There’s no better, tried-and-true shotgun than a pump-action shotgun. For many decades now, the manually operated loading for each round has made pump shotguns one of the most popular hunting firearms. The cycling process is more demanding since it requires you to load all your rounds and then pull the bolt back on each to chamber it.
Once in the chamber, you can fire the round and do the same for the next one. When a shell is in the chamber, the action is locked and if you want to eject it unfired, the shotgun usually has a button or lever that lets you free the action when needed.
What to Consider
Barrel
The length of the barrel affects how the shotgun behaves in different scenarios. Short-barreled (18 – 20 inches) shotguns are better for long-range encounters, especially in dense vegetation, as they have a more compact design. A medium pump shotgun in terms of barrel length (24 – 26 inches) is a good balance between short and long range shooting. Long barrels (28 – 30 inches) allow you to hunt moving targets, especially in the air, like upland birds and waterfowl hunting.
Choke
The spread of the shell or shooting pattern also depends on the choke of the firearm. Full choke means you get the tightest shooting pattern there is, making it ideal for long-distance shooting. Modified chokemeans that you get a general-purpose firearm for hunting different game animals. An improved cylinder choke makes for a broader pattern, which is better for closer shots and moving targets. Cylinder bore chokes offer the widest spread, which is ideal for slug hunting.
Gauge
The diameter of the barrel is expressed in gauges and it affects the type of ammo you can use. 12-gauge barrels are the most versatile since they can be used to hunt just about anything, but there is a lot of recoil. 16-gauge barrels are smaller but don’t have as much recoil.
However, because they don’t offer as much improvement over a 12-gauge, they are not as common as they once were. 20-gauge barrels can offer much less recoil and enough power for most types of game. 410 bore barrels are made to be used by beginners for small game and even rodents.
Action
The smoothness and speed of the reloading action can make or break the experience you have with your pump shotgun. A consistent action that doesn’t bind when you’re cycling rounds, combined with a reduced pump stroke, can make a shotgun easier to use.
Stock
There are two types of stocks your new shotgun can have: either a wooden or a synthetic one. Wood stocks might be heavier and require more maintenance, but they balance the firearm quite well and give it that classic appearance. Synthetic stocks are much lighter and offer better weather resistance while being maintenance-free.
Ergonomics
For a firearm that’s easier to handle, you should consider its length of pull, which is the distance from the trigger to the butt of the stock. This distance can be adjusted on some pump shotguns, which means you can have it exactly the way it feels most comfortable in your hands and on your shoulder.
Benefits of a Pump Shotgun
Versatility
One of the biggest reasons to own a pump-action shotgun is the option to choose between a wide range of ammunition. This makes the firearm itself quite versatile as it can be used to hunt different game animals without sacrificing accuracy or portability. This is all thanks to the firearm’s simple design.
Cost-Effectiveness
With how much simpler it is to manufacture a pump-action shotgun, it’s no surprise that it’s also the most affordable type of shotgun you can get for hunting. You can find good quality shotguns at reasonable prices and use it everyday for many years without issue.
Operation
The ease of use of pump-action shotguns stems from their straightforward design. Although you have to manually perform the loading of the round in the chamber, everything else is rather simple and easy, especially when you get the hang of the firearm, which is much easier than with other types of shotguns. The level of maintenance you have to do on a pump-action shotgun is also much simpler.
Close-Quarters
Pump shotguns are the most effective at short range, despite there being ones made for longer range shooting. This makes them usable in home defense situations as the wide pattern of the firearm makes it easier to hit your target, much easier, making it suitable for anyone, no matter their skill level.
Reliability
The manual action of the firearm makes it a reliable choice in any situation, as the likelihood of issues is much lower than with other types of shotguns. Even if you are new to the world of firearms, not just shotguns, you can easily choose a beginner-friendly firearm that will be easy to get the most out of it without having to be an expert in firearms.
