What's Your Favorite Pump Gun!

rc · March 30, 2020, 11:29 AM

All repeating pump action shotguns are really amazing machines, but some are just better designs! I've used Ithacas and BPSs and Mossberg 500s and Winchesters. But it seems that of these, a solid argument can be made for the Model 500 series as the best combination of design features that with a real mettle safety and trigger housing would be about perfect. The low cost, that's just a bonus.

But I have to admit, when one wants a butter smooth action above all else, the award for best pump goes to the Ithaca pump!

While taking some of the best design features from several guns, the BPS just doesn't have the smooth handling characteristics of the Ithaca even though much of the design is the same.

And the Remington 870, the most "popular" pump shotgun in America seems to be more temperamental than the others....

So what's your favorite shotgun? rc

**44 AMP** · March 30, 2020, 01:29 PM

Winchester Model of 1912.

Field grade, 30" full choke 12 gauge

Made in the 1920s

it was my 16th birthday present, bought at auction for $125, it amazed me that my Dad was able to spend that much, we didn't have much money back then and it was close to half a month's wages for him. I know he hoped to get it for less, but there was one guy bidding against him which drove it up. Dad gave me the money, I want and paid for it, and as I was carrying it back to our seats, the other guy asked me "what is it?"

I read the words on the barrel, "Winchester Model of 1912".
He said "I'll give you $200!"

I said, "no, sir..."

There's other slicker working pumps today, but that one and I have a special connection, especially now that my Dad is many long years in the home of the wind. That gun is going nowhere, except to my grandson, eventually.

Doyle · March 30, 2020, 01:47 PM

The Winchester 12 was probably the most perfectly balanced pump ever made.

MarkCO · March 30, 2020, 01:51 PM

FNH P12.

Chromed bore, rotating bolt, smooth.

Virginian · March 30, 2020, 02:07 PM

Remington Wingmaster by a W I D E margin.

jonnyc · March 30, 2020, 02:27 PM

Only ever had 2..........Maverick 88s. I would take a 500, but no need!

jmr40 · March 30, 2020, 04:23 PM

In order of preference

870
BPS
Benelli Nova
Winchester 1300

I think the Browning BPS is the best gun of the bunch, but it is a little heavier than I care for and I just shoot the 870 better. And I think that is a big part of why it is so popular. It just balances and points well for most people.

The Mossberg 500 has some design features that rule it out for me, but the Mossberg 590 addresses most of those. For a personal defense gun I'd rate the 590 a tie with the 870.

Never heard of an 870 being temperamental. None of the ones I've seen were.

rc · March 30, 2020, 04:51 PM

There are some reports of rusting with the Remingtons and poorly finished chambers that cause shells to get stuck and fail to extract.

eastbank · March 30, 2020, 05:00 PM

i have a older light weight remington 870 in 20ga with a modfied 28" vent rib barrel and it gets hunted the most for small game over all my other shotgun(26)

dgludwig · March 30, 2020, 05:03 PM

My favorite pump gun of all time is the Remington Model 31-the pump-actions on these shotguns are slicker than frog snot on a mirror. In terms of contemporary pump shotguns, my vote goes to the Browning BPS.

Hawg · March 30, 2020, 05:21 PM

A Winchester model 12 or secondly a Winchester model 97.

Wishoot · March 30, 2020, 05:29 PM

I've only owned two in my life and now only have one.

BPS- great action, great trigger. But I could never get comfortable with the stock. Sold it.

Ancient Wingmaster- LOVE this shotgun. The action and trigger are like melted butter.

KnightofCydonia · March 30, 2020, 06:01 PM

Ithaca 37 for me.

gwpercle · March 30, 2020, 06:03 PM

Remington model 17
20 gauge pump . My grandfather bought it in 1929 . He had a good job at the Standard Oil Refinery in Baton Rouge , Louisiana and could afford the trim new Remington Pump to hunt squirrels, rabbits quail and woodcock with . As far as I know it was the only shotgun he ever owned . Passed down to my Dad who passed it on to me .
It has always been my favorite to hunt small game and birds .
Light and trim ...just a joy to carry and shoot .
Gary

kymasabe · March 30, 2020, 07:49 PM

I shot trap for years and years with an old Remington wingmaster. The safety and slide release always seemed in the wrong place and that damn loading gate would snag gloves in winter months, but the gun always felt right when shouldered and pump action was well worn and really smooth. That being said, I now own a mossberg 500, all the controls are in the right place, I'm still trying to get used to it after 15 years and I can't hit a damn thing with it.
So, logically, I say the mossberg 500, but my heart says the old Rem Wingmaster wins.
My brother on the other hand has had the same Ithaca 37 for at least 30 years, probably closer to 40 years, and says all other pump guns are pure rubbish so...who knows.

FrankenMauser · March 30, 2020, 08:07 PM

My experience is wide and varied, but generally with very little time on any given model that I didn't personally own. So, I have to fall back on what I grew up with and what I own:

Winchester Model 25.
The M12 is a runner up.

The Model 25 is everything good about the M12, minus the extra weight, bulk, and complication of the unnecessary take-down feature.

My M25 is a 12 ga, of 1952 production, with a serial number composed of only 5s and 0s.
Lots of stories. Lots of history. It has been bent. It has been broken. It is completely worn out. It even blew up once...
My grandfather bought it for $35 in about 1968, I estimate, in quite poor condition. From there, its life has been a roller coaster.

joed · March 30, 2020, 08:31 PM

16 posts and not one picture? What's wrong with you guys?

First shotgun I ever fired was a Winchester 25 in 1970 when I came home from the service. Since then I've owned 2 pump shotguns, 2 were Mossberg 500's and a S&W Eastfield model. I'm on the second 500 now.

Wish I could say I've fired them all but I can't. But here's a picture of my 500 Mariner.

cpt-t · March 31, 2020, 01:25 AM

IMHO the Old 97 Winchester is about as good as it gets. It fit`s me better than any shotgun I ever put to my shoulder. I even carried a 97 WIN in Viet Nam in 1968 & 1969, never had a single problem with it. I have two of them now.
ken

Blindstitch · March 31, 2020, 04:58 AM

I've only had 3 pumps and they were all Mossberg 500's. Two 20 gauges and a 12.

natman · March 31, 2020, 09:51 AM

I'm a fan of the Ithaca 37, with the Winchester Model 12 a very close second.

For years I wanted a 20 ga 37 Featherweight with the ribbed "corn cob" forend. When I worked in a gun shop one day, somebody walked in with one and wanted to put it on consignment. It was covered in surface rust and was so dirty the manager wouldn't take it in. I bought it for a song, took it home and started cleaning it. After a lot of 0000 steel wool and light oil, all the rust disappeared and it looks terrific today. Real steel and walnut, smooth action and a joy to carry.

RaySendero · March 31, 2020, 10:50 AM

My favorite:

Pahoo · March 31, 2020, 11:20 AM

Have to admit that I am a bit biased and my preference is based on my own limited exposure. .....

1) 870 WingMaster; not to be confused with the Express.
2) Ithca 37 W vent-rib
3) Browning BPS Up-Land

Quote:

There are some reports of rusting with the Remingtons and poorly finished chambers that cause shells to get stuck and fail to extract.

You are referring to the Express models and I too have had to address your listed problems. I have never had a problem with the WingMasters. My older Corn-Cobb forend has served me well. ……

Be Safe !!!

Onward Allusion · March 31, 2020, 11:43 AM

I have a few but my favorite is an inexpensive Remy Clone - Pardner Protector... The damn thing is SOLID. Still can't believe I picked that one up for like $110 back in the day.

stinkeypete · March 31, 2020, 11:46 AM

1. Ithaca Model 37 (mine is from 1944j. The stock just fits me better than anything off the shelf and I really like the dog and bird roll engraving on the right receiver. I like that it ejects out the bottom, and I like that the takedown makes cleaning the shell tube so easy. I seem to get seeds and bits of leaf in there. The action and trigger are fantastic.
2. 870 Wingmaster, the proper one. Mine was from the early ‘60s. The fit is almost as good for me, but I can see thats a matter of how your body is shaped. No roll engravings but also beautiful wood and steel. I admit I like how easy it is to clean the bolt assembly.

Why can’t it be easy to clean the tube AND the bolt assembly?

I had a benelli fot turkey hunting and the thing took magnum turkey loads, had that camo stuff, was perfectly reliable. It is probably fine for duck hunting or turkey hunting when you have a strong kid to carry that artillery piece around for you, but I don’t miss it one bit. Not it’s fault it’s just not got the elegance of the classics.

Drm50 · March 31, 2020, 06:02 PM

Win m12, Rem 31 and Ithaca 37 are the best three pumps ever made. Anything made since these guns demise has been a down hill spiral of race to the bottom. Some models like 870 were better made at one time but the stamped guns have never compared to milled parts guns. The Ithaca was born out of the Rem series pumps built on m10 family. The new

March 30, 2020, 11:29 AM	#1
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,769	What's Your Favorite Pump Gun! All repeating pump action shotguns are really amazing machines, but some are just better designs! I've used Ithacas and BPSs and Mossberg 500s and Winchesters. But it seems that of these, a solid argument can be made for the Model 500 series as the best combination of design features that with a real mettle safety and trigger housing would be about perfect. The low cost, that's just a bonus. But I have to admit, when one wants a butter smooth action above all else, the award for best pump goes to the Ithaca pump! While taking some of the best design features from several guns, the BPS just doesn't have the smooth handling characteristics of the Ithaca even though much of the design is the same. And the Remington 870, the most "popular" pump shotgun in America seems to be more temperamental than the others.... So what's your favorite shotgun? rc

March 30, 2020, 01:29 PM	#2
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,846	My favorite pump gun Winchester Model of 1912. Field grade, 30" full choke 12 gauge Made in the 1920s it was my 16th birthday present, bought at auction for $125, it amazed me that my Dad was able to spend that much, we didn't have much money back then and it was close to half a month's wages for him. I know he hoped to get it for less, but there was one guy bidding against him which drove it up. Dad gave me the money, I want and paid for it, and as I was carrying it back to our seats, the other guy asked me "what is it?" I read the words on the barrel, "Winchester Model of 1912". He said "I'll give you $200!" I said, "no, sir..." There's other slicker working pumps today, but that one and I have a special connection, especially now that my Dad is many long years in the home of the wind. That gun is going nowhere, except to my grandson, eventually. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

March 30, 2020, 01:51 PM	#4
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	FNH P12. Chromed bore, rotating bolt, smooth. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

March 30, 2020, 02:07 PM	#5
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	Remington Wingmaster by a W I D E margin. __________________ What could have happened... did.

March 30, 2020, 02:27 PM	#6
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Only ever had 2..........Maverick 88s. I would take a 500, but no need! __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 30, 2020, 01:47 PM	#3
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	The Winchester 12 was probably the most perfectly balanced pump ever made.

March 30, 2020, 04:23 PM	#7
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	In order of preference 870 BPS Benelli Nova Winchester 1300 I think the Browning BPS is the best gun of the bunch, but it is a little heavier than I care for and I just shoot the 870 better. And I think that is a big part of why it is so popular. It just balances and points well for most people. The Mossberg 500 has some design features that rule it out for me, but the Mossberg 590 addresses most of those. For a personal defense gun I'd rate the 590 a tie with the 870. Never heard of an 870 being temperamental. None of the ones I've seen were. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

March 30, 2020, 04:51 PM	#8
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,769	There are some reports of rusting with the Remingtons and poorly finished chambers that cause shells to get stuck and fail to extract.

March 30, 2020, 05:00 PM	#9
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	i have a older light weight remington 870 in 20ga with a modfied 28" vent rib barrel and it gets hunted the most for small game over all my other shotgun(26)

March 30, 2020, 05:03 PM	#10
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	My favorite pump gun of all time is the Remington Model 31-the pump-actions on these shotguns are slicker than frog snot on a mirror. In terms of contemporary pump shotguns, my vote goes to the Browning BPS. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

March 30, 2020, 05:21 PM	#11
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	A Winchester model 12 or secondly a Winchester model 97.

March 30, 2020, 05:29 PM	#12
Wishoot Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,093	I've only owned two in my life and now only have one. BPS- great action, great trigger. But I could never get comfortable with the stock. Sold it. Ancient Wingmaster- LOVE this shotgun. The action and trigger are like melted butter.

March 30, 2020, 06:01 PM	#13
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	Ithaca 37 for me.

March 30, 2020, 06:03 PM	#14
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,752	Remington model 17 20 gauge pump . My grandfather bought it in 1929 . He had a good job at the Standard Oil Refinery in Baton Rouge , Louisiana and could afford the trim new Remington Pump to hunt squirrels, rabbits quail and woodcock with . As far as I know it was the only shotgun he ever owned . Passed down to my Dad who passed it on to me . It has always been my favorite to hunt small game and birds . Light and trim ...just a joy to carry and shoot . Gary

March 30, 2020, 07:49 PM	#15
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	I shot trap for years and years with an old Remington wingmaster. The safety and slide release always seemed in the wrong place and that damn loading gate would snag gloves in winter months, but the gun always felt right when shouldered and pump action was well worn and really smooth. That being said, I now own a mossberg 500, all the controls are in the right place, I'm still trying to get used to it after 15 years and I can't hit a damn thing with it. So, logically, I say the mossberg 500, but my heart says the old Rem Wingmaster wins. My brother on the other hand has had the same Ithaca 37 for at least 30 years, probably closer to 40 years, and says all other pump guns are pure rubbish so...who knows. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

March 30, 2020, 08:07 PM	#16
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	My experience is wide and varied, but generally with very little time on any given model that I didn't personally own. So, I have to fall back on what I grew up with and what I own: Winchester Model 25. The M12 is a runner up. The Model 25 is everything good about the M12, minus the extra weight, bulk, and complication of the unnecessary take-down feature. My M25 is a 12 ga, of 1952 production, with a serial number composed of only 5s and 0s. Lots of stories. Lots of history. It has been bent. It has been broken. It is completely worn out. It even blew up once... My grandfather bought it for $35 in about 1968, I estimate, in quite poor condition. From there, its life has been a roller coaster. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 30, 2020, 08:31 PM	#17
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	16 posts and not one picture? What's wrong with you guys? First shotgun I ever fired was a Winchester 25 in 1970 when I came home from the service. Since then I've owned 2 pump shotguns, 2 were Mossberg 500's and a S&W Eastfield model. I'm on the second 500 now. Wish I could say I've fired them all but I can't. But here's a picture of my 500 Mariner. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.

March 31, 2020, 01:25 AM	#18
cpt-t Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2012 Location: South Central Kansas Posts: 125	IMHO the Old 97 Winchester is about as good as it gets. It fit`s me better than any shotgun I ever put to my shoulder. I even carried a 97 WIN in Viet Nam in 1968 & 1969, never had a single problem with it. I have two of them now. ken __________________ THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS NOT FREE:

March 31, 2020, 04:58 AM	#19
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,693	I've only had 3 pumps and they were all Mossberg 500's. Two 20 gauges and a 12. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

March 31, 2020, 09:51 AM	#20
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,607	I'm a fan of the Ithaca 37, with the Winchester Model 12 a very close second. For years I wanted a 20 ga 37 Featherweight with the ribbed "corn cob" forend. When I worked in a gun shop one day, somebody walked in with one and wanted to put it on consignment. It was covered in surface rust and was so dirty the manager wouldn't take it in. I bought it for a song, took it home and started cleaning it. After a lot of 0000 steel wool and light oil, all the rust disappeared and it looks terrific today. Real steel and walnut, smooth action and a joy to carry. __________________ Time Travelers' Wisdom: Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow. If At Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again.

March 31, 2020, 11:43 AM	#23
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	I have a few but my favorite is an inexpensive Remy Clone - Pardner Protector... The damn thing is SOLID. Still can't believe I picked that one up for like $110 back in the day. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

March 31, 2020, 11:46 AM	#24
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,293	1. Ithaca Model 37 (mine is from 1944j. The stock just fits me better than anything off the shelf and I really like the dog and bird roll engraving on the right receiver. I like that it ejects out the bottom, and I like that the takedown makes cleaning the shell tube so easy. I seem to get seeds and bits of leaf in there. The action and trigger are fantastic. 2. 870 Wingmaster, the proper one. Mine was from the early ‘60s. The fit is almost as good for me, but I can see thats a matter of how your body is shaped. No roll engravings but also beautiful wood and steel. I admit I like how easy it is to clean the bolt assembly. Why can’t it be easy to clean the tube AND the bolt assembly? I had a benelli fot turkey hunting and the thing took magnum turkey loads, had that camo stuff, was perfectly reliable. It is probably fine for duck hunting or turkey hunting when you have a strong kid to carry that artillery piece around for you, but I don’t miss it one bit. Not it’s fault it’s just not got the elegance of the classics.

March 31, 2020, 06:02 PM	#25
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	Win m12, Rem 31 and Ithaca 37 are the best three pumps ever made. Anything made since these guns demise has been a down hill spiral of race to the bottom. Some models like 870 were better made at one time but the stamped guns have never compared to milled parts guns. The Ithaca was born out of the Rem series pumps built on m10 family. The new