Choosing a shotgun starts with identifying the intended application, preferred action type, gauge, barrel length, capacity, stock configuration, overall weight, fit, and the type of ammunition or shooting activity the shotgun will be used for.

Choosing a Shotgun Type

• Pump-Action Shotguns: Versatile manually operated shotguns commonly used for hunting, recreational shooting, range use, personal defense, and general sporting applications.
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Use the firearm's operating system to cycle the action between shots and are popular for hunting, clay shooting, competition, range use, and defensive applications.
• Over/Under Shotguns: Two-barrel break-action shotguns commonly selected for trap, skeet, sporting clays, upland hunting, and other traditional sporting uses.
• Side-by-Side Shotguns: Traditional double-barrel designs used for hunting, sporting applications, recreational shooting, and collecting.
• Single-Shot Shotguns: Simple break-action designs often selected for hunting, training, recreational shooting, and lightweight field use.

Gauge, Barrel Length and Intended Use

Common shotgun gauges include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, .410 bore, and other configurations. Barrel length, choke system, stock dimensions, firearm weight, capacity, and sighting system can all affect how well a shotgun fits a particular hunting, sporting, defensive, or recreational application.

Buying Shotguns Online

Shotguns purchased online are generally shipped to an eligible Federal Firearms Licensee for required transfer procedures. Review our guide to buying firearms online or see our FFL transfer information for additional details.