Keeping a pump shotgun at the ready...

[mod34]

I'm sure it has been asked (and answered) before, but here goes:
Any issues with storing a pump action shotgun with a fully loaded tube? I always considered it akin to keeping a fully loaded magazine at the ready 24/7, but at least magazines can be rotated around. I'm about to add a Mossberg 500 defender to my arsenal of "don't come in" pieces, but wondered about the continuous strain on the tube spring.

 

[Dan Cash]

I have several shotguns of different makes that have been loaded for years. They work perfectly when called upon. They are Mossberg, Browning auto 5, Rem 1100 and a Ithica. Load em up and fergeddaboudit.

 

[feralmerril]

At worst, a extra coil spring cant cost that much. Just dont go hunting without the plug.

 

[Evil One]

Always have mine loaded... never had an issue.


Jim

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

One reason I used a side by side--- no worries!

 

[scoutsdad]

I have a 15 year old Mossberg 88 Maverick, fully loaded except for maybe 10 days total. Always fires.

 

[Sebago Son]

Load one short.

Well, I did have a problem once with a fully loaded mag tube on a New Haven (Mossberg) 600. I was a young struggling Husband, Student and Father and that shotgun was all I could afford at the time.

The tube spring took a set and the gun malfunctioned when I really needed it to work. It short fed a round and tied up the gun, leaving me with little more than a birch stocked club.

As soon as I could, I deep sixed the 600 and went to a Remington 870 and paid a few extra dollars for a Choate extended mag tube and extra power spring. However to this day, remembering that awful moment, I still load one round short.

Drew

 

[ENGINE18]

Like buckeyeshooter, my SXS was always ready! But I bought a Mossberg/Maverick 88, 12ga, 18.5" pumper for HD. I've always left the mag. loaded, chamber empty. (love that "rack" sound!) I shoot it enough to know it works!

 

[R Cubed]

Benelli Nova Tactical w/2rd extension always loaded at the ready.

btw; is it not the compression extension cycle of springs that causes them to break and/or loose its coil factor? This is what I have been told over the years.

 

[38-44HD45]

The degree to which shotgun magazine springs take a set, and the difference it may make in function, vary greatly. Benellis are quite sensitive to taking a set, and will malfunction if the mag spring gets too light. Most pump guns aren't that picky, although a sufficiently light spring can even make a Mossberg choke. I keep my Benellis downloaded by one, and I always replace the factory springs with Wolffs. My Mossbergs have Wolff springs, too, but I've never had one of them or one of my Remingtons malf due to a light spring. I keep my Mossbergs and my Remingtons fully loaded. I usually don't bother replacing the mag spring on a Remington until I notice it feeling lighter.

 

[mitchshrader]

I may be an idjit for doing it, but i leave mine loaded and a round almost chambered, the forend an inch from lockup, so I can SEE the round, before chambering. I don't want to worry if it's there or not, and I'm not so sure I want it sitting ready to fire IN CASE someone with poor training were to handle it.

While I'm not expecting any such event, the practice eases my mind a bit. It would be awfully hard to claim 'it just went off' .

 

[Evil One]

I keep the Benelli 121M1, the Mossberg 500, and the TTN 12 ga SxS coach gun loaded and chambered. The Benelli and Mossberg are on safe, the Coach has the hammers down.
All of them are pretty much into action as quiet as a mouse if I hear something.
Im not about to let slip exactly where I am and what I am armed with.


Jim

 

[ENGINE18]

Zombies? Did anyone say "Zombies?" I think I can "rack" and shoot VERY quickly. (zombies kinda walk slow) Maybe I'll have to fight 'em off with the M65 3-incher w/158gr. LSWCHP+P that sleeps with me!

No wait, my Mini14 w/20 rnd mags..no, wait........How about an old M79 40-mike w/OOO loads? That's the ticket! One shot, no zombie, no door, no wall, open-air house!

 

[ENGINE18]

reminds me of the 10-Best MGs on the Military Channel. The .50 was #1. But that .223 minigun sure looked impressive.

 

[fiasconva]

I don't know about pumps but my grandfather kept his A5 loaded in his closet for at least 50 years when he wasn't hunting with it. It never missed a beat and still doesn't.

 

[Spotteddog]

IMHO (and it's JUST an opinion)
The Mossberg 500-590 and Winchester 1300 will either get an H-D spring as a replacement, or have springs rotated once a month. I didn't care for the set the OEM springs took in both the guns. When relaxed after being loaded, they were only at the the length of the empty full length magazine tube. I had 3 OEM springs for each to rotate them with. But I finally ended up getting Wolff replacements and never experienced the issue again. Oddly, I've never experienced it with an 870 or 37?
BTW: Keep an eye on the first few shells that are loaded into the mag tube. Some may tend to "mushroom" after being under the followers spring pressure for an extended time. JOMO?
(EDIT)
Begging your pardon? I neglected to address your original question?
If no kids and no stupid adults are expected to be encountered? I leave mine loaded, chamber empty.
If dopes are around, a long hasp bicycle or cable lock through the action is fine by me.

 

[perrazi]

my 870 has a choate extension, mag fully loaded,without one in the chamber. it gets shot every summer and reloaded with fresh ammo at that time. has never had aproblem in 15 years.

 

[Marshall 357]

Maybe its time to check out the ol' 12 ga. and see how the spring is holding up.

 

[dennis40x]

I have a Mossberg 590 series with modifications. The OEM safety button, magazine follower, and bead sight were replaced. Brownells has a more aggressive metal safety button, Brownells stainless steel magazine follower and Merprolight Tru-Dot Day/Night bead sight. The only other modification was a receiver mounted shell carrier.

I keep the shot gun with an empty chamber with chamber safety flag inserted, magazine and receiver saddle loaded to capacity with a mix of shell types.

There is nothing wrong with the Remington 870 except in my opinion the safety location. I prefer the Mossberg safety and slide release locations.

 

[GF]

One reason I used a side by side--- no worries!

Put me down for a "Me Too!"

GF