05-Oct-2026
Pump-action shotguns are one of the most searched-for types on the site, and four names come up again and again: the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500, the Winchester SXP, and the Benelli Nova. They look similar from across a field, and they do the same basic job, but they feel different in the hand and suit different buyers. This guide compares them in plain English, without spec-sheet noise, so you can narrow the choice before you start browsing.
One note first. Certificate requirements and magazine capacity rules apply to pump-action shotguns in the UK, and they are not covered here. Always confirm the position with your registered firearms dealer and your firearms licensing department before you buy.
Why choose a pump-action at all?
A pump-action is a simple, robust, and generally affordable way to own a shotgun. You work the fore-end back and forth to load the next cartridge, which many shooters enjoy for its rhythm and its reliability. There are fewer parts to fuss over than in a semi-automatic, and the design is well loved for pest control, rough shooting, and general utility use.
It also suits people who like a gun they can maintain themselves, and that tolerates a wide range of loads. If that sounds like you, the four models below are the natural starting point. For a wider view across price brackets, our guide to the best pump-action shotguns by budget is a good companion read.
Browse: Shotguns for sale · Remington shotguns · Mossberg shotguns · Winchester shotguns · Benelli shotguns
Remington 870: The long-running benchmark
The Remington 870 is one of the best-known pump-action designs ever made, and it has been sold in enormous numbers for decades. That history is its great strength. There is a huge choice of used guns, a wealth of accumulated know-how, and a familiar feel that many shooters simply trust.
The Wingmaster is the version people mention most often, admired for its traditional looks and finish. Because so many 870s exist, condition varies widely. Inspect the bore, the action bars, and the finish carefully, and be wary of a gun that has clearly had a hard life.
Browse: Remington 870 · Remington Wingmaster · Remington shotguns · Remington 1100 · Shotguns for sale
Mossberg 500: The practical workhorse
The Mossberg 500 has a reputation for being tough, straightforward, and good value. It is popular with buyers who want a dependable utility shotgun without paying for polish. The controls are easy to learn, and there is a wide spread of configurations on the market.
Buyers often compare it directly with the 870, and the truth is that both are capable guns. The 500 tends to appeal on price and practicality, while the 870 draws people who value its heritage and finish. We cover the range in more detail in our Mossberg 500 vs 590 comparison, and you can also look at the 590 if you want a related model.
Browse: Mossberg 500 · Mossberg 590 · Mossberg 835 · Mossberg shotguns · Shotguns for sale
Winchester SXP: The quick-handling modern option
The Winchester SXP is the newer design of the four and is known for its smooth, quick action. It appeals to shooters who want a modern pump that feels light on its feet and cycles briskly. Because it is more recent, the used market is smaller than for the 870 or 500, so patience helps.
If you are comparing it with an older gun, think about what you value. A newer design may bring a more modern feel, while an older gun may bring lower cost and a larger choice. Neither is wrong; it depends on how you plan to use the gun.
Browse: Winchester SXP · Winchester 1300 · Winchester shotguns · Winchester SX4 · Shotguns for sale
Benelli Nova: The different-feeling one
The Benelli Nova stands out from the other three because of its construction, which uses a lot of modern synthetic material and gives it a distinctive feel. Many buyers like its weather resistance and light maintenance, which suits wet-weather pest control and rough shooting.
It is not to everyone’s taste, particularly if you prefer the traditional look of a wood and steel gun, but it has a loyal following. The related Super Nova appears on the market too, so search for both when you are looking.
Browse: Benelli Nova · Benelli Super Nova · Benelli shotguns · Beretta 1301 · Shotguns for sale
How to choose between them
Start with what you will use the gun for. If you want maximum choice and the most established design, the 870 is hard to ignore. If you want a practical, value-minded working gun, the Mossberg 500 is the natural fit. If you like a newer, quick-handling gun, look at the SXP. If you want a low-maintenance synthetic feel, try the Nova.
Then handle a few, if you can. Fit matters more than reputation: a gun that shoulders naturally will serve you better than one with a famous name. Check the bore and the action on any used gun, ask about its history, and consider the cartridges and chokes you will be using. If you are weighing a pump against a semi-automatic, our guide to the best semi-automatic shotguns by budget will help.
Browse: Shotguns for sale · Remington 870 · Mossberg 500 · Winchester SXP · Benelli Nova
What to check on a used pump-action
Pump-actions are forgiving, but they still reward a careful look. Work the action slowly and then quickly, and feel for roughness, binding, or excessive play. Check the bore for pitting and the muzzle for damage, and look at the magazine tube and follower for signs of wear or corrosion. Inspect the stock and fore-end for cracks, especially around the joints, and make sure the sights, if fitted, are straight and secure.
Ask the seller what cartridges the gun has been fed, how it has been cleaned and stored, and whether any parts have been replaced. A gun that has been looked after usually shows it, and a seller who can talk confidently about the history is generally a good sign.
Browse: Shotguns for sale · Remington 870 · Mossberg 500 · Gun parts and accessories · Safes and cabinets
Buying and selling a pump-action on Rightgun.uk
Pump-action shotguns are among the easiest guns to compare online, because the models are so well known. Browse listings from UK sellers, look at the photographs and descriptions carefully, and message sellers with your questions. If you have one to sell, a clear description, good photographs and honest detail about condition make the difference between a quick sale and a slow one.
If you are also looking at other used shotguns, our guide to second-hand shotgun best buys is a useful next stop.
Browse: Shotguns for sale · Thermal and optics · Safes and cabinets · Gun parts and accessories · Torches
FAQ
Are pump-action shotguns legal in the UK? They can be owned, but certificate and magazine capacity rules apply. Confirm the details with your registered firearms dealer and firearms licensing department before buying.
Which is better, the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500? Both are capable and widely used. The 870 is admired for heritage and finish; the 500 for practicality and value. Handle both and buy the one that fits you.
Is the Winchester SXP a good pump-action shotgun? It has a reputation for a smooth, quick action and modern handling. As a newer design, fewer used examples are around than for older models.
Is a pump-action better than a semi-automatic? Neither is better outright. Pumps are simple and robust; semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots. Choose according to how you shoot.
Find your pump-action today
Browse pump-action shotguns from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk, compare the 870, 500, SXP and Nova side by side, and contact sellers directly. Got one to sell? List it and reach buyers who are searching for exactly that.
Further reading: Best pump-action shotguns by budget, Mossberg 500 vs 590, Best semi-automatic shotguns by budget, and Second-hand shotguns: the best buys.
