Since the issue of semiauto vs pump shotguns came up in the 20 Gauge defense thread, that had me thinking about reliability. I've used single-shot, pump, and semi-automatic shotguns, and have had some sort of failure with all but the pump - and if I'd shot more with pumps, would probably have had a failure there, too. The problem with one old single-shot was the ejector, so yes, that can happen with something that simple.
With semi-automatics, two things come to mind:
1. Misfeeds with a Remington 1100.
2. Reversing a ring on (I think) a Browning for different loads.
Aside from the misfeed issue, reliable operation with different loads is likely the big issue here. This assumes the owner takes proper maintenance of the shotgun. However, this is an assumption. For semiautos, Remingtons and Brownings predominate here, with some Brownings a bit long in the tooth, so that's not enough variety to draw general conclusions.
My question, then, is what's a reliable semiautomatic shotgun?
Will note that I once broke the O ring on a Remington 1100 while cleaning. Had to replace that. Would that be considered an issue?
With semi-automatics, two things come to mind:
1. Misfeeds with a Remington 1100.
2. Reversing a ring on (I think) a Browning for different loads.
Aside from the misfeed issue, reliable operation with different loads is likely the big issue here. This assumes the owner takes proper maintenance of the shotgun. However, this is an assumption. For semiautos, Remingtons and Brownings predominate here, with some Brownings a bit long in the tooth, so that's not enough variety to draw general conclusions.
My question, then, is what's a reliable semiautomatic shotgun?
Will note that I once broke the O ring on a Remington 1100 while cleaning. Had to replace that. Would that be considered an issue?