Keeping a pump loaded for the house

4020 Views 20 Replies 17 Participants Last post by Bob K, Aug 2, 2009

sipowicz

Discussion Starter · Apr 11, 2009

Just curious...how do you guys keep your pumps? I don't want one in the tube but for it to be ready to go, it seems pulling the trigger makes the most sense as I all you have to do is pump it...but for added safety, is it best to leave it unfired so you need to use the slide release button...with growing kids it seems using the slide release button makes sense (it's kept in the safe but again, this is just extra precautions)....what do you guys recommend? And is it okay on the springs to leave the gun cocked (again, empty chamber)...if I want to use the slide release?

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Bob K

· #2 · Apr 11, 2009

Sip, Leaving a live shell in the chamber of a shotgun is a recipe for disaster. It's better to leave it with an empty chamber, and cocked....so you have to use the mag. release, to pump a round in. As you suggested. Omly problem....... is remembering what to do when the pressure is on!!! :?

I don't have kids to worry about, so I like to keep it cocked and locked. That way, I only have to point and pull the trigger!!!!

Bob

sipowicz

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 11, 2009

Thanks...I did have concerns about remembering the slide release...guess I'll just leave it empty and fired so all it takes is a pump...

Firehouse

· #4 · Apr 12, 2009

That's how I have mine set up. Full magazine, empty chamber, trigger fired. Just pump and go.

Sebago Son

· #5 · Apr 12, 2009

It's Saturday Night, I'm sitting here all by myself and wishing I had a loaded pump.......

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Bob K

· #6 · Apr 12, 2009

Well........you could always take matters into your own hands!!! kihfL perkgfn :lol: Bob

Forester

· #7 · Apr 12, 2009

l;jmfo;

I keep the tube loaded, chamber empty. I will have to find the slide release but I have practiced.

c pierce

· #8 · Apr 12, 2009

I keep mine fully loaded with one in the chamber with safety on. I don't want to give my position Way by raking the slide.The first few seconds in a confrontation determine the outcome.

xtimberman

· #9 · Apr 12, 2009

c pierce said:
I keep mine fully loaded with one in the chamber with safety on. I don't want to give my position Way by raking the slide.The first few seconds in a confrontation determine the outcome.

Please don't think that I'm wagging my finger at you when I say this...

...but the so-called "safety" on a pump or autoloading shotgun is only a trigger block. It doesn't secure the hammer, sear, or any other part of the firing mechanism - nor does it block the firing pin from being struck by the hammer.

Some expensive double shotguns have sear interrupters that will not allow the hammer to strike the firing pin unless the sliding safety is Off and the trigger is pulled. I've seen single-shot shotguns with trigger-actuated hammer blocks like S&Ws, but nothing of the sort on a pump or autoloader. A fall or a good stiff whack to a repeating shotgun is capable of jarring the sear loose and firing the weapon. I've seen it happen twice.

Please continue to do what you are comfortable doing - this is just a FYI for those who may not know about this.

xtm

spearcrow

· #10 · Apr 12, 2009

I usually like to leave things loaded, especially when it comes to home defense, but my mind might change when I have some kids running around.

c pierce

· #11 · Apr 12, 2009

I hear where your coming from xtm, point well taken. Our boys are grown and gone now only the wife and I. Iv'e allways liked an edge in a fire fight.

m58

· #12 · Apr 21, 2009

Cruiser ready... action cocked, chamber empty, safety on. The sound of a pump shotgun being racked has a way of stopping problems before they get way out of hand.

shortranger

· #13 · Apr 21, 2009

Loaded mag, empty chamber, safety off. As far as I'm concerned, when you rack a round in it goes "clack-clack-BOOM!"

Checking the safety is a natural finger movement, but I'd not want to have to shift my grip enough to work the action release.

David

Tom Turner

· #14 · May 5, 2009

I keep the tube fully loaded on my Ithaca 12 ga. DSPS (Deer Slayer Police Special) but always with an empty chamber, trigger pulled, and safety off.

This is my standard "manual of arms" for all my centerfire rifles and shotguns . . . just as my standard procedure of my self defense and hunting handguns is always fully loaded, with the autos cocked and locked. I trained my kids on this standard when they were younger and still at home. Being uniform throughout means one doesn't have to stop and think, "is this one loaded" as you try to knock the cobwebs out of your sleepy brain as an intruder is bumbling through your house!

Give my position away? Nahhh . . . the handguns are my first line of defense and if I have that extra time to get the shotgun then racking the slide won't cost me any crucial time.

PLUS . . . my Ithaca lets me go ahead and hold the trigger down if I wish, and she goes bang with each cycling of the pump!

SINCE THREADS ARE WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICTURES . . .

Here's an oldie-goldie from 1969 . . . and one heck of a great slug gun (always a tight, one-hole 1 1/2" three-shot cluster to P.O.A. @ 100 yards using Federal brand rifled slugs. Truly amazing!!!)

Nawww . . . the first couple of rounds ain't slugs though for home defense!

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Wheelgunner840

· #15 · Jun 10, 2009

Sip,
The 590 has the chamber empty, but the mag tube full. Since I don't like the position of the slide release on the Mossberg, I leave the slide partially open (an inch or so). I know to grab it from the barrel and mag tube so as not have it inadvertantly close when picking it up.

With the kids in the house, you may have to get used to hitting that slide release and that thumb safety in a jiffy!

WG840

DHENRY

· #16 · Jun 10, 2009

+1 xtimberman.
Don

David Lapell

· #17 · Jun 15, 2009

I was never a big fan of keeping the chamber empty. +1 on not wanting to give the position away by racking the slide. I don't have any kids yet, so not worried about that aspect. I think my next pump 12 gauge will be a Winchester 97 so i can just thumb the hammer back since I am used to my lever rifles. Either that or get myself another coach gun.

500 Magnum Nut

· #18 · Jul 10, 2009

The local & state police have pumps of course, and they have to rack one into the chamber. One or two were wounded or killed by a loaded shotgun in the past. The gun dropped or the trigger was tripped by the dog, snagged by a seat belt etc.
So it's best to have to rack one into the chamber to be safe. Not the ideal homey protection, but you don't what a loved one with a hole or your roof do you?

Triplelock

· #19 · Jul 11, 2009

I'm all the way with Tom Turner on this one. Empty chamber, trigger pulled, safety off on my Ithaca DSPS.
The Ithaca is an amazingly accurate smooth-bore with rifled slugs at 100 yards which adds another dimension to this shotgun. I remember an officer who tested the safety of his shotgun in the dasboard mount by pulling the trigger - Sure made a mess outta the lightbar on the roof. Thats my Ithaca DSPS below the Chinese Model 97. . .I keep 2 and 3/4" 12 pellet buck shot in the tube.

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DaveWW

· #20 · Aug 2, 2009

I have a Norinco 97 Riot config. Pump I used to keep alongside the bed, chamber empty. Racking that thing in the dark would scare the Dead!!!!

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