Best Pump Shotgun??? - Page 2

VA9mm · April 25, 2008, 08:51 AM

+1 for the 870. Rugged and reliable.

cannonballmount · April 26, 2008, 02:21 AM

I recommend you head for and even join a gun club that has trap and skeet facilities. Then test a number of borrowed guns on one or both those shoots. Chances are, if you buy before a serious test shoot, you will change your mind down the road.

A gun has a "personality". You have to be compatible. No matter how nice the gun is, and how many people like it, if it doesn't fit you, your going to miss a lot. In the end, serious testing will save you time and money.

Oh yeah, if you have not done much shooting, don't be shy about your inexperience. The guys there, if its a good club, will give you a lot of pointers on safe handling and help developing an accurate "swing". If they don't seem all that helpful, try another gun club. Most of the time though, they will have you making respectable scores very quickly. Isn't that what you really want?

jhansman · April 26, 2008, 03:14 AM

I dunno, the Rem 870 is a tough one to beat. More models and configurations than any other, tough, affordable, and your can accessorize like mad. Nothing wrong with the Mossberg, but for not much more you get the Remington. How is this not a no-brainer?

AZ-Quailhunter · April 26, 2008, 06:28 PM

Ithaca M37

King Ghidora · April 28, 2008, 01:11 AM

I don't have much experience with anything other than Remington pumps but the fact I laid down my cash for an 870 must mean I believe they are the best. I also think the model 12 is a classic from a different age that could compete with the best of today but the 870 is still made like those classic models. Browning makes really good stuff too.

I actually like the postion of the release on the 870. I know most people don't but I don't want to fall down and find my finger releasing the slide when I really don't want it to. It takes less than half a second to move from that release to the trigger if you really want to move there fast. I can be on the trigger before the slide gets the shell loaded.

johnbt · April 28, 2008, 09:00 AM

Ever?

Model 12.

mossberg500 · April 28, 2008, 11:27 AM

I voted for the Mossy, but bear in mind that my first 12 pump was a MB 500 and it was such a fantastic gun that Ive never tried anything else.
We recently purchased the 500 in 410 for the wife to use for home defense and its probably one of my all time favorites.

TheManHimself · April 28, 2008, 03:12 PM

My vote went to the Mossberg because that's what I own, but it's really a toss-up to me. The 870 Express series is about even with the Mossberg on fit-and-finish, with the Mossberg's superior placement of controls giving it a slight edge. The 870 Wingmaster line absolutely blows the Mossbergs out of the water in fit, finish, and attention to detail, but the poor ergonomics of the 870 line remain. Mossberg makes a better working gun, but there's no pump shotgun as pleasing to the eye as an 870 Wingmaster. In my mind it's a dead tie between the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870. If Remington would emulate the Mossberg on the safety position and action release, the 870 line would win hands down.

jdlovejoy4 · April 28, 2008, 08:52 PM

Winchester model 12 the best pump gun ever made

bgoldhunter · April 29, 2008, 12:43 AM

The Winchester Model 12 is the best pump shotgun ever made.

Currently produced, I would go with a BPS with runner up position to the 870 Wingmaster.

Firepower! · May 2, 2008, 10:22 AM

Well when it comes to pump actions my choice is simple Mossberg 590-A1 Compact Cruiser. Small tough and handy. Being used by special forces at military airports in Afghanistan. Got hold of one and love it.

Close second would be Franchi.

ronto · May 2, 2008, 03:00 PM

After extensive research on this and many other forums/reviews I went with the 500 and have no buyers remorse whatsoever.
I could see no advantage to the 870 other than it may look better and I didn't need a shotgun to hang over the fireplace and admire it.

SiNNiK · May 2, 2008, 03:12 PM

Congratulations, enjoy it. Got pics?

Jack O'Conner · May 2, 2008, 03:34 PM

I often hunt these tasty birds with my daughter's 20 gauge Youth Model by Mossberg. Stock is abit short for me but it still points quite well indeed.

It cost a lot less than Remington. Winchester's 1300 had zero appeal to her.
Jack

6thMichCav · May 30, 2008, 09:25 AM

I like 870's. I like Model 12's. And I can see how people would like Ithaca 37's, Browning BPS's, Mossberg 500/835, etc. I like most quality-made pump shotguns. I even like my crusty Marlin Model 28; long and heavy as a railroad tie, but is that gun stocked right for me!

However, the gun that preceded the 870--the Remington Model 31--has my vote for the best pump shotgun ever. It is quick, slick, stocked well, built exceptionally well (machining and hand fitting), and reasonably priced. Its action is so fast that it makes any 870 I've ever used feel sluggish. It is smoother than any pump shotgun I have picked up other than Model 12's--but lighter. Most pumps are fast, and some are smooth, but the M31 is both.

A noted shotgun authority, Don Zutz, noted in 1994 Gun Digest the Model 31 was "...the slickest high-quality trombone gun ever made." By the way, Zutz was the shotgun editor of GD for several years.

If you find a Model 31 some time--especially the pre-war version with the smaller safety button--pick it up. Remington didn't stop making them because they were worse--they stopped making them because they were slower and more expensive to manufacture.

dbgun · May 30, 2008, 10:25 AM

Another vote for the Remington 870.

ebutler462 · May 30, 2008, 10:05 PM

I didn't think I'd like the space age plastic wonder named Nova by Benelli. BUT, I tried a 20 gauge with a 24" barrel. It is as ugly as sin. Since I am a pushover for anything new, like the polymer construction of the Nova, I had to try it. I really like it. I have a 870, have had several Mossberg 500s over the years, Ithaca 37s, and a sprinkling of other brands. The smoothest operating of the pumps I have owned is the Nova.

It ain't pretty but it is my favorite pump. It rides with me in my truck. It's short barrel and compact design makes it, for me, the perfect all around truck gun. It requires virtually no care and gets little. There ain't much to rust or corrode so a drop of oil on the rotating bolt once in a while is all that is needed. I use it to give crows and other vermin out of my corn crop and for rats, snakes, etc.

I used to carry my 870 in my truck until I got the Nova. Nothing against the 870. Fine gun. I just like the Nova better. Purely personal opinion.

For hunting, I use a Franchi 48 20 gauge, mostly. It is almost 50 years old and has never let me down. But, we are discussing pump guns here.

Happy shooting!

rantingredneck · May 30, 2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

However, the gun that preceded the 870--the Remington Model 31--has my vote for the best pump shotgun ever. It is quick, slick, stocked well, built exceptionally well (machining and hand fitting), and reasonably priced. Its action is so fast that it makes any 870 I've ever used feel sluggish. It is smoother than any pump shotgun I have picked up other than Model 12's--but lighter. Most pumps are fast, and some are smooth, but the M31 is both.

A noted shotgun authority, Don Zutz, noted in 1994 Gun Digest the Model 31 was "...the slickest high-quality trombone gun ever made." By the way, Zutz was the shotgun editor of GD for several years.

If you find a Model 31 some time--especially the pre-war version with the smaller safety button--pick it up. Remington didn't stop making them because they were worse--they stopped making them because they were slower and more expensive to manufacture.

I will have to agree with the Remington 31 love here.

I have a pre-war example in my safe now. Was my grandfathers and is now mine. Many shells fired with never a problem (very little maintenance too, can't remember the last time it had a detailed cleaning). Very slick and quick as noted.

Chief-7700 · May 30, 2008, 10:57 PM

Ithaca M37 or Winchester M-12. Still have them both but can't shoot them anymore due to major right shoulder surgery.
Chief-7700

tommyt · May 31, 2008, 08:39 AM

Remington Model 31 with 870 second

Jeff Mulliken · May 31, 2008, 11:27 AM

How can you do a credible survey on the best pump ever made without including the Win Model 12 and the Ithaca Model 37?

Both are classic guns that have stood the test of time and wear and tear.

Anyone over the age of 45 should know how the current crop of stamped metal POS shotguns are going to be viewed in 30 years...and how the 100 year old M12's are still going to be in use and highly valued.

Jeff

tvrobert · June 1, 2008, 09:07 AM

Model 12.

I want one bad. Before I moved to the country, the only gun I'd ever owned was a bolt-action 20 ga. That was a bad idea for a shotgun design. But shooting ringnecks and clays with a friend's Mod 12 was like shooting with your arm.

I got an 870 12 ga. last week and love it, but a Model 12 is next on the list. I can shoot lead shot on my own property, and if I can find a Model 12 in good shape, and the wife clears the funds, that's next on the rack n' range.

ebutler462 · June 1, 2008, 08:00 PM

And the wife clears the funds!!!!

So I am not the only henpecked shooter on this site.

Sorry Guys! Gotta go ask my wife for lunch money. She will come up with a few excuses but maybe she will break with a few bucks after poor mouthing a bit.

I shudder to think of asking her for funds to buy a gun.

"Why do you need another gun? You can't shoot but one at the time." The story of my life.

glazer1972 · June 11, 2008, 12:45 PM

Model 12.

joshua9578 · June 11, 2008, 01:22 PM

winchester 1300, first shotgun ive owned, shot many of my friends shotguns, but cant wait to get back to mine. its all personal taste and opinion, but winchester has my vote on the pump shotguns.

View Poll Results: Best Pump Shotgun Ever?
Remington 870	234	47.46%
Mossberg/maverick 500/590/88	121	24.54%
Winchester 1300	24	4.87%
Browning BPS	35	7.10%
Beneli Supernova	31	6.29%
Other?	48	9.74%
Voters: 493. You may not vote on this poll

April 25, 2008, 08:51 AM	#26
VA9mm Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2007 Location: N. VA Posts: 254	+1 for the 870. Rugged and reliable. __________________ “The key is to hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them repeatedly. The one shot stop is a unit of measurement not a tactical philosophy.” Evan Marshall

April 26, 2008, 03:14 AM	#28
jhansman Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 680	I dunno, the Rem 870 is a tough one to beat. More models and configurations than any other, tough, affordable, and your can accessorize like mad. Nothing wrong with the Mossberg, but for not much more you get the Remington. How is this not a no-brainer? __________________ Blessed is the man who has nothing to say, and cannot be compelled to say it.

April 28, 2008, 08:52 PM	#34
jdlovejoy4 Junior Member Join Date: April 28, 2008 Location: Minerva, OH Posts: 1	jdlovejoy4 Winchester model 12 the best pump gun ever made

May 2, 2008, 10:22 AM	#36
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	Mossberg 590A1 Well when it comes to pump actions my choice is simple Mossberg 590-A1 Compact Cruiser. Small tough and handy. Being used by special forces at military airports in Afghanistan. Got hold of one and love it. Close second would be Franchi.

April 26, 2008, 02:21 AM	#27
cannonballmount Member Join Date: October 5, 2005 Location: Idaho Posts: 44	I recommend you head for and even join a gun club that has trap and skeet facilities. Then test a number of borrowed guns on one or both those shoots. Chances are, if you buy before a serious test shoot, you will change your mind down the road. A gun has a "personality". You have to be compatible. No matter how nice the gun is, and how many people like it, if it doesn't fit you, your going to miss a lot. In the end, serious testing will save you time and money. Oh yeah, if you have not done much shooting, don't be shy about your inexperience. The guys there, if its a good club, will give you a lot of pointers on safe handling and help developing an accurate "swing". If they don't seem all that helpful, try another gun club. Most of the time though, they will have you making respectable scores very quickly. Isn't that what you really want?

April 26, 2008, 06:28 PM	#29
AZ-Quailhunter Member Join Date: November 23, 2006 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 95	Ithaca M37

April 28, 2008, 01:11 AM	#30
King Ghidora Junior member Join Date: April 7, 2008 Location: SE Ohio Posts: 584	I don't have much experience with anything other than Remington pumps but the fact I laid down my cash for an 870 must mean I believe they are the best. I also think the model 12 is a classic from a different age that could compete with the best of today but the 870 is still made like those classic models. Browning makes really good stuff too. I actually like the postion of the release on the 870. I know most people don't but I don't want to fall down and find my finger releasing the slide when I really don't want it to. It takes less than half a second to move from that release to the trigger if you really want to move there fast. I can be on the trigger before the slide gets the shell loaded.

April 28, 2008, 09:00 AM	#31
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	Ever? Model 12.

April 28, 2008, 11:27 AM	#32
mossberg500 Member Join Date: April 2, 2008 Posts: 40	I voted for the Mossy, but bear in mind that my first 12 pump was a MB 500 and it was such a fantastic gun that Ive never tried anything else. We recently purchased the 500 in 410 for the wife to use for home defense and its probably one of my all time favorites.

April 28, 2008, 03:12 PM	#33
TheManHimself Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2008 Posts: 730	My vote went to the Mossberg because that's what I own, but it's really a toss-up to me. The 870 Express series is about even with the Mossberg on fit-and-finish, with the Mossberg's superior placement of controls giving it a slight edge. The 870 Wingmaster line absolutely blows the Mossbergs out of the water in fit, finish, and attention to detail, but the poor ergonomics of the 870 line remain. Mossberg makes a better working gun, but there's no pump shotgun as pleasing to the eye as an 870 Wingmaster. In my mind it's a dead tie between the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870. If Remington would emulate the Mossberg on the safety position and action release, the 870 line would win hands down.

April 29, 2008, 12:43 AM	#35
bgoldhunter Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2005 Posts: 123	The Winchester Model 12 is the best pump shotgun ever made. Currently produced, I would go with a BPS with runner up position to the 870 Wingmaster.

May 2, 2008, 03:00 PM	#37
ronto Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2007 Location: Smack Dab in the Middle of Nowhere. Posts: 505	After extensive research on this and many other forums/reviews I went with the 500 and have no buyers remorse whatsoever. I could see no advantage to the 870 other than it may look better and I didn't need a shotgun to hang over the fireplace and admire it. __________________ "We will do this: we will hang together, we will keep our organization, our arms, our discipline, our hatred of oppression, until one universal shout goes up from an admiring age that this Missouri Cavalry Division preferred exile to submission, death to dishonor". General Joseph O. Shelby, CSA (1830-1897) The only Confederate General who refused to surrender himself or his 1,000+ "Iron Brigade".

May 2, 2008, 03:12 PM	#38
SiNNiK Member Join Date: March 29, 2008 Posts: 66	Congratulations, enjoy it. Got pics?

May 2, 2008, 03:34 PM	#39
Jack O'Conner Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Location: Manatee County, Florida Posts: 1,976	I often hunt these tasty birds with my daughter's 20 gauge Youth Model by Mossberg. Stock is abit short for me but it still points quite well indeed. It cost a lot less than Remington. Winchester's 1300 had zero appeal to her. Jack __________________ Fire up the grill! Deer hunting IS NOT catch and release.

May 30, 2008, 09:25 AM	#40
6thMichCav Member Join Date: May 26, 2008 Posts: 52	A new vote for "Other" I like 870's. I like Model 12's. And I can see how people would like Ithaca 37's, Browning BPS's, Mossberg 500/835, etc. I like most quality-made pump shotguns. I even like my crusty Marlin Model 28; long and heavy as a railroad tie, but is that gun stocked right for me! However, the gun that preceded the 870--the Remington Model 31--has my vote for the best pump shotgun ever. It is quick, slick, stocked well, built exceptionally well (machining and hand fitting), and reasonably priced. Its action is so fast that it makes any 870 I've ever used feel sluggish. It is smoother than any pump shotgun I have picked up other than Model 12's--but lighter. Most pumps are fast, and some are smooth, but the M31 is both. A noted shotgun authority, Don Zutz, noted in 1994 Gun Digest the Model 31 was "...the slickest high-quality trombone gun ever made." By the way, Zutz was the shotgun editor of GD for several years. If you find a Model 31 some time--especially the pre-war version with the smaller safety button--pick it up. Remington didn't stop making them because they were worse--they stopped making them because they were slower and more expensive to manufacture.

May 30, 2008, 10:25 AM	#41
dbgun Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 326	Another vote for the Remington 870. __________________ America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the mall.

May 30, 2008, 10:05 PM	#42
ebutler462 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 437	I didn't think I'd like the space age plastic wonder named Nova by Benelli. BUT, I tried a 20 gauge with a 24" barrel. It is as ugly as sin. Since I am a pushover for anything new, like the polymer construction of the Nova, I had to try it. I really like it. I have a 870, have had several Mossberg 500s over the years, Ithaca 37s, and a sprinkling of other brands. The smoothest operating of the pumps I have owned is the Nova. It ain't pretty but it is my favorite pump. It rides with me in my truck. It's short barrel and compact design makes it, for me, the perfect all around truck gun. It requires virtually no care and gets little. There ain't much to rust or corrode so a drop of oil on the rotating bolt once in a while is all that is needed. I use it to give crows and other vermin out of my corn crop and for rats, snakes, etc. I used to carry my 870 in my truck until I got the Nova. Nothing against the 870. Fine gun. I just like the Nova better. Purely personal opinion. For hunting, I use a Franchi 48 20 gauge, mostly. It is almost 50 years old and has never let me down. But, we are discussing pump guns here. Happy shooting!

May 30, 2008, 10:57 PM	#44
Chief-7700 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Location: Carmel Valley, CA Posts: 112	Ithaca M37 or Winchester M-12. Still have them both but can't shoot them anymore due to major right shoulder surgery. Chief-7700 __________________ COLT M-1911 DOB 1918 and more a XL-650 to feed them

May 31, 2008, 08:39 AM	#45
tommyt Junior Member Join Date: May 30, 2008 Posts: 3	best pump gun ever Remington Model 31 with 870 second

May 31, 2008, 11:27 AM	#46
Jeff Mulliken Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 250	How can you do a credible survey on the best pump ever made without including the Win Model 12 and the Ithaca Model 37? Both are classic guns that have stood the test of time and wear and tear. Anyone over the age of 45 should know how the current crop of stamped metal POS shotguns are going to be viewed in 30 years...and how the 100 year old M12's are still going to be in use and highly valued. Jeff

June 1, 2008, 09:07 AM	#47
tvrobert Member Join Date: May 31, 2008 Location: Valley of the Jolly Green Giant Posts: 51	Model 12. I want one bad. Before I moved to the country, the only gun I'd ever owned was a bolt-action 20 ga. That was a bad idea for a shotgun design. But shooting ringnecks and clays with a friend's Mod 12 was like shooting with your arm. I got an 870 12 ga. last week and love it, but a Model 12 is next on the list. I can shoot lead shot on my own property, and if I can find a Model 12 in good shape, and the wife clears the funds, that's next on the rack n' range.

June 1, 2008, 08:00 PM	#48
ebutler462 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 437	And the wife clears the funds!!!! So I am not the only henpecked shooter on this site. Sorry Guys! Gotta go ask my wife for lunch money. She will come up with a few excuses but maybe she will break with a few bucks after poor mouthing a bit. I shudder to think of asking her for funds to buy a gun. "Why do you need another gun? You can't shoot but one at the time." The story of my life.

June 11, 2008, 12:45 PM	#49
glazer1972 Member Join Date: May 27, 2002 Location: East TX Posts: 78	Model 12.

June 11, 2008, 01:22 PM	#50
joshua9578 Member Join Date: November 11, 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 52	winchester 1300, first shotgun ive owned, shot many of my friends shotguns, but cant wait to get back to mine. its all personal taste and opinion, but winchester has my vote on the pump shotguns. __________________ dear intruder , roses are red, violets are blue, 4+1 in my shotgun, sucks to be you .