Reliability: Pumps vs. Autoloaders

[Slater]

Will autoloaders ever be developed to the point where they are as reliable as pumps?

[Dave McC]

Yes....

It'll happen on the same day that all our politicians are honest,hardworking,dedicated to liberty and fairness, I quit shooting 870s and frost forms on the hinges of Hell.

[PJR]

The pump gun will always be more mechanically reliable. There's less to break down. However, pump gun problems are more due to operator error than a parts breakdown. Under the right circumstances, a short stroked 870 resulting a double feed will put the gun out of commission and there is no quick fix.

Semi autos require more maintenance but are less dependent on the operator. Reliability problems usually stem from poor cleaning or weak ammunition. In these events, the gun becomes a manually operated repeater and will still function. However, if the rear linkages break then your semi is out of business until the parts can be replaced.

I've used and owned both types of guns. For pure simplicity, I prefer my 870 but I've used them for years and have confidence in my ability even under pressure. But I also think that with ammo of suitable power, a well-maintained Benelli, in the hands of a less experienced operator, will be more reliable in practical terms than the pump.

Paul

[115grfmj]

My 870 has an can function with mud in the action. All it takes is just a little more force. Also this thing about short stroking might be a myth, Please don't flame me but I honestly have tried to do it and have not suceeded. Maybe with some other models of shotgun, but I cant get my 870 to do it.

[C.R.Sam]

With good ammo, luck, and guns...
Not much difference reliabilitywise.

But....pump more flexible when it comes to stoutness of load and condition of hulls.

Sam....have all types but count on my break tops to work.

[Tom C.]

I think the mechanical reliability is similar. Pumps may be more sensitive to operator error, autos more sensitive to ammo.
The military seems to be converting from pumps to the new auto. Their tests must indicate improved reliability of the auto.
Pumps are difficult to use prone and with 1 hand. Ask the FBI about that.

[Erick Gelhaus]

Tom-
Few are happy with the new military semi-auto. The problems are many and have been documented. I got a litany on the weapon last week, that started with stock length.

imhe, pumps work fine in the prone. As for one handed use, S/A Mirales did just fine in an Aw-Shoot situation with one, especially considering that he'd never been trained to operate the 'gun that way.

Both systems have their merits & their faults.

[Kilrain]

Both systems have their merits & their faults.

A statement so true and simple, it escapes most people.