pump or semi auto question

[JO JO]

I have shot a pump 12ga for at least 30 years , thinking of getting a semi auto , so here is the issue I did shoot a semi auto a few weeks ago and every time I pulled the trigger I tried to pump the action over and over
anyone develop muscle memory with a pump that they had issues with a semi ?
I am thinking I will pass on a semi because I don't want to loose the muscle memory of the pump and if I needed the pump
in an emergency I could mistake it between a semi a and not cycle the pump
anyone have this concern

 

[e rex]

It will pass. My son switches from his semi auto to my pump once on a while and almost pulls the trigger straight trying to get it to go "BANG" again.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I did the same thing with my pump shot gun. After shooting semi-auto rifles. I was looking for it to auto feed. Then it dawned on me i need to pump it.

 

[Beck]

It's not an issue for me. At this point I've owned or handled so many firearms I've developed muscle memory for many types. It takes time... getting familiar with each type so the feel or the subtleties of different firearms become not so subtle, but rather glaringly different. When I first handled a semi-auto shotgun in my youth I'm sure I may have tried to pump it, but I don't remember any significant transition time. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[JO JO]

Seems I am not alone the muscle memory,
I just figured it could be an issue if and I hope I never need to grab my 870 for protection but I would hate to forget to pump the action in time of need
Perhaps I am just getting wrapped around the axle for nothing

 

[starling]

I still prefer pumps over semi autos. I shoot them just as fast as so I just keep it simple and prefer stay with the less is more mentality. Unlike something like a bolt action or lever you never have to move your actual shooting hand so as ancient as Pumps are they still work for me ergo wise. I kinda wish we had more pump otion out there for centerfire rifles. Be nice if someone brought back the Timberwolf carbines in 357/44.

 

[entropy]

So I'm not the only one! Better to try to pump an auto, than wait and wonder why you can't shoot again with a pump.
Seriously, as e rex says, it is a learning curve. You'll soon be able to subconsciously switch your manual of arms.
I still occasionally try to swipe the non-existent thumb safety off on my Taurus Gx4 9mm, though.

 

[WrongHanded]

Different styles of buttstock may help with this. If you use a conventional buttstock on your pump guns, maybe try a drop pistol grip on a semi.

 

[starling]

Different styles of buttstock may help with this. If you use a conventional buttstock on your pump guns, maybe try a drop pistol grip on a semi.

Another great post. I dont think anyone would try to pump a saiga. Put pistol grip stocks on all your semi autos and leave the pumps with normal stocks. Thats a very thoughtful approach

 

[Buzznrose]

Much of it is training and running through things in one’s mind from time to time.

if you shot the shotgun a few times a year for 30 years, not a big deal like shooting hundreds or thousands of rounds per year.

The more trigger time you get behind the autos, especially if mixing in the pumps, would help.

But hard to do these days with price and availability of shells….

 

[jmr40]

I use both. And occasionally I've tried to pump an auto. But it's something that I can get past with a little practice. I prefer a semi-auto for most uses. And most pumps will release the bolt as soon as the gun is fired and start the pumping action which serves as a reminder to pump the action.

 

[Remington1911]

I would say if you are on a forum like this you likely shoot a fair bit. If for some reason you don't shoot that often, it can be rough.

I have a friend that comes out roughly once a month, he only owns automatic.....everything. Give him a single action and you can see him try to pull the trigger again, give him a lever, same thing, bolt ditto.

 

[JO JO]

I do shoot and reload my share,
I think I will ad a 12ga semi to the herd
It's more of an itch that I have as I am shooting more shotgun lately because I have started casting slugs, I mostly shoot handguns and I think the posts are correct
I shoot semi and single action pistols and semi and bolt rifles with out issue
Thanks guys