BOTTOM LINE:

Pumps are heavier guns, that require less maintence, and are much more reliable, they also are able to be purchased at a lesser cost for same or higher quality.

autos are a MUCH better balanced gun, that most people will be able to shoot quicker than a pump, more accuratley. They are higher maintence, and do need to be broken it properly. If they are not broken in properly, then they will not shoot lighter loads without jamming. Typical auto needs 50 - 100 heavy game loads run through them before you try to shoot 'target type' loads.

For a first gun, DEFINATLY would reccomend a pump action, then maybe go to an auto once you know the basics of shooting, and gun maintence.

I own both, and prefer my pumps for heavier, expensive loads such as turkey loads and slugs, and my semi auto for lighter, less expensive shells such as dove, quail, etc...

That way I dont waste as much $$$ with the more expensive shells, but think either type gun would suffice for almost any type of hunting.