

The company continued this process until it ended up with a gun that fired more than 6,000 rounds. Weatherby’s product development procedure for the SA-08 pump shotgun went something like this: Shoot it until something breaks, fix the problem and repeat. Look for these models used, now that times are changing at Remington and for Remington shotguns. Dual bars prevent racking and promote smooth operation. When you pump the gun, parallel steel bars connected to the forend slide back into the action to operate the mechanisms that eject the spent shell and load the next one. One of the key features of the 870 that make it so durable and reliable is the double action bar design. But at its price, why bother, when you can buy one for each task and still have cash left over for ammo. You can buy one action, a couple barrels and an extra stock and change the gun from a clay buster to a turkey killer to a home-defense firearm.

Ultra-reliable, the 870 can be configured thousands of ways thanks to myriad aftermarket accessories and the gun’s simple breakdown design. And while higher-grade versions of the 870, such as the Wingmaster, are available, it’s the Express that continues to make the 870 the first and last choice among legions of outdoorsmen. The Remington 870 is the greatest shotgun of all time. Remington 870 Express and Express Super Magnum Many of these guns can also be purchased used for hundreds less, but if you’re headed to the local gun shop, here’s what $500 will get you. To give you a better idea of just how much you can get, we put together this list of the best pump shotguns for less than $500. Yes, you get a lot for your money when you buy a pump shotgun.

But that’s sort of like putting chrome rims on your johnboat trailer. On the subject of price, you could pay a lot of money for a pump with glossy walnut and gold inlay. A pump is simple, reliable, holds more shells than a break-action, and can be had at a reasonable price. That’s why many hunters have chosen a pump shotgun as their first shotgun, and it’s why many have chosen one as their only shotgun. They’re reliable hunting tools that can be used for just about every season. But when you turn the key, it always gets the job done. A pump shotgun is like your old hunting truck.
