First off, this is my first post on this site, but I am very familiar with discussion sites, kayaking, fishing, hunting, backpacking. I just never made it here before, and once I did, I have really enjoyed the information, the discussions, and the friendliness of the people.
I live in Waco, Texas and have been around guns, animals (I am a veterinarian), Texas, and the outdoors all of my life, 74 years so far.
I came first because I thought I wanted an automatic 12 gauge shotgun after shooting pump shotguns throughout my life. Now, I'm not so sure. I have read and heard about cleaning the automatics to keep them functional and having them jam. So far, I have just cleaned my pumps as I did when I was a kid, and I've never had a problem with cleanliness of the gun, jamming, or anything else, except hitting what I was aiming at.
Having thought about it more, I thought I would ask you all what the best pump shotguns are today and why. I have used Winchester Model 12s all of my life. I got my first when I was 14; I am nearly 74 now. Several of my guns are older than I am, but I have been using them here all of my life. Winchester Model 12s are cannons that kick like mules, but they are great guns, even at near 100 years and more, like mine. They shoot well, occasionally hit what I am aiming at with me behind them, but they have always knocked the heck out of me whenever I use them no matter what pad I used. I am getting ready to make some changes at the clinic, though and I will have more time off for hunting, kayaking, fishing, and backpacking. I am thinking about getting another one or two shotguns, but I would like a model that doesn't kick so hard.
I am not sure what all the reasons are for people loving automatics so much other than less kick for some and rapid fire. Are there pump shotgun models on the market today that also offer much reduced recoil/kick that would be in the range of some of the Berettas and Benellis. I shot a box of shells through a Beretta 391 12 gauge the other night at the range just trying it out. It was the softest recoil I have ever felt. I could have shot boxes of shells with the same effect I believe; it was unbelievable after years of Model 12s. I started looking for one but haven't found a good one.
I also looked at the Beretta A400 Xtreme, but with the recoil system built into that rascal, the stock is a little long. I am around 5'6" and 155 pounds. I also handled a Benelli Vinci Lt which really felt good. I guess my biggest problem with switching shotgun types is I don't know a thing about automatics. Reading about some of the cleaning of some of these models seem like a real chore. And, I am a easy and simple man when it comes to my outdoors activities. I am probably totally over thinking all of this, but sometimes, that is me.
Right now, I am in indecision because I haven't been able to find an automatic that really fits, and I like pumps, too. If I went automatic, I think it would either be the Benelli Vinci Lt or the Beretta A400 Xtreme with a little modification. But, I would also like your suggestions for lighter recoil pumps models if there are any on the market. I will be using this gun, 12 gauge for sure, for doves, ducks and geese here and on the Texas Coast, and skeet.
I am thinking about getting a 20 gauge, too, for myself and for my grandchidren, but I know whatever I get, they have less kick. I would still follow the same principle though because right now, they are smaller than I so recoil could easily be a factor for them.
I will appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Sorry about the long post and different thought lines, but once I got started, I couldn't stop. Asking these questions is why I got on this site. I am really happy it and y'all are here.
Thanks!!
Ray
I live in Waco, Texas and have been around guns, animals (I am a veterinarian), Texas, and the outdoors all of my life, 74 years so far.
I came first because I thought I wanted an automatic 12 gauge shotgun after shooting pump shotguns throughout my life. Now, I'm not so sure. I have read and heard about cleaning the automatics to keep them functional and having them jam. So far, I have just cleaned my pumps as I did when I was a kid, and I've never had a problem with cleanliness of the gun, jamming, or anything else, except hitting what I was aiming at.
Having thought about it more, I thought I would ask you all what the best pump shotguns are today and why. I have used Winchester Model 12s all of my life. I got my first when I was 14; I am nearly 74 now. Several of my guns are older than I am, but I have been using them here all of my life. Winchester Model 12s are cannons that kick like mules, but they are great guns, even at near 100 years and more, like mine. They shoot well, occasionally hit what I am aiming at with me behind them, but they have always knocked the heck out of me whenever I use them no matter what pad I used. I am getting ready to make some changes at the clinic, though and I will have more time off for hunting, kayaking, fishing, and backpacking. I am thinking about getting another one or two shotguns, but I would like a model that doesn't kick so hard.
I am not sure what all the reasons are for people loving automatics so much other than less kick for some and rapid fire. Are there pump shotgun models on the market today that also offer much reduced recoil/kick that would be in the range of some of the Berettas and Benellis. I shot a box of shells through a Beretta 391 12 gauge the other night at the range just trying it out. It was the softest recoil I have ever felt. I could have shot boxes of shells with the same effect I believe; it was unbelievable after years of Model 12s. I started looking for one but haven't found a good one.
I also looked at the Beretta A400 Xtreme, but with the recoil system built into that rascal, the stock is a little long. I am around 5'6" and 155 pounds. I also handled a Benelli Vinci Lt which really felt good. I guess my biggest problem with switching shotgun types is I don't know a thing about automatics. Reading about some of the cleaning of some of these models seem like a real chore. And, I am a easy and simple man when it comes to my outdoors activities. I am probably totally over thinking all of this, but sometimes, that is me.
Right now, I am in indecision because I haven't been able to find an automatic that really fits, and I like pumps, too. If I went automatic, I think it would either be the Benelli Vinci Lt or the Beretta A400 Xtreme with a little modification. But, I would also like your suggestions for lighter recoil pumps models if there are any on the market. I will be using this gun, 12 gauge for sure, for doves, ducks and geese here and on the Texas Coast, and skeet.
I am thinking about getting a 20 gauge, too, for myself and for my grandchidren, but I know whatever I get, they have less kick. I would still follow the same principle though because right now, they are smaller than I so recoil could easily be a factor for them.
I will appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Sorry about the long post and different thought lines, but once I got started, I couldn't stop. Asking these questions is why I got on this site. I am really happy it and y'all are here.
Thanks!!
Ray
