A Hunter’s Guide to Selecting the Right Pump Shotgun

Whether you are a weekend enthusiast or a serious hunter, the choice of firearms can determine your success. Among the many alternatives, the pump shotguns are one of the most versatile and dependable type of guns in the hunter’s arsenal. Their durability, sturdiness in harsh conditions, and affordability have captured the hearts of both veteran and beginner hunters as an “all-purpose” weapon. This article will guide you through the main issues to consider in selecting a pump-action shotgun best suited for your hunting purposes, from gauge to barrel length, and anything in between.

Understanding Shotgun Gauges

The shotgun gauge refers to the bore diameter, with smaller numbers indicating larger diameters. The most common for hunting are:

• 12 Gauge – The most versatile and commonly used by hunters. It has heavy knockdown power and is available in an amazing selection of ammunition options, so it can be used on anything from small game up to deer and turkey. The downside is greater recoil than the smaller bore gauges.
• 20 Gauge – An excellent compromise option that recoils less than a 12-gauge but packs sufficient power for most hunting situations. It is appropriate for the smaller-framed hunter or the recoil-conscious.
• 16 Gauge – Widely known as the “forgotten gauge,” the 16 is a trade-off between a 12-gauge’s power and the reduced recoil of a 20-gauge. Although ammo will be harder to find, the vast majority of veteran hunters like what it has to offer.
• 410 Bore – The smallest of the regular shotgun gauges, ideal for young hunters, small game, and rodents. Too light for larger game, but an excellent gun to learn to shoot with because it has virtually no recoil.

Barrel Length Considerations

The barrel length of your reliable pump shotgun plays a significant role in how it will shoot and handle in different hunting situations:

• 18-20 inches – Short barrels are more convenient to handle in tight spaces like dense woods or blinds, but have poorer range and tighter patterns at longer ranges.
• 24-26 inches – Medium-length barrels offer a good balance between manoeuvrability and effective range and are well-suited for hunting under a variety of conditions.
• 28-30 inches – More barrel length provides you with additional swing-through motion to pursue flying targets, so they work best for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. They pattern more at greater ranges but add weight and reduce manoeuvrability.

Choke Choice

Chokes control the pattern spread of your shot so that you can adapt your shotgun to different uses in hunting:

• Full choke – Shoots a tight pattern, which is optimum for longer shots and small targets, e.g., turkey hunting.
• Modified choke – A middle-ground, general-purpose choke for general hunting at moderate ranges.
• Improved cylinder – Broader-open pattern for close shots, and the best to employ for flushing birds, or on moving targets.
• Cylinder bore – Widest-open pattern, and best applied with very close shots, or when firing slugs.

Most modern shotguns are built with interchangeable choke systems so that you can change them to accommodate different hunting conditions without needing an additional gun.

Action Considerations

Although pump-action shotguns share the same basic manual operation, there are subtle differences between models:

• Action smoothness – A well-made pump shotgun has a smooth, consistent action that cycles easily without binding. Before purchasing, cycle the action a few times to ensure that it operates smoothly.
• Speed of operation – Some models are designed with faster follow-up shots, employing a reduced pump stroke or smoother cycling system.
• Shell capacity – Most common hunting shotguns will accommodate 4+1 rounds (four in the magazine tube and one in the chamber) but can be plugged to 2+1 to meet migratory bird hunting regulations.

Stock Options and Fit

How comfortably the shotgun sits in your hands actually makes a huge difference in both shooting ease and accuracy:

• Traditional wood stocks offer a classic appearance and good balance, but require a little more maintenance and can be heavier.
• Synthetic stocks give weather resistance in the worst conditions, require minimal maintenance, and are typically lighter weight than wood.
• Length of pull or the distance from the trigger to the butt of the stock must be adjusted to fit your body size. Most modern shotguns have adjustable length choices.
• Drop at comb affects your eye alignment to the plane of sight and should allow a comfortable cheek weld without affecting good sight alignment.

Popular Models

Several companies have reputations for building quality pump shotguns. Among them are:

• Remington 870 – Quite arguably the most recognisable shotgun pump, with more than 11 million made. Renowned for reliability and a staggering variety of available accessories and configurations.
• Mossberg 500/590 – Accredited for ruggedness and value with ambidextrous safety on the receiver’s top.
• Winchester SXP – Inertia-driven action that acts to speed up cycling for better follow-up shots.
• Benelli Nova/SuperNova – Known by single receiver and stock design, which gives added ruggedness under harsh conditions.

To Round Up

When selecting a pump-action shotgun for hunting, consider the type of game you’ll be hunting, where you’ll be hunting, and how you prefer your shotgun to weigh and feel. Your ideal gun will become an extension of your body, allowing you to point naturally and operate smoothly. Consider the most important factors discussed in this guide—gauge, barrel length, chokes, action, and fit—and you’ll be well-equipped to choose a firearm that will be your trusty sidekick for years of successful hunting.