shotgun: semi auto or pump

[fsh4trout]

In practical hunting situations is a semi auto an advantage? The only situation I can think of would be waterfowl hunting when you want a quick extra shot. I don't duck hunt, and won't for a while.

Deer, should get 'er done with one shot. Same for Turkey.

Any opinions.

[Archerysniper]

Well I have noticed when hunting with my auto that if I miss a bird I know what I did wrong but the next round is on it's way before I have time to correct, with the pump if I miss it I normally correct for the second I don't know why my buddies swear I can shoot my pump faster than any auto.

[96trigger]

I have both, and love them both. I have two Winchester 1300's and two Beretta AL390's.

My Beretta's are used for waterfowl, Turkey, trap shooting etc... I use the Winchester for deer. I originally got the winchester with the rifled barrel to beat brush with because I didn't want to scratch my Beretta all too heck. I ended up getting a great deal on a hastings slug barrel for my Beretta and it is a great shooting gun, but I let my brother in law use that now because I have just shot too many deer with my Winchester. It would feel wierd taking something else in the woods after deer.

Sometimes that quick follow up shot is needed for turkey and deer also.

[tracker x-2]

Trigger where did you find a barrel for your 1300? I cant seem to find any under $250.

[SledNeck]

semi auto is great for grouse

[Gordie]

I have autos, pumps and doubles and a few singles The autos are awsome for waterfowl and as been stated they are great for follow up shots but I do just as well with a pump for waterfowl as well. If I start getting into the thinking that if I miss I have an auto and just have to pull the trigger to fire another I grab the pump and shoot that until I learn my lesson and if thats not enough I shoot the double barrel and I havent had to shot the old single yet cause I know I dont want to shoot that. BTW I love my double for bunnys and pheasants its a 16 ga

[sigosaur]

I shoot a '97 in SASS ... I like it.

For anything other than SASS, I prefer an auto.

Actually, I prefer my Citori.

Ultimately, I truly believe the single best shotgun for any man, is the one that, every time he pulls it up, and slaps his cheek down on it, it lines up perfectly ... and has good balance. If ya wanna hit what you're aimin' at, those, along with a decent trigger, and proper lead, will go a helluva lot further than whatever type of action it is.

There's no doubt in my mind, many guys here can cite excellent performance with either a pump or an auto ... 'cause it really doesn't matter. In any case where a second shot is needed, the auto clearly has the edge ... but if I found a pump that FELT better, I wouldn't hesitate.

[96trigger]

Good post sig. I feel comfortable pulling up just about any firearm, with the exception of one. But everyone is different.

tracker, you need to look on the online gun sites. G-broker, auct arms, gns-america, etc.... Now is the time to do it. Find one you like the best, I prefer g-broker, and check it a couple of times a week. You will find one eventually for about half that price. I jut picked up a Hastings 870 canitilever mount rifled barrel for $145 shipped to my door. I don't even own an 870 but I might have to buy one now. Be sure you check out the ratings of the sellers.

Sad thing, you can buy the whole gun for the cost of the rifled barrels. Its never a bad idea to have a spare. When you look, your best deals are going to be the buy it now ones.

[mn_bowhunter]

Tracker, I've got one to get rid of. I want a screw in choke 28" barrel for mine, and have a 28" mod barrel and a slug barrel.

[Jmnhunter]

for the all purpose starter shotgun i would go with a Pump; very reliable; and when you start adding more to your gun collection and start waterfowling you can get an autoloader