I guess "smooth" might be important for the limp wristed, weak and frail. I have several pump guns in the house including a Browning BPS, an 870, an Ithaca 37 and two Mossbergs. They're about all I've ever used my whole life. The BPS, 870 and 37 are all smoother than the 500's though the older 500 from the 60's is pretty good but it makes precisely zero difference as far as how fast I can deliver repeat fire. I am so used to using a pump that I don't even think about it and cycle the action purely instinctively. I can deliver repeat fire on target with any of them about as fast as most folks can with an auto or over and under.