Pump action shotguns are manually operated firearms that use a sliding forearm to cycle the action between shots. They are available in numerous hunting, sporting, recreational, competition, field, and specialty configurations. Gauge, chamber length, barrel length, magazine capacity, choke system, stock dimensions, sights, finishes, and accessory provisions vary by manufacturer and model.

Pump Action Shotguns

A pump shotgun uses a manually operated forearm connected to the action. Cycling the forearm operates the firearm's bolt, feeding, extraction, and ejection system according to its design. Owners should follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation, maintenance, and ammunition compatibility.

Choosing a Pump Shotgun

• Gauge: Compare 12 gauge, 20 gauge, .410 bore, and other available chamberings.
• Intended Use: Consider upland hunting, waterfowl, turkey, clay shooting, slug hunting, competition, recreational shooting, or general sporting use.
• Barrel: Review barrel length, rib style, sights, choke system, chamber length, and factory configuration.
• Stock Fit: Evaluate length of pull, drop, comb height, recoil pad, stock material, balance, and overall weight.
• Capacity: Confirm magazine capacity, shell-length effects, hunting restrictions, and exact factory configuration.

12 Gauge Pump Shotguns

12 gauge is one of the most common pump-shotgun gauges and is offered across hunting, sporting, recreational, competition, turkey, waterfowl, and slug-oriented configurations.

20 Gauge Pump Shotguns

20 gauge pump shotguns are widely used for upland hunting, recreational shooting, youth and smaller-framed configurations, and other sporting applications.

.410 Bore Pump Shotguns

Pump action .410 bore shotguns are available from selected manufacturers for recreational shooting, field use, and lawful hunting applications.

Other Pump Shotgun Gauges

Selected manufacturers may produce pump-action shotguns in additional gauges or chamberings. Always verify the exact chamber marking and manufacturer specifications.

Hunting Pump Shotguns

Hunting-oriented pump shotguns may emphasize moderate weight, durable finishes, sling attachment points, interchangeable chokes, practical barrel lengths, and weather-resistant stock materials.

Upland Pump Shotguns

Upland models may favor lighter overall weight, traditional sporting stocks, vent-rib barrels, and handling characteristics suited to field carry.

Waterfowl Pump Shotguns

Waterfowl shotguns may include synthetic furniture, camouflage or weather-resistant finishes, larger controls, longer chambers, and barrels intended for compatible non-lead hunting loads.

Turkey Pump Shotguns

Turkey-oriented models may include camouflage finishes, fiber-optic sights, optic mounting provisions, specialized choke systems, and compact barrel configurations.

Slug Shotguns

Some pump shotguns are configured for use with compatible slug ammunition and may include rifle-style sights, optics provisions, or manufacturer-specific barrels. Verify ammunition and barrel compatibility before use.

Sporting & Clay Shotguns

Pump shotguns can be used for trap, skeet, sporting clays, and other recreational shotgun sports when their configuration is suitable for the particular discipline.

Competition Pump Shotguns

Competition-oriented pump shotguns may use enlarged controls, specialized sights, modified stock dimensions, or other factory features intended for sporting competition.

Shotgun Chamber Length

Chamber length determines the maximum shell length approved for the firearm. Never use a shotshell longer than the chamber specification marked by the manufacturer.

2 3/4-Inch Chambers

Conventional 2 3/4-inch chambers and compatible shells remain common across target, sporting, hunting, and recreational shotguns.

3-Inch Chambers

Three-inch chambers are widely available on modern pump shotguns designed for hunting and general sporting use.

3 1/2-Inch Chambers

Selected 12 gauge pump shotguns are chambered for compatible 3 1/2-inch shotshells. Use only ammunition approved for the exact firearm.

Barrel Length

Pump-shotgun barrel length influences overall dimensions, weight, balance, sight radius, swing characteristics, magazine relationship, and intended sporting use.

Field Barrels

Field-oriented barrels are available in several lengths depending on gauge, hunting application, and manufacturer.

Turkey Barrels

Turkey configurations may use relatively compact barrels combined with compatible choke systems and high-visibility sights.

Sporting Barrels

Clay and general sporting configurations may use longer barrels intended to provide different balance and swing characteristics.

Rifled Slug Barrels

Some pump shotgun platforms offer rifled barrels designed for compatible slug ammunition. Barrel, ammunition, and sight compatibility should be verified from manufacturer specifications.

Smoothbore Barrels

Smoothbore barrels are standard across most field and sporting pump shotguns and may use fixed or interchangeable choke systems.

Vent-Rib Barrels

Ventilated ribs are common on field and sporting barrels and provide a sighting plane along the top of the barrel.

Shotgun Chokes

Chokes influence the distribution of shot after it leaves the muzzle. Pump shotgun barrels may use fixed constrictions or interchangeable choke tubes.

Interchangeable Choke Tubes

Choke tubes must match the exact manufacturer's threading, gauge, barrel, and ammunition ratings. Choke systems that appear similar are not automatically interchangeable.

Fixed Chokes

Some traditional or specialty pump-shotgun barrels use a fixed choke rather than a removable tube.

Flush Chokes

Flush choke tubes generally fit approximately even with the muzzle and are available in different constrictions depending on the manufacturer's system.

Extended Chokes

Extended choke tubes project beyond the muzzle and may include visible markings or other manufacturer-specific features.

Turkey Chokes

Turkey chokes use specialized constrictions and may be rated for particular shot materials or loads. Always verify compatibility.

Steel-Shot Compatibility

Not every choke or barrel is approved for every shot material. Verify manufacturer ratings before using steel or other non-lead ammunition.

Tubular Magazines

Most pump shotguns use a tubular magazine positioned below the barrel. Capacity depends on magazine dimensions, gauge, shell length, and factory configuration.

Magazine Capacity

Capacity varies by model and can change according to shotshell length. Manufacturer-listed capacity should be verified for the exact configuration.

Magazine Plugs

Certain hunting activities require magazine-capacity restrictions. A manufacturer-approved magazine plug or limiter may be required depending on applicable regulations.

Forearms

The forearm is the sliding component used to operate the pump action. Shape, texture, material, travel, and attachment method vary between platforms.

Textured Pump Forends

Hunting and field shotguns may use checkering, molded texture, grooves, rubberized surfaces, or other treatments to provide a secure gripping surface.

Wood Forends

Traditional sporting pump shotguns may use walnut or other wood forends matched to the stock.

Synthetic Forends

Polymer or composite forearms are common on modern hunting and field shotguns and can provide reduced maintenance.

Stock Materials

Pump shotgun stocks may be manufactured from walnut, hardwood, laminate, polymer, composite, or other materials.

Wood Stocks

Wood stocks provide traditional appearance and are common on sporting and field shotguns. Natural grain and coloration can vary.

Synthetic Stocks

Synthetic stocks are widely used on hunting and utility-oriented pump shotguns because they tolerate moisture and field exposure well when properly maintained.

Camouflage Stocks

Hunting shotguns may use camouflage patterns on the stock, forearm, barrel, receiver, or complete firearm.

Adjustable Stock Fit

Some shotguns provide spacers, shim kits, adjustable combs, or other manufacturer-specific methods of altering stock fit.

Length of Pull

Length of pull is an important measurement when evaluating shotgun fit and influences how the firearm shoulders for an individual shooter.

Drop & Cast

Stock drop and cast influence alignment between the shooter's eye and the rib or sights. Dimensions vary significantly among models.

Recoil Pads

Pump shotguns may use rubber, gel, ventilated, or other recoil-pad designs depending on the stock and manufacturer.

Shotgun Weight

Overall weight affects field carry, balance, swing, and perceived recoil. Barrel, receiver, stock, magazine, and installed accessories all contribute.

Lightweight Field Pumps

Lightweight models can be convenient for extended field carry, but reduced weight can also change perceived recoil and swing.

Recoil Characteristics

Perceived recoil depends on gauge, shell load, shotgun weight, stock fit, recoil pad, shooting position, and individual shooter factors.

Shotgun Sights

Pump shotguns may use front beads, fiber-optic sights, rifle-style sights, ghost-ring sights, rear notches, or optic mounting provisions depending on intended use.

Bead Sights

Front bead sights are common on traditional field and sporting shotguns.

Fiber-Optic Sights

Fiber-optic sights are frequently found on turkey, hunting, competition, and specialty pump-shotgun configurations.

Rifle-Style Sights

Slug-oriented barrels and other specialized pump shotguns may use adjustable front and rear rifle-style sights.

Ghost-Ring Sights

Some specialty pump shotguns include an aperture-style rear sight paired with a front post. Sight design and adjustment vary.

Optics-Ready Pump Shotguns

Certain pump shotguns include drilled-and-tapped receivers, factory rails, or manufacturer-specific optic mounting provisions.

Red-Dot Sights

Compatible red-dot optics may be used on turkey, hunting, competition, and other pump shotguns equipped with an appropriate mounting interface.

Scope-Ready Slug Guns

Some rifled-barrel or slug-oriented pump shotguns include scope mounting provisions. Verify the base, rings, optic, and barrel configuration for the exact firearm.

Safety Controls

Pump shotguns may use cross-bolt, tang, trigger-guard, or other manufacturer-specific safety systems.

Action Releases

Pump-action firearms typically include a manufacturer-specific action-release control that allows normal movement of the action under appropriate conditions. Location and operation vary by model.

Shell Stops & Feeding Systems

Pump shotguns use internal components to retain, release, and feed shells from the magazine. These systems vary by firearm and should be maintained according to the owner's manual.

Extractors & Ejectors

The bolt and receiver contain manufacturer-designed extraction and ejection components that operate when the pump action is cycled.

Ammunition Compatibility

Use only shotshells of the correct gauge and a shell length approved for the exact firearm. Similar-looking shells are not necessarily interchangeable.

Target Loads

Target ammunition is commonly used for clay sports and recreational shooting. Select the correct gauge and shell length for the firearm.

Upland Loads

Upland ammunition is available in multiple shot sizes, payloads, materials, and velocities. Select ammunition appropriate for the lawful intended use.

Waterfowl Loads

Waterfowl hunting may require approved non-lead shot. Verify barrel, choke, chamber, and ammunition compatibility.

Turkey Loads

Turkey shotshells vary in shell length, shot size, shot material, payload, and velocity. Check choke and firearm manufacturer specifications before use.

Slug Ammunition

Slug ammunition is offered in several designs. Compatibility with smoothbore, rifled, fixed-choke, or interchangeable-choke barrels should be verified from manufacturer guidance.

Buckshot & Specialty Loads

Shotgun ammunition is available in many configurations. Use only loads that match the firearm's gauge, chamber length, barrel, and manufacturer specifications.

Cleaning a Pump Shotgun

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for unloading, disassembly, bore and chamber cleaning, action maintenance, lubrication, inspection, and reassembly.

Action Maintenance

Pump-action slide bars, bolts, locking components, carriers, extractors, and other internal parts should be maintained according to manufacturer guidance.

Magazine-Tube Maintenance

Magazine tubes, springs, followers, and retention components should be inspected and cleaned according to the firearm manufacturer's instructions.

Choke-Tube Maintenance

Removable choke tubes should be kept clean and maintained according to the barrel and choke manufacturer's instructions.

Bore & Chamber Maintenance

Use brushes, patches, rods, and solvents appropriate for the shotgun's gauge, barrel finish, and manufacturer recommendations.

Wood Stock Care

Wood stocks and forearms should be protected from excessive moisture, heat, and aggressive cleaning chemicals.

Corrosion Prevention

Field shotguns exposed to rain, snow, mud, salt, or moisture should be cleaned, dried, inspected, and protected according to manufacturer recommendations.

Shotgun Storage

Pump shotguns should be stored securely according to applicable law, household circumstances, manufacturer guidance, and responsible firearm-storage practices.

Shotgun Cases

Soft and hard cases are available for hunting, sporting, and general-purpose shotguns. Account for barrel length, optics, extended choke tubes, and installed accessories.

Gun Safes

Long-gun safes and other secure storage systems provide controlled firearm access and organized storage.

Transporting Pump Shotguns

Transportation requirements vary by jurisdiction and destination. Review applicable firearm, ammunition, vehicle, and case laws before travel.

Hunting Regulations

Hunting regulations may specify gauge, shell type, shot material, magazine capacity, firearm configuration, season, and species. Verify current requirements for the specific hunt.

Migratory-Bird Capacity Rules

Certain hunting activities can impose specific shotgun-capacity requirements. Hunters should confirm current federal, state, and local rules before going afield.

FFL Transfer Requirements

Pump shotguns purchased online generally must be transferred through a federally licensed firearms dealer when required by applicable law. Buyer eligibility and transfer procedures depend on the firearm, transaction, and jurisdiction.

State & Local Restrictions

Firearm configuration, barrel length, magazine capacity, ammunition, hunting use, transfers, and possession requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change over time.

Compare Exact Model, SKU & UPC

Pump shotguns with similar names may differ by gauge, chamber length, barrel length, capacity, choke system, stock, sights, finish, included choke tubes, accessories, and distributor configuration. Verify the exact manufacturer model number, SKU, UPC, and current specifications.

Always Verify Manufacturer Specifications

Pump shotgun gauge, chamber length, barrel length, capacity, stock dimensions, choke compatibility, sights, optics provisions, weight, finish, included equipment, ammunition requirements, and legal configuration vary by manufacturer and model. Always review the current manufacturer's specifications for the exact shotgun being considered.