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Question for you deer hunters

R

Riprorin

Banned
I'm trying to decide between these two guns.

What are the pros/cons of a pump versus an autoloader?

Which would you suggest?
 
The 1100 is a nice gun, but it gets very heavy fast! I prefer the 870. It's also less prone to malfunction in the field but since this isn't for combat use that isn't that big of a deal I suppose.

Slugs? Why not a rifle?
Click to expand...

Rifle may not be permitted in his area. That's the way it is in MD. You have to go the mountains if you want to use a rifle.

Cheers!
 
Go with the 1100. I wouldnt choose the auto for home defense but for hunting it would definelty suffice. I assume this will be for hunting in brushy/swampy area other wise go with the rifle. I mostly hunt in pocket of bottomland surrounded by vast cotton/soybean fields So I use a .338 to reach across the fields and a smaller .270 for the bottomland.
 
I have an 870 wingmaster and I love it. I've shot an 1100 a few times in the duck blind. Just depends on how much cash you want to shell out. They are both nice shotguns and should give you years of reliable use.
 
Originally posted by: shuttleteam
The 1100 is a nice gun, but it gets very heavy fast! I prefer the 870. It's also less prone to malfunction in the field but since this isn't for combat use that isn't that big of a deal I suppose.

Slugs? Why not a rifle?
Click to expand...

Rifle may not be permitted in his area.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Yup, I live in upstate NY.
 
Originally posted by: Viper0329
I have an 870 wingmaster and I love it. I've shot an 1100 a few times in the duck blind. Just depends on how much cash you want to shell out. They are both nice shotguns and should give you years of reliable use.
Click to expand...

Do you know what the difference is between the Wingmaster and the Express? Is the Wingmaster worth the extra $'s?
 
I'd go with the 870. What more could you want? I've been considering the marine, nickel plated, model, to replace my .40 Baretta, for home, er, permanent camp, defense. Nah, the .40 fits in the glove compartment. Maybe I'll get a cheaper 870 and keep the Baretta.
 
870

You don't need the semi-auto if you did a good job with your first shot. The semi auto is more prone to problems and malfunctions.
 
Originally posted by: yellowfiero
870

You don't need the semi-auto if you did a good job with your first shot. The semi auto is more prone to problems and malfunctions.
Click to expand...

exactly.
Besides, with a little practice, you don't even notice that you eject the shell - it's almost identical to autoloading... the "kick" and pumping can be done in one motion. Half the time I shoot something, I don't even realize I've rechambered another shell.
 
The pump is gonna be cheaper than the autoloader, but less convenient. I'm sure you already know that, but you did ask for pros and cons.

I bought the 870 Express Magnum as my very first firearm. They are heavy duty and high quality. They are also heavy as hell. I now own two shotguns, the 870 and an autoloader (not the 1100). I don't deer hunt with them (I use rifles) but I bird hunt. I always grab the autoloader because, at about the same weight or less as the pump, I prefer the convenience of the auto. Unless you have some type of lemon autoloader, you will not encounter nearly the amount of problems that you are hearing people suggest here. Of all the autoloading shotguns I've used, I don't recall ever having a misfeed issue.

If you have the extra money to spend on this and it's not going to put you in a bind or prevent you from getting something else that you would have gotten if buying the pump, I'd recommend getting the autoloader.
 
870 will suffice and be a good gun. The difference between pump and autoloader should be apparent. If you have the cash go for the autoloader.
 
Originally posted by: amdguy
i rather use the kyushu method!!!


BOWS and ARROWS and a katana..!!! more traditional, more skills needed
Click to expand...

I'd rather use the runnyshu method.

Nothing like chasing the animal on foot and then killing it with your thumb.
 
I love my 870 and recommend them. Auto-loaders can act funny in cold weather.


You're taking a 12-gauge deer hunting?! Ugh. Learn to shoot and invest in a .243, that's my advice.
 
I have autoloaders and pumps. I would use the 870 for deer hunting since you are only going to have one shot at it anyway. Pumps are good for home defense too. Autos are more for duck/goose/bird hunting.
 
Both are fine deer guns.
I have used and owned both an 870 and, now and 11-87 on deer in upstate NY.
My nephew still uses the 870.
With a rifled choke tube both are very accurate with Foster slugs (punkinballs). The gas autos have less recoil and aren't quite as hard on the ears ( the 870 has a distinctive bark to it). Make sure the you get the slug barrel with either gun.
I prefer the autoloader because...well it's an autoloader.

You will be happy with either. Happy hunting!
 
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