Author Topic: Pump or Auto? (Read 1033 times)

BoneDigger · « **on:** March 08, 2005, 08:32:55 AM »

I have been weighing this decision for quite some time and I need your advice. I have been looking at the new CZ712 auto-loader. It is around $350 or so plus tax. I have heard good things about these guns, especially for the price.

The second option is to buy an 870 Express pump. A guy I know has one he won at a skeet shoot and wants $175 for it. It has never been fired, but I hear that these Express shotguns have some issues with rusting.

I don't shoot skeet and really would not use the gun a lot. I have a Ultra Slug I use for slug hunting and would only use this gun for an occassional dove hunt, duck hunt, or deer hunt with buckshot. I may use it all of 10 times per year.

My only concern with the 870 is the rust and the fact that I have never used a pump shotgun. The one time I tried one on a duck hunt I kept forgetting to pump the dang thing!

Recommendation would be appreciated.

Todd

Ramrod · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2005, 08:52:03 AM »

I think highly polished steel is less prone to rusting than a matte finish, but a properly maintained weapon should not rust anyway. If you are going to throw it behind the seat of a truck after hunting, and leave it there, you might have a problem quicker with the Express, but you will have a problem with any gun, sooner or later. As far as pump vs auto, get what you like, and what fits.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2005, 12:42:57 AM »

The 870 Express is not just a skeet gun. You can do everything with it that you mentioned. For the price difference, I would go with the 870. I have shot pumps all my life (mostly 870's) and have owned a couple of autos, which I tried to pump until I got used to them. Since rust is an isssue, just wipe it down with a rust inhibitor rag until you can get home to clean it. A polished finish will rust just as easy after a dove hunt on a hot day as a matte finish will.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:26:56 AM »

For someone who will use it no more than you the semiauto is probably a better choice. It's easier to become proficient with it. A pump really does take a bit of use to get comfortable pumping it properly for each shot. Not a big deal and easy enough to learn but if you hardly ever shoot you're likely not going to become real proficient at the use of it. The Express Remingtons do have a bit more hang up to them than the Wingmaster's do also. I vote you get the semiauto.

dukkillr · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2005, 07:50:46 AM »

a pump is always a better choice, perhaps with the exception of 3 1/2" guns exclusively for turkey hunting. get the 870, or better yet, find a BPS.

dukkillr · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2005, 03:02:14 AM »

alright, i stand corrected... pumps are always better if you're healthy enough to use one... :wink:

Dave H20 Fowl · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2005, 03:57:31 PM »

I have used my 870 Express for 9 seasons now, and there is no rust on it. I spray the thing down with WD-40 when I get home and throw it on the rack, and at the end of the season I oil it really well and put it away. It gets smoother with use. I started off with an auto and I think I became proficient with a pump in about 5-10 outings. I don't shoot an auto while duck hunting for two reasons: first my pump works well, and secondly good autos cost a lot more. I can't see dragging a gun that cost more than a couple hundred bucks into a duck blind or into salt spray. Call me cheap. Upland is another story, plenty of bluebird days afield to warrant a more costly gun. I don't know anything about the auto you are considering but rust is just a sign of neglect.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2005, 12:12:59 PM »

I guess I use a different action type for different purposes.

I use the Citori O/U for clays and pheasants and such.

The 870 Express Youth has a mag extention and a side saddle for home defense----plenty of shells on tap and more sure to the next shot should you get a dud or some other malfunction---the auto just isn't sure enough for this purpose.

The camo Benelli Nova goes for turkey and waterfowl----mainly because of the camo finish and the 3.5in chambering.

My Benelli M1 Super 90 Field(black finish) is mainly for upland hunting---simply so I won't scratch up---and is considerably lighter than my Citori---the couple extra shells helps when the shootin gets fast and furious-----like when you jump a covey of quail.

No action is "best" just simply better for the purpose at hand----depending on what that is.

jmckinley · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2005, 10:22:27 AM »

Like a couple of the gentlemen said a pump is better or was it the auto... anyway I have used pumps for over 40 years mostly Mossberg's and i'm having the same discussion now myself. The new Mossbergs don't seem to be as well made as my ole ones. I had the Express and hated the way it felt, yet I love the way the Wingmaster fits and swings. I've been looking at The Stoeger 2000 Auto and it boils down to 870 or 2000 for me. I would suggest you shoot the gun that fits you best be it pump or auto. I have old football issues and am leaning toward the auto. If the 870 points and swings better then it will be the 870. If you like the 870 go with the Wingmaster. I don't care what they say the Express is not the gun the Wingmaster is, period. The balance of the Wingmaster is the best I felt on a pump , the exception would be the model 12, just a very good all around shotgun.

Jess

BoneDigger · « **Reply #9 on:** March 18, 2005, 08:03:07 AM »

I finally broke down and bought a gun. I was decideing between the pump or the CZ but finally ended up with a Stoeger 2000! After trying them all I decided the Stoeger was just an awesome gun for the price. For as little as I shoot, I think it'll be a good $350!

Todd

Don Fischer · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2005, 10:23:42 AM »

Jmckinley say's the wingmaster is the best handling. I don't shoot much outer than sxs's anymore but year's past, the Mossberg felt better to me than the wingmaster and I still have a rather old Ithaca mod37 in 16 ga that out handles and is smoother than any pump I've ever used.

jmckinley · « **Reply #11 on:** March 22, 2005, 03:07:51 PM »

Don I do like the way the LC wingmaster handles but I have been shooting Mossbergs for 40 years. so what did I do this weekend I didn't but either I bought a BPS instead. I got a s/s first a new Stoeger Uplander supreme. Frankly a piece of s---- on a good day. Wouldn't fire AA's and after a box of Estate the darn thing doubled twice. Sooo the only gun they had I liked was the BPS. Shot a round of trap with the BPS and broke 23 of 25. Not to bad for an ole guy. By the way I'll pick up an 835 for the goose season this year. I like the Wingmaster's balance but could put the barrel on my foot pull the trigger and miss. They just don't fit my 6'5" frame very well. I like the Bps but am still a Mossy fan.
Good Shooting,
Jess

dukkillr · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2005, 06:38:26 PM »

the bps is the best blue-collar hunting gun produced today. it's impossible to jam, it's ambidexterous, it comes in camo and synthetic. it's not as fast as a Model 12. For real hunters that hunt in real weather with real mud, it's the best gun you can buy, bar none. that goes double if you're a lefty.