really fancy buying a winchester spx shotgun-but told there are not sa

[Tattooed]

Hi,

Was thinking about buy a winchester SPX shotgun (really fancy one! but was told at my local gun club there are not the right gun to buy, because you cannot see what's in the chamber.

 

Was told not to buy one.

 

Any advice?

[fenboy]

The same safety rules apply to any gun , no reason a pump action is not as safe as a O/U , that said if you are only going to be shooting clays then a O/U is a better choice.

[Gordon R]

+1

[Scully]

Unless your club specifically forbids certain mechanisms then buy the gun you want. If you're a relative beginner to shotguns and in particular sporting clays you may feel yourself at a disadvantage in competition against others using OU's or autos. As above, the OU is the more conventional and more practical tool for competitive clays, but as for safety applications then none is more safe than any other. That depends entirely on the user.

[jimmyb79]

I have the SXP and for the money it's a great gun. The safety aspect is the same as the semi auto in that you can put a safety plug or flag in the breech just as you would on a semi.

I own a Browning Maxus too and generally prefer shooting the SXP...except when I forget to cycle it between shots!

[kennett]

As said, if you want to use it on just clays there are better, and easier to use guns (not throwing empties all over the shop, not having a the distraction of pumping between shots) But I have one as my truck/mule/marsh/hide gun and love it, eats anything I put through it and shoot well with it. But not scared of it getting wet or muddy or being used as a wading stick!

[throdgrain]

When I started many years ago I bought an over / under, a Winchester 101, because that was the accepted wisdom on various forums (airgunbbs - yuk) and clubs. I never liked it, it lasted six months then I bought a Mossberg 500, which is what I actually wanted.

[Scully]

When I started many years ago I bought an over / under, a Winchester 101, because that was the accepted wisdom on various forums (airgunbbs - yuk) and clubs. I never liked it, it lasted six months then I bought a Mossberg 500, which is what I actually wanted.

+ 1. There you go. You wont be happy unless you buy what YOU want; ******** to anyone else.

[CharlesP]

There is a point - you can't see that a pump (or an auto) is safe in the same way that you can see that an OU or SxS is "broken". The latter are obviously unable to fire, and you can see that from all directions. But a breech flag will show that your pump/auto isn't ready to fire from all angles where you can see the bolt - which is most of them. And it's worth pointing out that carrying the gun in a slip when not actually in use will render it pretty safe too. Safe handling and muzzle awareness is everything, and idiots can swing the muzzles of an OU round just the same as any other gun.

 

I would be interested to know how many accidents have occurred per year as a result of shotguns being accidentally discharged at clay grounds; preferably broken down into the major types of gun. And I would be interested to know how many injuries and/or deaths have been caused.

 

It is true that a pump is least suitable for clays, the operation of the slide simply isn't quick enough for an instant second shot, and likewise its operation can't help but disturb the aim for that second shot. I saw this effect in action on Saturday, the gun's owner was very quick, but he wasn't getting the second shot off accurately. This is likely to irritate you massively after a very short time, and cause missed targets, no amount of practice will compensate.

 

There is an unfortunate association that pumps have with the "cowboy" or "Rambo" mentality. It has been my experience that such characters tend towards pumps rather than traditional guns, and to a lesser extent autos as well. I'm sure that doesn't apply to you or you wouldn't be asking the question!

 

I shoot with an auto and an OU and a SxS too. Any comments about "chucking empty cartridges everywhere" can best be dealt with by picking up those that'll get in the way or underfoot on a stand with one of those magnetic things. Stuff ejected in front of the stand falls into the no-go zone, you shouldn't go there of course.

Edited March 16, 2015 by CharlesP

[joecash]

O/U shotguns are preferred by clay shooting grounds as the majority of spent shells end up in the bins provided.

Those who ensure their semi auto, spent shells, go into the bin are in the minority - as anyone will tell you - even the naughty boys!

[TbirdX]

It is true that a pump is least suitable for clays, the operation of the slide simply isn't quick enough for an instant second shot, and likewise its operation can't help but disturb the aim for that second shot. I saw this effect in action on Saturday, the gun's owner was very quick, but he wasn't getting the second shot off accurately. This is likely to irritate you massively after a very short time, and cause missed targets, no amount of practice will compensate.

 

There is an unfortunate association that pumps have with the "cowboy" or "Rambo" mentality. It has been my experience that such characters tend towards pumps rather than traditional guns, and to a lesser extent autos as well. I'm sure that doesn't apply to you or you wouldn't be asking the question!

 

 

 

What a load of bovine excrement.

 

A pump is great fun to use, the sound of course is like no other. The slide will go as quickly as you can and a second instant shot is rarely that necessary. True, it can pull your aim for the second shot, but unless you're keeping the barrel in the same position for the second shot you're moving it anyway. Missing and getting frustrated is a nonsense. That depends on the individual and their own expectations and that has nothing to do with the gun. If you point it in the right place you'll break the clay, simple as that.

 

As for the Rambo mentality, well that's just complete drivel. Pay it no mind at all.

 

If you want one, buy one, that's all that really matters.

[jimmyb79]

It is true that a pump is least suitable for clays, the operation of the slide simply isn't quick enough for an instant second shot, and likewise its operation can't help but disturb the aim for that second shot. I saw this effect in action on Saturday, the gun's owner was very quick, but he wasn't getting the second shot off accurately. This is likely to irritate you massively after a very short time, and cause missed targets, no amount of practice will compensate.

 

In my personal experience this simply is not the case. Firstly the SXP has a speed cycle feature which means the movement to eject and cycle another cartridge is quite minimal. I have had some of my best scores and days on the pigeons with my pump action. I have found that the slight pause in the space between first and second shot gives just a little more time to focus on the target and have a more productive second shot.

 

As for the 'Rambo mentality' I'm sure they are out there but as long as they're safe, legal and sensible with their shooting, does it matter? I am certainly not like that and know plenty of pump action users who are not either.

 

I should add that I purchased it as a bit of a novelty to use when coaching, but have come to really like it. The older kids love it on a young shots day.

 

Just my experience...

[Scully]

 

 

A pump is great fun to use, the sound of course is like no other. The slide will go as quickly as you can and a second instant shot is rarely that necessary. True, it can pull your aim for the second shot, but unless you're keeping the barrel in the same position for the second shot you're moving it anyway. Missing and getting frustrated is a nonsense. That depends on the individual and their own expectations and that has nothing to do with the gun. If you point it in the right place you'll break the clay, simple as that.

 

As for the Rambo mentality, well that's just complete drivel. Pay it no mind at all.

 

If you want one, buy one, that's all that really matters.

[maverick 16]

Its great to see a decent Pump Gunner at work on the Clays, if you want one go for it, one of those plastic clips in the breech will be fine.