I can tell you unequivocably that my 11-87 semi is not as reliable as my 870 pump. That said, my 11-87 is VERY reliable (with the right ammo), and it offers the following advantages over the 870: Number one, I don't need to manually cycle the action to load a round on a semi; Number two, the semi soaks up recoil and is easier to shoot; Number 3, a typical pump requires a longer reach to comfortably operate (so I had to change stocks on my 870 for my short arms); Number 4, I can fire the semi with one hand if I have to; and Number 5, it's easier to attach accessories to a semi than a pump--like a flashlight. Bottom line, though, is I trust my 11-87 to work, and I know I can put up a better fight with it if I have to in the dark of night. As for the sound of racking a shell, I'm not waiting until I desperately need a shotgun to get a shell in the chamber, and I figure if the sight of that tube staring at them doesn't do the trick, the blast certainly will!