Shotguns for Sale: Find the Perfect Shotgun for Hunting, Home Defense, and More

Shotguns are versatile firearms that come in various styles and designs, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re looking for a shotgun for hunting, sporting events, or home defense, you’ll find options to meet your needs. Shotguns are known for their powerful impact and wide spread of shot, making them effective for various shooting tasks, including waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting, and personal protection.

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Why Choose a Shotgun?

Shotguns are one of the most popular types of firearms due to their versatility, ease of use, and effectiveness in many situations. Here’s why you might want to consider buying a shotgun:

1. Versatility

A shotgun can be used for a variety of activities, from hunting to competitive shooting to home defense. Whether you’re shooting at flying targets or stationary targets, shotguns provide options that work for different purposes.

2. Wide Range of Ammunition

Shotguns use shells, which can be filled with a variety of projectiles, including buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. This allows you to adjust your ammunition choice based on your specific needs—whether you’re hunting small game or protecting your home.

3. Effective at Close Range

Shotguns are extremely effective at close range due to their wide spread of shot. This makes them ideal for home defense situations where the target may be moving quickly and you may not have time to aim precisely.

4. Easy to Learn

Shotguns are generally easier to learn to shoot than rifles or handguns, particularly for beginners. The wide spread of the shot makes hitting moving targets easier, and the recoil is often more manageable than that of a rifle.

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Types of Shotguns

There are several types of shotguns to consider, depending on your intended use:

1. Pump-Action Shotguns

Pump-action shotguns are one of the most common and reliable types of shotguns. These shotguns require the shooter to manually cycle the action between shots, which ensures that the shotgun will continue to work even in tough conditions. They are a popular choice for hunters and home defense users alike.

Popular Models:

• Remington 870

• Mossberg 500

2. Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Semi-automatic shotguns automatically load a new shell into the chamber after each shot. This makes them faster to operate, as there’s no need to manually cycle the action. Semi-auto shotguns are particularly favored by hunters and sport shooters who need rapid follow-up shots.

Popular Models:

• Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

• Browning Maxus 2

3. Over/Under Shotguns

Over/under shotguns are typically used in competitive sports like trap and skeet shooting. These shotguns have two barrels stacked one on top of the other and are favored for their balance and precision.

Popular Models:

• Browning Citori

• Beretta 686

4. Side-by-Side Shotguns

Side-by-side shotguns have two barrels placed next to each other. While they are less common in modern use, they’re often favored for classic hunting traditions or for collectors. They provide an elegant design and are easy to carry in the field.

Popular Models:

• Stoeger Coach Gun

• A.H. Fox Shotguns

5. Tactical Shotguns

Tactical shotguns are designed for law enforcement and home defense. They often feature features like shorter barrels, pistol grips, and extended magazine tubes to allow for rapid follow-up shots and better maneuverability in confined spaces.

Popular Models:

• Mossberg 930 Tactical

• Remington 1100 Tactical

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Features to Consider When Buying a Shotgun

Before purchasing a shotgun, there are several key features to keep in mind:

1. Gauge

Shotgun gauge refers to the internal diameter of the barrel. The most common gauges are 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore. A 12 gauge is suitable for most purposes, including hunting and home defense. A 20 gauge has less recoil and is often favored by smaller shooters or beginners, while .410 bore shotguns are ideal for very small game or youth shooters.

2. Action Type

The action of a shotgun refers to how it cycles between shots. Common actions include:

• Pump-action: Manual cycling between shots.

• Semi-automatic: Automatically cycles after each shot.

• Break-action: The barrel is hinged and manually opened to reload.

• Bolt-action: Typically used in rifles but available in some shotguns.

3. Barrel Length

The length of the barrel affects the shotgun’s performance. Longer barrels generally offer better accuracy and are better suited for hunting. Shorter barrels are better for tactical use and home defense, as they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

4. Choke System

Shotgun chokes control the spread of the shot and are essential for ensuring accuracy. Some shotguns come with interchangeable chokes, so you can adjust the spread of the shot based on the type of hunting or shooting you’re doing.

5. Capacity

The capacity of a shotgun refers to how many shells it can hold. Most shotguns hold between 3 and 5 shells, but tactical models can hold more. A higher capacity may be preferable for home defense or tactical shooting, while a lower capacity might be more appropriate for hunting.

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Popular Shotguns for Sale

Here are some of the best-selling shotguns available for purchase:

1. Remington 870

The Remington 870 is one of the most famous pump-action shotguns of all time. It’s versatile, reliable, and comes in a variety of configurations for hunting, home defense, and tactical use.

2. Mossberg 500

The Mossberg 500 is another well-known pump-action shotgun that has been around for decades. It is popular for hunting, home defense, and law enforcement use due to its reliability and ruggedness.

3. Benelli M4

The Benelli M4 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun, widely regarded as one of the best tactical shotguns. It’s used by military and law enforcement and is excellent for home defense.

4. Browning Citori

The Browning Citori is a top-tier over/under shotgun ideal for competitive shooting and upland bird hunting. Its craftsmanship, accuracy, and design make it one of the best in its class.

5. Beretta 686

The Beretta 686 is another excellent over/under shotgun known for its precision and durability. It is commonly used in clay shooting and is a great option for those seeking a high-performance shotgun.

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How to Buy a Shotgun Online

Purchasing a shotgun online is simple and convenient. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Browse Our Selection

Review the various shotguns available in our collection, considering what you need them for—whether hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.

2. Check for Availability

Ensure the shotgun you’re interested in is available and legal in your state. Different regions may have varying restrictions or requirements for shotgun purchases.

3. Complete a Background Check

After purchasing, your shotgun will be shipped to an FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealer. You’ll need to complete a background check before you can take possession of your shotgun.

4. Pick Up Your Shotgun

Once the background check clears, you can pick up your shotgun at your local FFL dealer’s location. Don’t forget to bring any necessary documentation to complete the transfer.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of shotguns are best for hunting?

The best shotgun for hunting depends on the type of game you’re after. For waterfowl, a 12-gauge semi-auto or pump-action shotgun works well. For upland birds, a lightweight 20-gauge over/under shotgun is a good option.

2. Are semi-automatic shotguns better than pump-action?

Semi-automatic shotguns are faster to operate because they automatically load the next shell after each shot. However, pump-action shotguns are often more reliable and have fewer moving parts.

3. What is the best shotgun for home defense?

For home defense, a shotgun with a short barrel, such as a tactical pump-action or semi-auto shotgun, is ideal. The quick follow-up shots and wide spread of shot are excellent for close-range situations.

4. How do I choose the right gauge for my shotgun?

The most common shotgun gauges are 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore. A 12-gauge shotgun is the most versatile, while a 20 gauge is lighter and easier to handle. A .410 bore is suitable for small game or youth shooters.

5. Can I purchase a shotgun online?

Yes, you can purchase a shotgun online, but it must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer where you’ll complete a background check before taking possession of your shotgun.