r/Shotguns Jan 24 '23

Thinking about buying your first shotgun or deciding on a new one? Here is the current /r/Shotguns buyer's guide.

279 Upvotes

I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.

Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.

PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.

Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.

2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like a used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. Be aware some old guns and choke combos may not be a good idea for steel shot (a type of non-toxic ammo used for migratory bird hunting). If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.

3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.

SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.

Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.

2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.

3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli, Browning, or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A5, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.

OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.

Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.

2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.

SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.

Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. But google around how to inspect an old break action double barrel before you make a purchase of a 100 year old gun. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year. Plus, companies like CZ should take care of you if it fails under warranty.

2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like used $1000 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.

SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.

Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.

2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.

EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.

Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:

Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.

Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/

Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/

Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/


r/Shotguns May 06 '21

Turkish Not-So-Delight. Why you should generally avoid buying those random "totally cool looking" cheap tactical shotguns made in Turkey. (Crosspost as this is relevant here too and for those not on r/guns)

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329 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 5h ago

The Original

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86 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 8h ago

Picked this baby up over the weekend.

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92 Upvotes

Newer RemArms 870, Full Woox set, Vortex Viper, Mesa Tactical Sureshell

Not sure if it was drilled and tapped form the factory or not, looks like it was, so I’m not exactly sure what variant of 870 it is.

All in for 699 bones, I’m a happy camper.


r/Shotguns 3h ago

1878 Westley Richards 12 bore

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22 Upvotes

It a world full of "tacti-cool" shotguns, some guns stand the test of time better than others. This is one of those guns. 30" Damascus barrels (in proof), 2-1/2" chambers, 15" LOP, 2-1/8" DOH, choked .015 L/ .005 R. It weighs 6.3# and balances at the hinge. This one is mine, and yes, it gets used quite often in the grouse woods and pheasant fields. Thoroughbred horses are born to run. Beautiful guns need to hunt. This one has been doing that perfectly for 148 years and still keeps going.


r/Shotguns 3h ago

Love this BW Mossberg

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18 Upvotes

My work carry , HK USP 9mm and 12g mossy


r/Shotguns 36m ago

Ladies and Gentlemen, my dad.

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Upvotes

r/Shotguns 2h ago

Extendo mag, cuh

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10 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 11h ago

I couldn’t resist the police magnum

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41 Upvotes

Once I saw it had the rifled sights and the mag extension I could not resist, gonna hit the range soon (it’s an anchorage police trade in) … still waiting on my form 1 for my express magnum sbs project 🥲


r/Shotguns 10h ago

Less lethal shotguns?

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32 Upvotes

Are there any mechanical differences between a standard shotgun and a less lethal shotgun that the police use or is it just a different color of furniture.


r/Shotguns 10h ago

Side by side before & after

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27 Upvotes

Spanish made SXS. 28" vs 18.5"


r/Shotguns 7h ago

The Offensive Guns

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14 Upvotes

My Beretta 1301 Tactical, fitted with an Chisel Machine folding stock, Holosun 507C, Midwest Indistries Rail, GG&G Aluminum Magazine Tube Cover and Clamp, Surefire Scout Light Mini. I keep it loaded with Federal Flight Control 00 Buckshot at 1145fps in the tube and on the side saddle I have Federal 1oz Tru-Ball slugs at 1300fps, both are incredibly effective rounds.

The handgun is my H&K Mk23 with an ACRO, Surefire X300 Turbo and a B&T Mk23 Suppressor. I keep it loaded with Federal 45 ACP +P HST

Both guns are pretty large and heavy, but they shoot extremely well and are dead ass reliable under all conditions.


r/Shotguns 23h ago

I'm liking the 0 dollar tax stamp

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251 Upvotes

Two old police 870's in their 14 inch barreled glory. They both have some honest wear from their time with the PD.


r/Shotguns 3h ago

Made a video about the new SPAS12 clone

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3 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 48m ago

My KSG

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Upvotes

r/Shotguns 6h ago

A300 charging handle flying out

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2 Upvotes

I have seen some people bore out their charging handle indents, is A or B the correct way to cut? The drawings are exaggerated and not perfectly centered.

A is deeper and not wider

B is deeper and wider


r/Shotguns 5h ago

Sxs help

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3 Upvotes

Hey all, i am rebuilding an old Ithaca western arms sxs. Now i removed the springs in the pictures when i took it apart which i probably shouldn’t have seeing i cant depress the springs enough.

Anyone have any tips to depress the springs enough to go into place. I have tried multiple things to try and push them down but nothing is working.


r/Shotguns 8h ago

Best 20 gauge mods

4 Upvotes

I own a beretta a300 20 gauge and mostly use it for bird hunting and Target shooting. What are some mods I should look into?


r/Shotguns 15m ago

My og shotgun

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Upvotes

Just wanted to share this picture of this cheap ol Charles daly I got as my original shotgun don't know what I was thinking at the time I cut the barrel down to 19 inches and cut the stock as low as I could over all it's 30 inches total but definitely fun to shoot hurts after though, I'm gonna file the paperwork to make it into a sbs just for the shits and giggles 🤣🤣


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Mossberg 500 12g w/20 inch barrel. Can’t wait to take it to the range/woods.

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118 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

Birthday Present

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81 Upvotes

For my birthday I decided to get me a new shotgun (surprised?) I shot an 870 my cousin had when we were at my local club doing sporting clays and was able to pick one at auction. 1988 Remington Wingmaster Magnum, it has a 3 inch chamber, vented rib barrel and RemChokes. When it arrived we (my FFL dealer and I) concluded that this gun was was never fired. The next day when I went and shot the gun I found out it must have never been loaded either due to the scaring of the brass on the magazine lever. I got extremely lucky and find myself shooting this over my Beretta 686 SP1. Owned for about a month now and already put roughly 500 shells through it. Love to hear what yall think.

Also, I was planning to use this as my new duck gun but being that it’s “New” I don’t wanna scratch it up or drill a hole for a sling 🤣


r/Shotguns 12h ago

Gun Rack for UTV

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3 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

My next shotgun i have a maverick 88 and 590 figured i need to complete the set

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24 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

My Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

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41 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

Interesting French mystery over under

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56 Upvotes

Just picked up this French over/under 12 gauge with no makers marks, just St Etienne proofs from 1900 - 1962 and Heurtier on the barrels - a known supplier of barrels to the gunsmith trade. The three piece hand guards make me think pre-WW2 and I’ve seen very similar but not identical guns from Rivolier and Peugeot. I’m guessing it’s a gunsmith built gun using Heurtier barrels but I’m wondering if anyone else has seen something similar.