 870 pump too......

If the difference between the two is say, $500, then that is better spent on a good decoy set (does not have to be big), and a good call you practice with.......
 
Thanks I have both and was looking at getting a new auto loader for next season but now Im not sure what to do. Probably try my guns I have now next season before making a purchase.
 
Pattern the ones you have, get out in the off season and bust some clays. Get comfortable shouldering and shooting and you'll do fine.
Unless you are looking for something different ex. A shotgun that can shoot 3.5" shells vs. 2.75 or one with changeable chokes vs. fixed, it's you that matters most not the gun.
Personally, I love my autos, but many a goose has fallen to pumps...Shoot whichever fits you best and that you are most comfortable shooting.
 
Shoot what you shoot best. I use an autoloader because its my most familiar shotgun but early in the season after shooting clays all summer i will use my citori just because by then im well aquainted with it.
 
I'm going to echo what's already been said. An auto is a nice to but not necessary and shoot what you are comfortable with. I've been running a 3" 870 for years and have never regretted choosing it over a semi. Some people can't shoot a pump for some reason though so really just find a gun you like and go for it.
 
I say go with a pump purely based on the fact that (here in AB anyways) you have to plug your tube to 3 rounds total. IMO not much of a point to an auto given those circumstances. A good 870 or 500, done.
 
patriot1 said:
I say go with a pump purely based on the fact that (here in AB anyways) you have to plug your tube to 3 rounds total. IMO not much of a point to an auto given those circumstances. A good 870 or 500, done.
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What why no semi if you can only shoot 3 rounds ????????????? That makes zero sense? Buy a semi for recoil reduction or faster recoil recovery? Or nice fit and finish or just because you like not having to pump shells in and out. Besides, plugging a shotgun to 3 shells is mostly standard practice in Canada these days.
 
cdn1canhunt said:
What why no semi if you can only shoot 3 rounds ????????????? That makes zero sense? Buy a semi for recoil reduction or faster recoil recovery? Or nice fit and finish or just because you like not having to pump shells in and out. Besides, plugging a shotgun to 3 shells is mostly standard practice in Canada these days.
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Its actually law when in a hunting situation both here and in the states. As someone who has hunted with both pump and semi i can tell you the semi is faster. The pumping motion tends to pull the gun off target and the semi has less felt recoil. If you own both a good example is to throw 3 clays and see how fast you can HIT them. I have tried and so far i have yet to come close to the speed in which my maxus can get back on target after the shot.
 
That's a nice auto 5 there. I can't shoot mine worth a dam. I stare at the back of the reciever. Can't solve that issue yet

I grew up on pump guns and shoot them well. This year I used an 1100 a bit just to make sure it was working well and I was shooting very well with it for skeet
For me it's not so much the action type as it is the quality of the gun fit and finish and smoothness. For a pump I doubt I'll ever beat an old well used Ithaca 37 pump for smoothness and reliability. A decent semi is $1200+. A new Ithaca about the same. An old used 1100 is $400 ish and an Ithaca 37 used is around $350. I'll trust my 37 over my 1100 any day especially in below freezing weather
Use what fits and what you shoot well.
I've switched to mostly sxs guns for most wing shooting myself
 
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