Author Topic: Best pump for the Money? (Read 3790 times)

Qualitymilk · « **on:** April 07, 2010, 02:56:36 AM »

Looking for a 20 gauge pump, not sure if I should go for an 870 combo, or buy a pardner pump for wing shooting and then an ultra slug hunter for the deer. Either way I spend $450-500 to achieve the same goal. Any suggestions? I think the quality of both guns is fairly comparable. Thanks for any ideas....

jlchucker · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2010, 04:54:17 AM »

Doesn't everybody need an 870 pump of some sort in their repetoire? It's kind of an American tradition. Plenty of interchangeable barrels available for whatever you want to do, too.

Swampman · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2010, 05:52:41 AM »

Don't buy the Pardner. It's made in China.

sachel.45 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2010, 05:55:40 AM »

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2010, 06:10:41 AM »

Benelli Nova in 20ga.
It's ugly but it is a great upland gun.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2010, 10:29:03 AM »

870 The gun all others are compared to

teamnelson · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2010, 11:34:57 AM »

870 is great, and every red blooded american should own one at least once in their life.

But, my norinco/iac Ithaca 37 clone is the strongest, smoothest pump I've ever owned, of 5 (Mossberg & Remington) or shot (except Bernelli), for $150 brand new. So if you're going strictly by value, best for the money, don't fear the chinese clones. If buying American is a priority, 870, and don't look back.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2010, 12:21:49 PM »

Also don't over look the used market...this winter I picked up a b eautiful model 31 Remington in excellent condition beautiful wood for less than a new pump shotgun...just last mth. when I was visiting my dad, I saw an excellent Ithaca model 37 with a solid rib for 375$....as much as I love 870's, the Ithaca is one smooooooooth working gun...if it is there when I return to hunt some turkey, I will pick it up...It is the delux model std. models are much less expensive.......

Qualitymilk · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2010, 12:33:28 PM »

Thanks for all the opinions and info guys...I have a trip to Cabela's in my near future, and I will handle them all and see what feels the best. The 870 is always an attractive option, especially with all the stocks and gear available for them since they have been around forever. I do like the made in the USA thing, too. Always been a TC and Savage rifle guy, and have never looked back....thanks again to the GBO gang.

mauser98us · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2010, 06:47:46 PM »

Look for a good used Ithaca 37

james25889 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2010, 05:12:15 PM »

i would buy an 870

klt1986 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 18, 2010, 06:28:19 PM »

Browning BPS

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2010, 09:55:48 AM »

Some good choices listed here ,but don't overlook the Mossberg line of pumpguns. My 20 has lasted me for years now.

HWD

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:15:50 AM »

Browning BPS
Bottom eject
Thumb safety
Very smooth action

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #14 on:** April 24, 2010, 04:23:45 PM »

1) 870
2) Mossberg 500

The 870 is a nicer gun, but the 500 will get the job done for less money. If it was me, I would shop for a really nice used 870.

Qualitymilk · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2010, 05:20:35 AM »

Thanks again guys for all the info, I ended up with a Mossberg 500 combo in camo. We put an Undertaker choke in it, and my 10 year old shot his first turkey yesterday morning. 25 lbs, 9 inch beard and 1 inch spurs - just as much fun for me doing the calling - he blasted him at 25 yards just as he reached our decoys!!

I also am buying a used 20 gauge BPS from a buddy of mine. His boy used it very little about 10 years ago, and it is spotless. I think I'll use it some for trap, too. Thanks again to the GBO faithful and their replies - I always get great info.

JM

Mr. Joe · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2010, 04:45:04 AM »

Get a 870...cheep and the best pumps you can buy.

tacklebury · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2010, 02:03:42 PM »

I have a Mossberg 500 and love it. Quick pointing, double bead and double extractor rods. A lot more 870's come in for repair due to their single extractor rod according to my gunsmith buddy. I got the dual barrel wood version for slugs and shot, but they have some black or camo stocks available right now at Davidson's:

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=54250&index=1&mfg=All&mdl=All&cat=All&type=All&cal=20+Gauge&fin=All&sit=All&pid=&inv= = $349 in my location.

or

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=54141&index=1&mfg=All&mdl=All&cat=All&type=All&cal=20+Gauge&fin=All&sit=All&pid=&inv= = $400 even for my location.

Good luck on your decision.

Just remember to change your zip code for your location

Swampman · « **Reply #18 on:** September 21, 2010, 03:04:20 PM »

Owned a bunch of both. I prefer the 870.

tacklebury · « **Reply #19 on:** September 21, 2010, 03:52:27 PM »

I do like the smoothness of the cycling on the 870, but don't think it justifies the doubly high price tag. Just my opinion of course. Another great deal is the Maverick arms version of the 500 if you can find them. From what I understand, it's the same action just rebranded, but don't quote me on that. lol I've seen them new under $250. Couple guys at work are really into them.

Swampman · « **Reply #20 on:** September 21, 2010, 03:55:45 PM »

A new 870 cost $259.00 at Bass Pro.

tacklebury · « **Reply #21 on:** September 21, 2010, 04:18:14 PM »

Wow, haven't seen them for that cheap around here.

luckydawg13 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 22, 2010, 05:26:40 AM »

for the price the 870 is the one i have one my slug barrel shoots 1"1/2 at 100yrds looks it dont have

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** September 22, 2010, 09:27:02 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on September 21, 2010, 03:55:45 PM

A new 870 cost $259.00 at Bass Pro.

but the purdy one is over 500

Swampman · « **Reply #24 on:** September 22, 2010, 09:42:59 AM »

Personally I woudn't buy a new Wingmaster. I prefer the earlier versions. I just bought a really nice 12 gauge 870 Magnum for $399.00 and a 16 Gauge Wingmaster for $250.00.

I'd like to have a 20 gauge but I can't see the sense in it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #25 on:** September 22, 2010, 09:43:54 AM »

I agree - hate that safty key deal.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #26 on:** September 22, 2010, 10:02:42 AM »

$:-\$ Swampman and other southern folks, do you see used 16 ga. 870's very often?

? I have owned all the ga. in 870's but that one...seldom see a 16 in my part of the country...

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #27 on:** September 22, 2010, 10:06:57 AM »

Had a mod. 12 but shells are so high and a 20 carries so much better

Swampman · « **Reply #28 on:** September 22, 2010, 10:56:07 AM »

Quote from: Wyo. Coyote Hunter on September 22, 2010, 10:02:42 AM

$:-\$ Swampman and other southern folks, do you see used 16 ga. 870's very often?? I have owned all the ga. in 870's but that one...seldom see a 16 in my part of the country...

I see them every so often but they are mostly from the 1950s. Mine is from the 1970s and has the look I prefer. I just love a 16 gauge myself. Mine feels light and handy. Kills like a 12 carries like a 20.

rjr9603 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 28, 2010, 01:12:01 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on September 21, 2010, 03:55:45 PM

A new 870 cost $259.00 at Bass Pro.

You can get them for the same price at my local Dicks Sporting Goods store and Remington is now offering a $30 rebate to boot. I just picked up a 870 20 gauge two weeks ago. When the rebate comes in it will bring the price to $229.00. Great price for a great shotgun.