MagiKelly Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 As I said in my introduction I have recently got a permission and am shooting some crows and pigeons. So far mostly crows. I have been using my Miroku over and under and while it shoots well it is a pain to load in the hide, as all o/u are I guess. I have seen that most UK shooters are using semi autos but quite a lot of shooters in the US favour pump action. I have shot both at the clay ground and have no presence for accuracy but wonder if there is a winner for performance, most importantly jamming. I also have a question about moderators but I will start a new thead for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retromlc Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 Semis can be a bit cartridge fussy,whereas if you use a pump properly they can use all types of cartridges,I only have semi's but a pump action once got used to can be as fast as you need to fire,I think the best(new) ones are winchester SXP and most go for mossbergs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 A good quality semi-auto will very, very rarely jam - you will go for many 1000s of shots with no problems if you are using suitable cartridges. A pump action will almost never jam if, and here's the catch, you use it correctly. In my opinion it's more likely that you will mess up the pumping than a semi-auto is to jam. Meanwhile, the speed of the semi-auto and the fact you don't have to move it will get you more second shots on target. I have both, but the semi-auto is what works best for hide shooting for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerettaSV10 Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 Just looked at the sxp as was on the to look at list, in the end went for a semi, as would probally forget to pump it as at the moment I tend to use semi's more than any thing else, just load the cartridges and let the gun do the cycling work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildfowler325 Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 I'v never used pump action before but have two semi's. Id go for a semi as less recoil and fast cycling speed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 Pumps are more reliable - but they do rely on being operated correctly. If rushing a shot, it's possible to short stroke it and jam, but provided you don't do that they never jam. They have the great advantage of being able to cycle anything, and weight or length of cartridge. Of course there are many semi's out there (including Hatsans - don't get hung up on only having a 'quality' semi to avoid jams) which don't give any problems with jamming either. I think that most people find a cartridge that their semi likes and they tend not to have any issues. Personally I prefer a pump, they're more fun as well as being ultra reliable. There is also almost nothing that can go wrong with them, and they are a doddle to clean. You can get shots off quicker with a semi, but the speed difference is actually very, very small. Pumps are also cheaper (I've a Hatsan, cheap as chips, but it works perfectly and cannot be faulted). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagiKelly Posted August 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 How important is the maintenance and cleaning with a semi to ensure it cycles properly? I take good care of my guns but don't want to have to nurse the semi to stop it getting dirty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deiseboy Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 I picked up a mossberg maverick pump action and it will fire everything you put in it, some semi autos have trouble cycling cheaper trap carts.. I never short pumped the mossberg or forgot to pump it or anything like that. Its easy to strip down into clean internally and I use it as a tool so it gets plenty of rounds put though it without been worried about the condition of it. You will have the gun pumped and kept on target before you even realise the first shot was a miss so the follow up shot will just as fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b16jus Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 (edited) Got a semi oi oi and a pump both shoot superb, personally the semi in confined space is a pain and very noisy when closing and so so close to taking the tip of your fingers off lol plus as said is cartridge fussy Personally i love my pump its so so chav but shoots any cartridge so so well just be firm but gentle and it will do you proud + a lot lot cheaper than a good semi Edited August 20, 2012 by b16jus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 I have both and love both ! Took a little getting used to the pump but love it ! The Mrs uses the pump sometimes as she can use 23gram hush power or 21gram carts in it with no cyling worries, its also nice and light and also cheap so a great hide and rough gun ! My Pump is a Mossburg 500 (the only one to meet US millitary standards) and my semi is a Benelli so i dont have to worry about cleaning gas parts etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerettaSV10 Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 How important is the maintenance and cleaning with a semi to ensure it cycles properly? I take good care of my guns but don't want to have to nurse the semi to stop it getting dirty. One of my semis is a benelli all I do is use a pull through after most uses and wipe the bolt face, then every now and again will rod the bore and do a better clean, still not taken the trigger group out to clean it since I have had it. With the escort I cleaned it that after the first use as still had tranist grease on it. Not had the trigger group out as that looked clean, and free from grease, just oiled it. Will see how long it will be before it needs a full clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypig Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 On the basis that a man should, at least one time in his life own a pump action buy the pump buy the pump buy the pump........! you know that the sound of it being racked will give you infinatly more pleasure than any semi that reason alone is enough to buy one! (that and a strange desire to buy a junior hacksaw) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b16jus Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 On the basis that a man should, at least one time in his life own a pump action buy the pump buy the pump buy the pump........! you know that the sound of it being racked will give you infinatly more pleasure than any semi that reason alone is enough to buy one! (that and a strange desire to buy a junior hacksaw) i would go as far a saying the sound of it being racked will give you a semi lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vole Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 I liked the pump but had to trade for a o/u due to cabinet space . Had a Hatsan but would look at Mossberg or Remington if needed another . Check out the American exhibition shooter videos using pumps . I liked the fact the empties fell at your feet and found using them instinctive . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 On the basis that a man should, at least one time in his life own a pump action buy the pump buy the pump buy the pump........! you know that the sound of it being racked will give you infinatly more pleasure than any semi that reason alone is enough to buy one! (that and a strange desire to buy a junior hacksaw) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12borejimbo Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 If you are going to buy one of the 2, buy one of the brands with B! 1) Benelli (best auto ever......fact) 2) Beretta 3) Browning Maxus Pumps are ok, but you have to come off target when pumping/reloading the gun, with a semi auto you can keep on the target and let another cartridge go. If you cant afford one of the above, buy an escort, use it for a year and save your money to buy something and keep for a long time. (this is what I did) I now have an 8 shot Benelli with a 24" barrell and it is my favourite shotgun. Very reliable, great in a hide, never, ever jams (havnt cleaned it since god knows when) and it works, and I am a good shot with it, confirmed by my decoying companion on Saturday when I hit a good 50 yard speeding crosser with a sit down shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 i would go as far a saying the sound of it being racked will give you a semi lol Might be useful for some of the older members.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 I shoot both, but i like the pump best - I tend to get somewhat lazy with my shooting and can be quite slow on the birds. With the pump though, if you miss with the first shot, I am generally behind the bird. By the time I've racked the second shot, the bird's flown on a bit so I have to chase it a little harder with the barrels, which puts more swing into the movement and gets me properly in front of the bird. Remington 870 Wingmaster - Lovely bit of kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagiKelly Posted August 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 I do find myself being drawn more to the pump. Either way my next querie is what barrel length should I be looking at, assuming I am buying new and have the choice. Shorter is more convenient where as longer helps with aim. Is there an agreed optimum? I should perhaps be asking this on a new thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoggy Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 Pump or Semi??...... I have both and like both.....For different reasons. All Semis and all pumps will eventually "Jam" at some point. There is no such thing as 100% reliable pump or semi. Benellis, Beretta, Remi, Winchester, Browning, and even Hatsan are all worth looking at. Each of these makes will have its fan or non-fan. As for barrel length its horses for courses. As you state, if its purely for hide work, then a shorter length would be more suitable. If I had to choose between the 2 I think the Semi for me would just edge it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudpatten Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 "Pumps are OK but you have to come off target when pumping..." Er..., no you do`nt, not if you learn to pump it correctly. What are you doing with it that you "have to come off target"? The worlds current best selling pump is the Benelli Super Nova. Buy a decent semi AND a Super Nova. Once you`ve mastered the pump you`ll never want to be without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon pete Posted August 20, 2012 Report Share Posted August 20, 2012 i have both ,hatsan MPA24 and mossy 500 slugger with knoxx special opps low recoil 4 point m4 stock .use them for practical and ive took them pigeon shooting ,great fun ,if i had to pick just one for pigeon shooting i would get a semi ,you dont have to bother racking it back ,but with a semi if you miss with the first and the second shot you tend to give it a 3rd (no need for any sarcy pointers from other PW members on ,if you missed the first 2 your gun dont fit) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Breastman Posted August 21, 2012 Report Share Posted August 21, 2012 I have a Benelli M2 semi and Benelli Supernova pump and the only time either of them have jammed is when i've done something wrong Personally i prefer the semi but considering its about double the cost of the pump its pretty embarrassing taking both guns to pieces side by side to see the difference in 'what you get' for the cost difference. If you're on a budget and you're only going to be using it for pigeons and clays (at local clay grounds) get a pump. If you think you might want to use it for more high-end clay grounds or game, get a semi. :thumbs: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagiKelly Posted August 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2012 I've got my Miroku over and under for the clay ground so this is solely for pigeons and corvids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChAoS Posted August 21, 2012 Report Share Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) so this is solely for pigeons and corvids. So, perhaps what you need is an *S.1* pump - if you're shooting *lots* of birds, then "large-scale avian pest control" is Good Reason. Regards, Mark. P.S. Oh, I shoot pump- and lever-action, here; no double-barrell or semi-auto at *all*. Edited August 21, 2012 by ChAoS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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