Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns PUMP MAN

I like all shotgun actions. Someday I will own a Silver Pigeon in 20 gauge. But I am a pump man at heart. There is something about being in tune with a shotgun, and for me it's pumping another round in the chamber! I have an 870 that I bought new some 32 years ago. This is a totally bitchen gun. Its action is buttery smooth. God only knows how many dove, quail, pheasants, ducks, jackrabbits and what else I have taken with this stamped, mass produced work of art. Remington got 'er right with the Wingmaster! But I want a 20 gauge Model 12-type hand-fitted pump. Does anyone manufacture such an opus any longer?

Don't know about your Model 12, but agree about the 870. I once had to use mine in the marsh to push myself out of a sink hole. Then washed it out in the salty water and shot ducks for the next 3 hours in a snow-storm. 870, something like a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Tom

Tom,

You're preaching to the choir. I really do not believe there is a better, more reliable shotgun on the market for anywhere near the price. And they're good lookin' to boot!

I might just go with a 26" Wingmaster in 20 gauge. I do not hunt waterfowl any longer. But I still love to hunt doves and chase quail. And I still hunt pheasant when I can. I know the 20 gauge, especially with high base ammo, will do all that I could ask of it.

Mando, Don't know where you are from but here in Delaware there is a great gun shop about 5 miles from my house. I often see 20 gauge pumps, even some model 12's for sale. I think a lot of old-timers guns end up there after they go to the happy hunting grounds in the sky.

The 870 shotguns and the slide action 7600 centerfire rifles may be the best firearms Remington is currently producing. I have one (.12 gauge 870 with 28" modified plain barrel) made in the early 60's with the little ringed rattail forearm that has accounted for a traincar load game and is as good today as when it left the factory. I've got it just like I like it, the metal is silver worn and the wood finish is worn to a nice satin luster, the action slick as glass. A classic in my eyes...

thats how I feel about my S&W m3000 here this summer I shattered a knuckle and couldnt pump in the second shell when I shot skeet. Had to bum an REM 1100 till the cast came off. I think that was the worst part about breakin my hand

X2

I have a weakness for the older 870 wingmasters. Especially w/o the vent rib barrel. I have been browsing for one in a 20 gauge, 26" for some time now.

TomM,

I was under the impression that vent ribs allow for efficient barrel cooling. My 870 has one. My buddy's does not. We've stood side-by-side shooting God knows how many rounds at dartin' doves, and his barrel was not more hot than mine. So what's the real reason for the vent rib.

BTW, I like the look of vent ribs on my shotguns. But they are a pain in the butt to clean.

I assumed vent ribs were added for "better" sight picture. I prefer barrels w/o because thats what I cut my teeth on. When I decided to kinda preserve my older 870's and start shooting a new one, it took some time to get used to the vent rib. It was probably more mental than anything, but I dont know what the vent rib brings to the plate. I do agree they can be difficult to clean.

I think you gave the answer to why there are vent ribs: you like the way they look. As to shotguns like you want, you'd find them best as used Model 12s, Remington 31s, or Ithaca 37s. The new Ithaca Co. out of Ohio may be making 20 gauge Model 37s sometime in the next year or so.

I also had an eye out for an Ithaca 37. These and 870's were very popular in my neck of the woods growing up. The ohio ithaca's seem to be getting favorable reviews here on the campfire. I still hoping someone will post some pics.

I'm a Browning BPS fan, and the 20-gauge version is a sweet lil' shotgun. As a bonus, the BPS is probably the best "loaner" shotgun there is. Pump actions are great for new shooters and the tang safety and bottom eject make it completely ambi.

It is really hard not like the 870 Wingmasters. I lucked out and got a 20 Wingmaster Magnum. My sister-in-law's father died and they didn't want his guns. Boy was I tickled pink when my wife got home and I laid eyes on that Wingmaster. A 20g with a plain 28" barrel and fixed modified choke. I like vented ribs, but for a field gun, I much prefer a plain barrel. The shotgun was in desperate need of a cleaning. She cleaned up real nice and is one of my favorites, next to my Ithaca 66 Super Single 20g. It goes well with my 7600's. Familiarity between firearms is very underated. Now if I can just find a slug barrel for this N frame I'll be a happy boy.

257ROBT,

That's precisely my problem: it's had not to like Wingmasters! While they might indeed by stamped, mass-produced shotguns, Remington, got 'er right with this model. I love my 12 gauge Wingmaster. I am sure other pumps have smoother actions, but mine it pretty damn smooth!

I haven't been dove hunting in a while, but I am giving serious consideration to going in '08. If I don't have a 20 gauge Wingmaster by then, I'll take the Wingmaster I now have!

I hope you don't break a shell latch on that M3000. If you do you'll have a single shot unless you can find a donor shotgun.. That part is just not available anymore unless you get really, really lucky and find an old-timer who might have one in a drawer somewhere...

Hope the hand's now back to 100%...

The Browning M12 clones run around 1k. When you consider a brand new Wingmaster will go for nearly $700.00, the Browning M12 seems like a fair price.

KevinGibson,

Who makes the M12 for Browning?

Browning Model 12�s were made in the �90�s by Miroku. IIRC, they came in 20 and 28 ga. The only other difference was the lack of an auto-sear.

I don't have any personal experience with the Browning Model 12s, but have read that with the change to the sear design they do not pump as smoothly as a "real" Model 12.

There are lots of well-made pumps on the market. If I cannot find a used Model 12 in 20 gauge, I'd bet my last dollar I'll end up with a 20 gauge Wingmaster with a 3" chamber! I know there are better guns on the market, and probably the Browning and Ithacas are, I do have affinity for Wingmasters! I love the action on my three decades plus old 12 gauge Wingmaster.

Oh,and I'm an not sure how this factors into the equation, but I want a barrel length of 26". While I know it'll get lots of action on doves, I love jump shooting mountain quail and pheasant.