Shotgun Buyers Guide

Welcome to Shotgun Buyers Guide. This is the place to learn about shotguns: choosing the right one, picking a gauge and shells, and getting the most out of it in the field, at the range and at home.

Shotgun Buyers Guide is part of the Gun Websites Firearms Network, built by shooters for shooters to promote the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership. Here we share plain-English guides to help you buy with confidence and shoot with skill.

Firing a pump shotgun with a spent shell ejecting
Pump action in action
Remington pump shotgun with sling next to a compact Serbu pump at the range
Full size and compact pumps
Russian over-under shotgun made in Tula
A classic over-under from Tula
Three short-barrel shotguns with shells laid out on camo
Short shotguns, big personality
Short pump shotgun with a bird-head grip and sling at the range
Range day with a short pump

Buying a shotgun? Start here

Decide what it is for, pick your gauge, choose an action and set it up. Our step-by-step guide takes you from the gun counter to your first box of broken clays.

Where to start

What you’ll find here

Step 1: Shotgun Types

Pump, semi-auto, over-under, side-by-side and single shot. Find the action that fits the job.

Compare actions

Step 2: Gauges and Shells

12, 20, 16, 28 and .410, plus birdshot, buckshot and slugs.

Pick your gauge

Step 3: Gear and Sports

Chokes, sights, carriers and the clay games that make you a better shot.

Gear up

Watch: shotguns in action

Mossberg 500 vs Remington 870

Winchester Model 1897, a 103-year-old shotgun

Why own a shotgun?

  1. Hunting: Shotguns are commonly used for hunting birds, small game, and occasionally larger game.
  2. Sporting purposes: Shotguns are used for trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooting, which can be a fun and challenging recreational activity.
  3. Home defense: Many people feel that a shotgun is an effective home defense weapon, as the sound of a shotgun being racked can be a deterrent and the spread of shot can be effective at close range.
  4. Competitive shooting: Shotguns are used in various competitive shooting sports such as three-gun, practical shooting, and cowboy action shooting.
  5. Collecting: Some people collect shotguns as a hobby or for historical interest.
  6. Pest control: Shotguns can be used to control pests such as rats or snakes on a property.
  7. Training and education: Shotguns are used in firearm safety training and education courses for beginners.
  8. Self-defense while hunting or camping: A shotgun can provide protection against dangerous animals while hunting or camping.
  9. Recreational shooting: Shooting sports can be a fun and relaxing activity for some people, and shotguns can be used for this purpose.
  10. Family tradition: For some families, owning a shotgun is a part of their cultural or family tradition, and they may pass down a shotgun from generation to generation.

Have a question that is not covered here? Check the Shotgun F.A.Q. or ask the community on Ask Gun Questions.com.

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