pump vs over under

[ChefRob13]

Is that against the rules?
I thought I'd get the best response if u asked both the hunters and in the shotgun discussion forum.
I've recieved a world of knowledge today through this thread. Thank you everyone for your advise. I've recognized the passion you all have for shotguns and hunting. Thanks for allowing me to pick your brains.

[JagerDog]

If you can't afford a quality automagic, then you certainly can't afford a quality O/U.

When I shot everything with one shotgun, it was a 12g auto. Now I have a number of choices. Pheasant I shoot an 20g O/U. Quail/dove I shoot a 20g auto. Waterfowl I shoot a 12g auto. Not because I generally want 2 shots at one bird, but rather that if I shoot 1 or 2 shots, the gun remains in battery while I'm thumbing more rounds back into it. Generally quicker to get a round in even if empty. While loading an O/U you're holding a lousy club.

I don't care for O/U's in a duck blind. Sunken blinds and break actions tend to interfere with each other.

[NATEWA]

Is that against the rules?
I thought I'd get the best response if u asked both the hunters and in the shotgun discussion forum.
I've recieved a world of knowledge today through this thread. Thank you everyone for your advise. I've recognized the passion you all have for shotguns and hunting. Thanks for allowing me to pick your brains.

I don't know, to be honest. I'm glad you're getting some good info. I hit "new posts" and saw the same title for two threads and was confused. Now I see you have it posted in two different forums.

[sirgrumps]

The main advantage an O/U is Two different chokes.

Pumping does take you off the target at first, but one can learn over time to minimize that.

I would look for a used 1100 or 11-87, especially if it's been kinda of beat up.

The lower price will be reflected in the cosmetic condition and you don't have to worry of adding any more dings, dents, or scratches when you hunt.

My $0.02

[Huntsprig]

Looks like I might be saving a lil bit more cash to get a semi. But the big five $309 mossberg 500 deal this week is tempting.

I'm gonna stay away from the cheapo o/u

IIRC the Mossberg 500 has a fixed choke.
Not having choke tubes is not a good idea these days for a hunting shotgun.

[MJB]

I shoot mod for everything I don't see a big deal with changeable chokes.....just go modified

[Huntsprig]

I shoot mod for everything I don't see a big deal with changeable chokes.....just go modified

r fixed-choke barrels.

http://www.mossberg.com/customer-service/faqs/

[JagerDog]

IIRC the Mossberg 500 has a fixed choke.
Not having choke tubes is not a good idea these days for a hunting shotgun.

The longer barrel on the Big 5 combo is a fixed modified choke. The Mossberg catalogue combo is screw-in chokes. I believe the Big 5 single barrel "bird gun" has screw-in chokes.

I agree that changeable chokes revolutionized the all-in-one shotgun.

[JagerDog]

I shoot mod for everything I don't see a big deal with changeable chokes.....just go modified

That can certainly be done, but it's a substantial handicap in many venues whether targets or hunting.

[Steve_In_29]

My price range right now is
$350-$500

The ATI semi-auto combo is near the bottom of your price range.

It is made in Turkey and comes with an 18.5" and 28" barrel as well as a set of chokes for the longer barrel. It is gas operated with few parts to worry about and is pretty lightweight. Mine has been flawless and was less then $400 OTD from Big 5.

Before anyone jumps in with buy American, the Turkish guns are good enough that Mossberg's 20G semi-auto is a rebadged Turkish shotgun.

[stellarrock]

I bought a Mossberg pump as my first shotgun and got a semi-auto as my second. My third and fourth have been semi-autos as well. I kinda wish I saved up my money in the beginning and went with a semi-auto first. I still keep the pump as an HD gun because of its short barrel but it's been a while since I've shot it. I've never tried an O/U and the good ones are pretty expensive. You can afford a reliable semi if you just save up a bit more.

[JagerDog]

The Weatherby SA-08 (?) gets many good reviews from folks who are shotgun savvy.

[Saym14]

Over under. Except they aren't that cheap but will last a lifetime

[ysr_racer]

Buy a Beretta A300 and get the best value out there. Bass Pro had them on sale for $599.

[XVIga_Rob]

For 6 bones, buy the A300. If $ are short, buy a quality pump gun for about half.

You really can't go wrong with a quality pump gun. Plus, with a few extra dollars you can pick up an 18.5" barrel, for HD.