Shotgun Archives – TopGunReview

Harrington & Richardson Pump Review

One of our honorable mentions is the Harrington & Richardson (H&R) pump action shotgun. This is a very basic, entry-level machine for tossing shells and a great starter for youth shooters or those who are grossly uninformed about shotgunning.

We’ve used several H&R slug guns and couldn’t be happier with them, so it seems like the company knows what they’re doing when it comes to firearms. When you head to the gun shop to test out this beauty, keep in mind the old saying: You get what you pay for.

The H&R pump comes with some pretty standard features that you would expect from any shotgun, only a little less of it. We understand that accessories for the H&R can be hard to come by, but keep in mind that some of the Browning bits and pieces will fit it (just make sure you check carefully before buying anything).

If you’re buying for a youth, then definitely go with the 20 gauge and you may want to consider replacing the recoil pad with one that possesses a little more cushion to it. This is a good gun to “grow into” for any young person, but do take those extra steps to manage the recoil. A compact version is also available with a shorter barrel and length of pull to accommodate young people or smaller framed men and women.

The Harrington & Richardson Pump is available in several different configurations including a turkey gun, trap gun, synthetic “protector” (which would be great for home defense at that price point) and a compact gun.

Honorable Mention in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Maverick 88 Review

We promise to resist the urge and call the “more-plastic-than-I-am-comfortable-with” Maverick, Mexico’s answer to the polymer pistol. So sit down and keep on reading.

What we will say, in the hopes of reassuring you, is that many of the parts are only made in Mexico, and the gun is actually assembled in Texas. Assembled by none other than Mossberg, despite the fact that the shotgun is rarely advertised as such.

While the Maverick 88 isn’t necessarily the gun you would feel most assured taking into the field with you on a hunt, it is something that you should probably consider when it comes to home defense. Nothing like the sound of the “Ka-CLACK” from a pump-action shotgun to put things into perspective for a would-be burglar or home invader.

Can it be relied on to fire? Yes. It comes with all the basics that you need, front bead sight, 6 round/5 round capacity for 2-3/4”/3” shells, dual extractors, easy to field strip and one of the best features is that the gun is fully interchangeable with Mossberg 500 barrels and choke tubes. It is rumored that some of the plastic internal parts are also interchangeable with MB 500 parts, but why bother spending the cash to do so when you could have just bought a MB 500?

The Maverick 88 is an inexpensive shotgun, so don’t wrinkle your nose when you consider the home defense implications for under $200. Why spend 3x that amount for a gun that’s going to just sit in your gun safe in the closet forever? You can outfit the 88 with a pistol grip and a holographic red dot or a mounted flashlight and a laser combo and then it becomes one sweet little “opinionated purpose gun”.

Honorable Mention in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Weatherby PA-08 Review

The Weatherby PA-08 presents beautifully and has a great feel to the gun. The walnut forend and stock is pretty top notch, lending a much higher-end display that one would see on a shotgun at twice the price range.

We didn’t have very high hopes for this Turkish gun, but it shot every shell reliably, which was enough to help us consider the fact that it could be on par with manufacturers more known for their high-quality shotguns.

The Weatherby PA-08 is definitely on the lighter side of the scale, making it an option for young or female shooters. But on the other hand, the PA-08 is also good for more experience shooters when you consider the recoil you’ll feel from such a light gun. Our shooting tests were somewhat problematic in that we were surprised by how poorly the firearm performed at targets.

After a couple rounds of clay birds that laughably escaped their intended destruction, and the assumption that we was having an “off day” or that the noticeably heavy trigger was “messing” with us, we brought the gun over to one of our outdoor patterning lanes. The result, despite trying three different kinds of 2-3/4 shells from different manufacturers, offered poor results all around. Now is it possible that the shotgun was defective and in a state of disrepair? Sure. There are endless Weatherby PA-08 reviews that never mention any issues of accuracy. It is even more than possible that the issues were due to a broken choke tube.

However, others who own and use the shotgun for everything from pheasant and chukar hunting to filling deer tags, have only good things to say, the Weatherby PA-08 is definitely worth the consideration of comparison and purchase.

Available in 12 gauge, synthetic stock or walnut stock and standard chokes.

Honorable Mention in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Ithaca 37 Review

The Ithaca 37 has got quite a name and reputation behind it: many years of solid craftsmanship, care of design and innovative manufacturing. The look and feel in some ways surpassed the upper-deck Remington and a high-end discontinued Winchester model that we shall not name for fear of sending some readers sobbing from the room in fond memories of a gun gone by. Above all, the Ithaca 37 was a great shotgun.

But then they went out of business and were bought by another company, moved to Ohio, and proceeded to put out less gun for more money (don’t believe us? Go check out some gun auction websites and look up “classic” or “vintage” Ithaca model 37’s and see what they go for). Now, it’s not that the current 37 is a bad gun, it’s just that it’s not as good of a shotgun as it should be or could be for the price you’ll pay.

The look and feel of the gun is just okay. The 37 has a slightly dated design and the occasional feel of less than sturdy action. Sometimes simply running a finger along the metal edges can reveal some milling issues.

This gun shoots great and will surly hit your target. There are also several different barrel sizes available. This is also one of the few shotfuns in the top ten pumps that come in 16 and 28 gauge, which is preferable for customers who want those options. The Ithaca 37 is pretty light, even with the longer barrel options, so watch the recoil or invest in one of their higher-end recoil pads.

We really wanted to be more fond of this shotgun. It’s got a great name, but it’s a lackluster product that we still can’t find enough fault in to rank lower than #6. This gun simply leaves us wanting a little more. Hopefully they can pull it together, even at the existing price point, and give us the high-quality gun we are paying for.

Ranked #6 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Remington 870 Express Review

You are probably wondering how we could put the 870 Wingmaster in the top slot and kick the 870 Express down to fourth place. And believe us, we get it, but there are some major differences to contend with here.

This Remington 870 shotgun shoots great. There is nothing wrong with the Express, as it is just as ergonomically fitting, just as reliable and just as accurate as the Wingmaster. However, there are still a lot of accessories out there for it, both standard and aftermarket. These accessories turn the 870 from factory to an upland bird gun to a high-tech tactical to a nightmarish zombie gun. That’s why this gun is so great.

Let’s look at some realities here. The Wingmaster typically retails at around $800 or more new, which is a nice chunk of change to fork out for any pump scattergun, especially considering that a new semi-auto Swiss-cheese maker is just a touch more above that. The cost of a new Remington 870 Express? Around four-hundred bucks or less.

If the Wingmaster is the candle at which we are going to hold this gun to, then we must, by comparison, say that the feel of the gun could be that of slightly lesser quality; however this gun doesn’t feel the slightest bit cheap.

The finish is not as crafted as the WM and there tends to be a little more “rock” in the forend (meaning left and right as opposed to forward and back). But honestly, that’s really it as far as major differences. We’ll just call it “no frills”.

The Remington has the ability to shoot both 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells, available in 12 or 20 gauge, vent ribbed barrels (bead sighted) and the ability to accept any 870 aftermarket product out there today.

Think of it as a Remington 870 Wingmaster-lite.

Ranked #4 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Browning BPS Review

Another tough contender in our pump action comparison is the Browning BPS. The BPS is essentially a direct knockoff of the Remington 870 Wingmaster; however, Browning made a few stylistic and feature changes like: a thumb-operated grip safety on top of the tang, choices of matte black, camo or blued finishes, bottom ejection and loading of shells and some grip textures other than checkering.

We liked shooting this gun and would have loved to hunt with it alongside a Wingmaster for a great shot-by-shot comparison, but the stars didn’t line up for us in that account. Our range tests proved this gun to be very comfortable to shoot. We also found the Browning BPS to be just as reliable and accurate as the Remington Wingmaster by comparison, the only items we found lacking was the added weight of this shotgun and a slightly less durable feel in the synthetic stocks as opposed to the available walnut stocks. The BPS is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge and .410 models.

The bottom ejection is a nice feature and the fact that the safety is thumb operated makes this an ambidextrous gun that is intuitive and really keeps the customer in mind. The “back bored technology” is also interesting; the bore diameter has been increased and is stated to give overall better shot patterns regardless of the choke tubes you use.

BPS magazine capacity varies with different shell lengths. 2 3/4” shells allow four in the magazine and one in the chamber. 3” and 3.5” shells both allow three in the magazine and one in the chamber. Full, modified and improved cylinder choke tubes all come standard.

How does it shoot? Well, a whole heckuva lot like the Remington 870, which is to be expected considering it was modeled after it. An exceptionally well build pump-action shotgun that will get the job done, but unfortunately also includes a price tag that usually comes along with the Browning name as well.

Ranked #3 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Benelli Nova Review

Always wanted a Benelli but thought you could never afford one? Too many Benelli’s to choose from? Got a thing for Italians?

While the selection of Benelli models and configurations does seem endless, the options for the Italian shotgun that gets all the hoopla comes in an affordable, simpler package – the Benelli Nova.

At a sticker price of around $550-$570, you really can’t go wrong with this high-quality Benelli Nova shotgun. Available in 12 or 20 gauge and also a “youth” 20 gauge with a shorter length of pull. The real differences are in the barrel length and overall weight of the gun. The fact that you can shoot any size shell through the 12 gauge models with no need to change barrels is really impressive. Yes, you read that right: you can shoot anything from target loads up to 3.5” magnum shells through this baby with nothing to do other than pull the trigger.

A magazine capacity of 4+1 rounds is pretty standard (unless you hunt in New Jersey where you are limited to three) and all shells are ejected out through the bottom of the shotgun. The Benelli Nova comes standard with a red bar front sight and a bead mid sight. Available accessories are limited, but you can get IC, M and F chokes for the Nova.

One of the very few drawbacks of the Benelli is the fact that it is only available with a polymer stock (which is also be weather resistant, so it could be considered a plus as well) and features grooves instead of checkering in the grip and forend. We trust Benelli to get it right, but a wet gun is still a wet gun and we’re a little on the fence about it. The current available finishes are Realtree APG, Realtree Max-4 and black synthetic.

Another great feature of the Nova is the shell stop button on the bottom of the gun. This button allows a chambered shell to be removed without having to release any rounds from the magazine, which is a very useful and innovative feature.

Overall, Benelli continues to impress, and at this price point, how can you not want one?

Ranked #2 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Remington 870 Wingmaster Review

Rarely does a firearm hold it’s own against the ongoing competition year after year. Something even more rare is a shotgun holding it’s own generation after generation, in it’s original form, unaltered despite ever-changing trends and “coolness factors”. Say hello to the Remington 870 Wingmaster.

The Remington 870 Wingmaster is just as smooth as ever and just as reliable as can be expected. The Wingmaster is truly a first class device in pure shotgunning form whether hunting, sporting, defending or just having fun.

If you are not familiar with the famous 870 Wingmaster, you are looking at a shotgun of pure precision and strength. This gun is available in 12 gauge (both 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells), 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410 bore. The Wingmaster’s twin action bars keep the chambering and ejection at optimum performance and the weight and balance allows an easily discovered natural point of aim.

Even when it’s dirty, the 870 outperforms everything else on the market today. The receiver is cut from a solid billet of steel and frankly, seems to shoot under any conditions you put it through. Our Wingmaster got dropped in the mud during a pouring rain deer hunt, but after a quick flush of the barrel with some water and a quick wipe with a dirty rag into the receiver, the gun shot like it was new off the production floor and cycled the next shell smoothly and cleanly. It’s pretty incredible, can you tell that we were impressed?

The stock and forend are custom quality American walnut, clean finished and classically checkered. The receiver and barrel feature highly polished bluing and the barrel comes standard with a beaded front and ventilated ribbing.

Think you’ll need accessories? You don’t have enough years left in your life to use all the available accessories for the 870. From every choke tube imaginable, barrel lengths and configurations, slug barrels, trab barrels, skeet, upland game, deer hunting – you name it, they’ve got it. If you’re looking at options for home defense or tactical use, Remington’s got them as well. From pistol grips to entire tactical retrofits, they’ve got plenty of accessories to choose from.

There’s a reason that the sixty year old Remington 870 Wingmaster is the best selling shotgun of all time – ten million units and counting. The long and short of this is simple: if you’re looking for the best pump-action shotgun, this is the one to get.

Ranked #1 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Winchester SXP Review

“Yeaahhh, everybody’s shootin’, chuka-chuka, pow-pow!”

Gotta love that Winchester commercial with the catchy little ditty of a theme song. Certainly it’s as memorable as the Winchester name, but only time will tell if the Winchester SXP pump-action is as worthy of such memory.

Not sure why, but for some reason the Winchester SXP reminds us of a Ruger 10/22. Maybe it’s the way the “satin finished” stock is made, but we expect to hear a little “ka-cha!” that the 10/22 makes when fired instead of the kaboom of a shotgun. Weird, right?

Winchester has a little experience in making firearms, right? They’re a Quintessential American company, but this gun is made in Turkey. Don’t worry though, it’s made to Winchester spec.

The styling is just okay. Nothing really impressive or remarkable about it. The safety also happens to be in front of the trigger guard, which we thought was an odd choice for locations considering most shooters are used to it being behind the trigger guard.

The shotgun does have some merits and features worth exploring and consideration for your purchase. Its 3” chambering lets you take down some of the heavier game out there. It’s got a really good recoil pad, a “dropout” trigger group for easy disassembly and cleaning, and what we believe is the most impressive feature on the gun: a rotary bolt system.

As recoil hits, the inertia of the bolt begins to cycle the action so that by the time you are ready to pump the next shell into the chamber, it’s already half done for you. Essentially with every shot, you just need to pull the forend forward and pull the trigger. Impressive indeed!

The SXP also features a hard-chromed chamber and bore instead of traditional bluing. Brass front-sight bead and the full array of choke tube options are available.

Chuka-chuka, pow-pow.

Ranked #7 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison