"given the same barrel length and shells why would a single shot shoot noticeably different from a pump or semi-auto?"

"I'm not sure if it's my imagination but I'd have to agree with that... When we clay shoot I'm cleaning up what everyone else misses with my little single shot 20ga.Not sure if it's because it's a barrel choke instead of a screw in choke or what. "

"a single shot shotgun will not reach very far dipending on the kind of range needed and the reload time wouldn't be good a double barrel will help on reloads ever though a rifle or pump would be better and you should look for slug rounds"

"The single shot shotgun will have a higher game to shell ratio. There is little difference in range, other variables are dependent upon choke, patterning, etc.

The reason the single shot will have a higher game to shell ratio is shooters of the single shots tend to take more care in making each shot, knowing another shot may not be likely.

Not all barrels are conducive to shooting slugs, gotta be careful when recommending slugs to someone who could end up with a full choke. "

"I am looking to buy my next gun at the end of this month. I want to get a single shot 12ga shotgun, but I have no previous experience with single shot brands. I also want a general idea on price, as I would not like to spend more than 100-150 dollars. I don't mind buying used. I plan to cut the barrel down to 18 or 20 inches so I can take the barrel off and store the gun compact in my BOB. Any advice on make? Model? Anything of that nature? Thanks."

"just remember that few firearms are as sensitive to loss of velocity and performance through barrel reduction as a shotgun.

if you cut down the barrel and remove the choke the you simply have and open bore that will dramatically decreasethe effective range of the weapon since the pattern will likely open up hugely and be so dipersed that few pellets will reliably hit your target past 10 yards.

also by shorting the barrel you lose critical muzzle velocity. shotgun pellets aren't really all that powerful individually. 12 guage buckshot per pellet isnt anymore powerful than a .22 lr. so dropping the velocity means that the pellets will not go as far or hit as hard as they would otherwise.

since you plan on breaking the gun down for bob storage i would say get a single, or a double, with a 24 to 28 inch barrel and a full choke. the full shoke gives you the greatest effective range with all loads, carry a slug barrel with rilfe sights if you want more versatility, or have a dual barreled side by side."