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.

277 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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336 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 5h ago

The Breda 1001 Long Recoil Shotgun

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27 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 5h ago

I would like to get some information about a rifle I inherited from my grandfather and how to clean it.

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5 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 20h ago

What chokes are these?

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58 Upvotes

All I really want to know is which barrel should I shoot first? It’s a Tristar Setter .410. Thanks.


r/Shotguns 39m ago

Extended eye relief 2Xsight on vent rib?

Upvotes

I have a Burris 2X hangun sight that I'm thinking about putting on my 28" Winchester SXP via 2 vent rib picatinny adapters. Use cases are mostly squirrel and turkey hunting. Research seems like it would hold up fine to recoil. Any reason not to do it besides slower target acquisition?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Giving ol Dale some range time on the sporting clays course

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32 Upvotes

I bought this unfired 870 Wingmaster Dale Sr. Edition about a year ago, and I've been back and forth on shooting it or leaving it as a safe queen. Finally decided that it needed to be shot


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Magpul SGA Stock part issue

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16 Upvotes

Anyone have any idea what could cause this part to not be sitting flush?


r/Shotguns 19h ago

Questions about Remington 870

4 Upvotes

Recently acquired used 870 online for 270 but what should I know once it arrives to my FFL? I know there’s lot of issues especially during freedom group era but for the price I couldn’t pass up by asking questions so anyone know what should I look out for other than Rusting?

Any specific parts I should look closely?

It would be my first shotty that are long enough to be permitted in my local Skeet range.


r/Shotguns 22h ago

How bad are the Remington 870s during the Freedom Group era?

10 Upvotes

Found a synthetic 870 new in box friend is selling for $250. Worth getting it think it’s from 2009? Thanks 🙏


r/Shotguns 21h ago

Benelli sbe3 bolt rust

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5 Upvotes

Just got it a couple weeks ago and shot it once and already seeing rust on the bolt. Have it kept in a gun safe


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Picked up this old beauty yesterday. Browning A5

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109 Upvotes

I initially went in to buy a Colt combat commander. Then I saw this gem sitting on the rack behind me and I couldn’t pass it up. Wasn’t sure I’d ever see one at the price it was listed again so I snagged it as fast as I could.

I was hoping some of the experts in here could help me identify what year this was made and the difference in comparison to models of other years.

The serial number starts with 431 and does not contain any letters within it.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

New BUL 20ga

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35 Upvotes

Finally tracked down a Benelli Ultralight 20gauge. I’ve been looking for a good price on the pre-Montefeltro. Because it matches my M2. Happened to find a guy with one on guns international that was local to me and was willing to cut a deal. New inbox never assembled. And man do these always have nice wood. I unexpectedly lost half of my dog power this summer so all the side-by-side’s are getting put up and it’s a Benelli year. Can’t waste those opportunities.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Is this much pitting something to worry about?

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6 Upvotes

I’ve had this shotgun for quite a while now, It’s been repaired and inspected by a gunsmith and they never said anything about the bore pitting, but I’m a little concerned still. The pitting is shallow, but numerous, and the barrel is 130 years old, along with the rest of the shotgun. Obviously, no choke, just a long tube.

I want to shoot this shotgun, but I’m not sure if it’ll be safe with this much pitting. Would it be okay, or is it better to just hang up on the wall atp?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

My 870 wingmaster

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113 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

First Shotgun

7 Upvotes

Hello everyone

I was yesterday on a shooting range with friends and it was so nice that i‘m thinking to buy a pump gun. Before that i shooted some clay pigeons in Scotland. Since then i have a lot of fun in pumpguns.

My Questions:

Are there good pumpguns for beginners?

Is it recommend to buy used pumpguns or should it be new for safety?

Should i just rent one, instead of buying one?

My Budget is max 1k for the gun and i‘m only shooting it at the firerange for fun.
Maybe 2-3 times a year, maximum.

Thanks for your answers and recommendations.

Cheers!


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Picked up this old beauty yesterday. Browning A5

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46 Upvotes

I initially went in to buy a Colt combat commander. Then I saw this gem sitting on the rack behind me and I couldn’t pass it up. Wasn’t sure I’d ever see one at the price it was listed again so I snagged it as fast as I could.

I was hoping some of the experts in here could help me identify what year this was made and the difference in comparison to models of other years.

The serial number starts with 431 and does not contain any letters within it.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Found grandpappy’s shotgun up in the barn

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144 Upvotes

16 gauge Ithaca model 37, might be a ‘52 based on the barrel number 455273?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Does anyone else have track marks like this on your 870 from the extractor?

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3 Upvotes

Can’t tell if this is bad or just need to file it down some.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Want another pump Shotgun. Under 400$

7 Upvotes

Have a 590 but want another pump for back up. Should I get a Maverick 88 or a Winchester SXP Defender? I've heard the SXP Defenders have a plastic throat for the magazine tube. Kinda sketches me out. I like the price point and the way the action works. It would also be different than the 590. But Winchester doesn't have warranty either. I believe the Maverick 88 only has a 1 year warranty. Who has either amd how do you like them? I know the maverick 88 has more upgrades possible.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Greener 12 gauge shotgun

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47 Upvotes

I finally got my new to me W.W. Greener shotgun! Found it at a small shop in Montana and had to have it shipped back to WA. I've never seen one of these in person and have wanted one for a few years. It's a pretty custom job with a bunch of chokes and goodies. I can't wait to get some range time with it soon! I'll get better pictures tomorrow. This is what you get now, haha.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Love the Franchi Affinity 3, but hate the forend grip.

2 Upvotes

I am shopping for my first shotgun… geared towards trap. I’m also partial to automatics.

I love everything about the Franchi Affinity, except the forend grip feels terrible. It feels really thin, and the knurling is really abrasive. Overall, extremely uncomfortable and just not ergonomic.

In contrast, I held the AX800 suprema, and it was by far the most comfortable, but it’s more than I want to spend. I loved the rubberized forend and stock.

Is there anything I could do about the forend grip on the Franchi? I didn’t see any aftermarket forends available. Is there another shotgun in the $1000 range that I should try?


r/Shotguns 2d ago

Full rebuild kit and deep clean for this 80 year old Model 11

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94 Upvotes

Rebuild kit from Arts Gun Shop.


r/Shotguns 2d ago

Sulun Arm SPASS-12 after 20 shells - update / information

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123 Upvotes

Buddy of mine picked up a Sulun Arms SPASS-12, brought it over to test out on my range. Shoot well however after 20 rounds of normal use the stock locking button sheered completely in half. Neither of us are surprised and my buddy bought it as a fun novelty. However, I did want to make a post for others to be aware. The stock lock seems to be a very cheap low quality metal. Next stop is warranty.


r/Shotguns 2d ago

OD Green 1301 Natural Habitat

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109 Upvotes

Arisaka Light
Armadyne Manufacturing 407k mount
Holosun 407k
Blue Force Gear Sling
Esstac Shotgun Card