12 gauge for sure...... You can use a pump, Ive never owned a semi-auto. I have thought many times of buying one but, I can't ever go through. I figure why, my pump still works and I can shoot it just as fast as a semi and the best part is the gun is dirt cheap............ Remington 870, best shotgun made in my eyes. Why spend a bunch of money on a good looking gun just to beat it up outdoos when you can spend little on a great gun?