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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

"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.

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.

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.

Mossberg 500 has a Field/Security combo - comes with a 28" Vent rib and 18.5" barrel....

ohh really??? I will have to look into that thanks.

Defensive use- Pump action

clays wings and skeet- Semi Auto or double gun

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!