pump or automatic
 

which is better for turkey hunting?

RE: pump or automatic
 

An 870 pump has served me well, but an auto would be cool if ya didn't mind forking out the extra $$ for it! Either one will get the job done nicely!

RE: pump or automatic
 

It really doesn't make a difference in terms of hunting, but an auto might produce less felt recoil. Like MOTurkeyTamer said, be prepared to pay more for a good auto. I'm using an 870 Wingmaster pump, and my philosophy is to try and put them down on the first shot so you don't need another one really quickly.

RE: pump or automatic
 

Pump,
The Gas Loaded, Gas Can Freeze, And The alot more work Probally for cleaning

RE: pump or automatic
 

Pump is just fine, not a whole lot of 2nd shots in the Turkey woods, besides if you get your action lube right I can cycle a pump as fast as an Auto.

RE: pump or automatic
 

i have a pump and an auto, i like the auto better, but it cost more and i am afraid of messin git up and getting it scratched, so i am gonna use my chrales daly pump maxi-mag this season... but i can work a pump as fast as my auto... my auto is a remington 11-87 and i would recommend one of these for anyone... i love it

RE: pump or automatic
 

Most Time Thetre is no time for second shot on a turkey

RE: pump or automatic
 

I have 2 pumps - an 870 and a NOVA. New this year is a single shot for th elong hikes in the Ozarks.

RE: pump or automatic
 

I own a pump, auto, a single shot (10ga) and they all work great. Having grown up with pumps shotguns, getting the auto I sometime forget I can shoot again. The auto is becoming my gun of choice so far.

RE: pump or automatic
 

I ust pumps for the last 35 years.
my BPS browning 12 ga. 3" is all I ever want.

RE: pump or automatic
 

Tell me more about the single shot above, Powduck. Looks like it would be light to carry and if 2nd shots are rare why not a single shot.

RE: pump or automatic
 

..Since there is a limit of one turkey aday,here in west virginia i use a pump gun
if you were aloud two a day,i would use the auto..[:-]

RE: pump or automatic
 

For turkey hunting a pump will do you fine. If you need the fast follow up shots from a semi-auto, what you really need is to aim better. KISS..Keep It Simple Stupid...is probably why single shots have their devotees.

RE: pump or automatic
 

PUMP...... I can't justify the $$ difference for an auto. Both work fine and this is my only reason for making a choice for a pump. If they cost the same, I'd probably get the auto just to keep from having to pump the action and the forearm is tighter.

RE: pump or automatic
 

I use an auto as that is what I've used for years now in all my other bird hunting. An auto will help tame some of the recoil of these bigger magnum shells.

RE: pump or automatic
 

Really this answer also depends on your hunting style. If you're a set-up and hold-tight kinda hunter, the semi is perfect.

However, if you like to cut-n-run and cover ground by the acre instead of the yard, then definitely opt for a pump or a single-shot.

Those semi's can get heavy...really fast...when you cover over 100 acres a day...

RE: pump or automatic
 

I dont think there is really a whole lot of difference. I have a pump because it is faster for follow up shots and also has less recoil.

RE: pump or automatic
 

I agree with Strut, a semi-auto is nice, but if you cover a lot of country then a short pumper is probably better. BUT, as a word of warning, a pump gun will kick as hard as an elephant rifle if you shoot 3.5 inch shells. I only shoot 3 inchers in my 870. Call me a wimp if you want to, but my 6'1" 245lb butt doesn't like getting hammered that hard. I do shoot the long shells in my 1187 Super Mag, and they do kick, but I can stand it a lot better with that gas operation to soften the recoil. If you want a semi-auto but the cost seems too high you might consider going with a plain wood stock to save a few dollars. You can always cover it with some HS Strut No-Mar camo tape if you want it covered, and that only costs about 4 bucks per roll.

RE: pump or automatic
 

turkeyhunter_15 You said "The Gas Loaded, Gas Can Freeze".

Well, my Benelli Super Black Eagle don't need no gas to operate!!!

RE: pump or automatic
 

What snowdog left out was the price. The SBE is definitely one of the best autoloaders ever made, and it dang well should be since they cost 1200 bucks even on sale. I hunt deer with several guys who use them, and the gun doesn't make them kill any more deer. What it comes down to is the skill of the person using the gun. With all that being said, if I ever hit the lottery I will probably buy 3. One for me, one for dad, and one for my boy when he gets old enough.:D