Buying a shotgun is easy once you know three things: what you will use it for, which gauge fits you, and which action you want. Work through these steps and you will walk out of the gun shop with the right shotgun.
Step 1: Decide what it is for
Birds, clays, deer, home defense or a little of everything. The job decides the barrel length, the choke and the action.
- Clay games and competition are covered in Shotgun Sports.
- Quick answers to common questions are in the Shotgun F.A.Q.
Step 2: Pick your gauge
12 gauge does it all, 20 gauge kicks less and still gets the job done, and the .410 is a fun small-game and starter option. Match the shell length to what is stamped on the barrel.
- Gauges, shell lengths and shot sizes explained: Gauges and Shells.
- Shopping for shells: Shotgun Ammo on Ammo Buyers Guide.com.
Step 3: Choose your action
Pump, semi-auto, over-under, side-by-side or single shot. Each has a personality, a price range and a job it does best.
- See them side by side in Shotgun Types.
Step 4: Set it up
A good fit, the right choke, a sling or light and a safe place to store it. Small upgrades make a big difference.
- Start with Shotgun Accessories.
Videos to get you started
Assembling a Remington 870 pump shotgun
Perfect truck gun? Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge
Go further
- Meet the companies behind the guns on Shotgun Manufacturers.
- Follow more than 200 years of history on the Shotgun Timeline.
- Short barrels and the 2026 rule changes: Sawed Off Shotgun.
Safety first
Treat every shotgun as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and never mix gauges in a pocket or range bag. A 20 gauge shell can slip down a 12 gauge barrel and cause a dangerous obstruction.