Arbelest 29 Posted December 25, 2011 I am looking into buying my first shotgun and am stuck on deciding on whether or not I would want an autoloader or a pump action. I am looking to shoot clays (primarily) informally and for home defense (secondary). Any oppinons/pros and cons on either type. I have been looking at 12 gauges mostly and have a few brands (benelli, beretta, remington) in mind. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vjf915 456 Posted December 25, 2011 For home defense, pumps are less likely to experience mechanical failure because the operator is manually cycling the gun, semi-auto's are less likely to experience user error because there's less action required by the user. 6 and a half dozen of the other, go with whatever your heart desires. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Joe 4 Posted December 25, 2011 If your primary is clay sports, than I would suggest a SA as they are softer on your shoulder and easier to keep on line for doubles. You can always find a great condition used pump later on in the $250-$350 range for all other activities. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted December 25, 2011 What's your budget? I have both an autoloader (Remington 11-87) and a pump (Mossberg 500). Both have interchangeable barrels so they're easy enough to change out for specific roles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arbelest 29 Posted December 25, 2011 Im planning on spending $500-$600 and not really clay sports just looking at getting a cheap clay thrower and going to a Wildlife mangement area with a few friends to blast at some clays. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arbelest 29 Posted December 25, 2011 I probably should also add I have seen a youtube video of a guy with a benelli, trickshooting a whole bunch of clays (definetely an SA) and that looked really cool, but the tactical side in me wants to get a pump with a pistol grip on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SW9racer 262 Posted December 25, 2011 If you go inexpensive, for your $600 limit you can get both a pump for hd, and a double-barrel for clays. If you have rubber shoulders, just get a limbsaver for the double barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bry@n 195 Posted December 25, 2011 When it comes to pumps, 5-600 get's you a damn fine gun. I would stay away from the cheap under/ over or side by sides because they are okay but cheap. For the $$ listed, you could get a remmy 870 or a mossberg and trick it out. I have both pumps and SA. My pump is set up to be able to shoot clays (and I have), HD and I just got a slug barrel for hunting. It's the all around. Recently, I bought a SA and got a nice gun for clays. Start off cheap and slow, even if you should decide to go SA later, you will likely keep the pump for HD. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arbelest 29 Posted December 25, 2011 If I do choose to go with a pump what length barrel would be appropriate for clays, I know a lot of other threads on here have advised to go with an 18.5'' barrel for home defense but for clay shooting I would imagine wanting a longer barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bry@n 195 Posted December 25, 2011 Clays would be a 26-28" barrel. On my wifes 20ga, she uses a 26" and on my 12ga, I have a 28". My SA uses a 28" also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted December 25, 2011 I'd go with at least a 26" for clays. 24" will work too. I have a 28" on my 11-87, and a 24" for my Mossberg 500 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Joe 4 Posted December 25, 2011 "but the tactical side in me wants to get a pump with a pistol grip on it." If you go this route, barrel length won't matter and you will not enjoy the clay shooting anyway. If you go conventional stock, a 26" - 30" is what you want. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malsua 1,422 Posted December 25, 2011 If I do choose to go with a pump what length barrel would be appropriate for clays, I know a lot of other threads on here have advised to go with an 18.5'' barrel for home defense but for clay shooting I would imagine wanting a longer barrel. 28 inch barrel is probably ideal for trap but I shoot a 24 inch barrel and have shot a 32 just as well. Skeet generally requires a little bit shorter barrel since you have to swing it so much when you're down by the houses. 24 inches is the minimum I would use for clays. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arbelest 29 Posted December 25, 2011 Bry@an, you are right if I can get two nice pumps for the price of one nice SA. Thanks everyone for your input im leaning heavily towards the Remington 870 right now with a 28" barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted December 25, 2011 Mossberg 500 has a Field/Security combo - comes with a 28" Vent rib and 18.5" barrel.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arbelest 29 Posted December 26, 2011 ohh really??? I will have to look into that thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted December 26, 2011 Defensive use- Pump action clays wings and skeet- Semi Auto or double gun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Socom 19 Posted December 26, 2011 I like both its kinda a choice i hunt with pumps and semis; i shoot clays with pumps and semis; i have home defense with pumps and semis is a choice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites