Pump Shotgun vs Semi Auto Shotgun

One of the most dangerous aspects of the firearms world is assumed knowledge. As long-time gun owners, we often assume that new shooters already understand certain concepts. It’s crucial to remember our roots and ensure that new gun owners receive proper education. Recently, someone nervously asked me, “What is the difference between a pump shotgun vs semi-auto shotgun?” This question is fantastic, so let’s dive in.

Pump Shotgun vs Semi Auto Shotgun – What’s the Difference?

Various shotgun systems exist, but the two primary types are pump actions and semi-auto actions. These terms describe how the shotgun cycles rounds into the chamber. Let’s start with the pump shotgun. It gets its name from the manual pumping action required to cycle a round into the chamber. Here’s how it works: you load the gun and fire a round. After firing, you pull the foregrip firmly to the rear, which ejects the spent shell and positions a new round for chambering. Then, you push the foregrip forward to chamber the new shell. You repeat this process as long as you need to shoot or until the tube is empty.

Different Actions

In contrast, the semi-auto shotgun operates automatically. You load the gun, aim, and press the trigger. The shotgun fires, and either a gas or recoil system automatically ejects the spent shell and chambers a new round. This process is similar to semi-auto handguns, where the gun cycles once for each trigger press. It continues until you decide to stop or until the tube is empty.

Pump Shotgun vs Semi Auto Shotgun

Each type of shotgun has its advantages and disadvantages, along with passionate supporters who swear by their choice. I encourage you to develop skills with both systems and come to your own conclusion. While you may find a favorite, being proficient with both will serve you well.