Single shot shotguns are manually loaded firearms designed to hold one shotshell at a time. Most use a break-action design that opens at the breech for loading, unloading, and inspection. These simple sporting firearms are available for hunting, recreational shooting, supervised training, youth applications, collecting, and other lawful uses.

Single Shot Shotguns

A single shot shotgun does not use a repeating magazine system. After firing, the action must be manually opened and the firearm reloaded according to the manufacturer's design.

Break-Action Shotguns

Most single shot shotguns use a hinged barrel that pivots away from the receiver when the action is unlocked. This provides direct access to the chamber and allows straightforward inspection and cleaning.

Choosing a Single Shot Shotgun

• Gauge: Compare 12 gauge, 20 gauge, .410 bore, and other available chamberings.
• Intended Use: Consider hunting, recreational shooting, supervised training, youth use, collecting, or field applications.
• Barrel: Review barrel length, chamber length, choke configuration, sights, finish, and manufacturer specifications.
• Stock Fit: Compare length of pull, comb height, grip style, overall length, recoil pad, and firearm weight.
• Action & Controls: Verify hammer style, action release, safety system, extractor or ejector design, and trigger configuration.

12 Gauge Single Shot Shotguns

12 gauge single shot shotguns are available in hunting, recreational, field, turkey, and traditional sporting configurations. Barrel length, chamber size, stock design, and overall weight vary by model.

20 Gauge Single Shot Shotguns

20 gauge models can provide a lighter overall firearm than many comparable 12 gauge shotguns and are widely available for hunting, training, and recreational applications.

.410 Bore Single Shot Shotguns

.410 bore single shots are common in compact, youth, recreational, and small-game hunting configurations where lawful.

Other Gauges

Single shot shotgun platforms may be manufactured in additional gauges or specialty chamberings. Always verify the exact chamber marking and manufacturer specifications.

Hunting Single Shot Shotguns

Hunting models may emphasize lightweight construction, practical barrel lengths, durable stocks, weather-resistant finishes, sling provisions, interchangeable chokes, or specialized sighting systems.

Upland Hunting Shotguns

Lightweight single shot shotguns can be suitable for lawful upland hunting where a simple field firearm is preferred.

Small-Game Shotguns

Smaller gauges and .410 bore configurations are commonly used for lawful small-game applications when appropriate for the species and local regulations.

Turkey Single Shot Shotguns

Turkey-oriented single shots may include camouflage finishes, shorter barrels, fiber-optic sights, specialized choke systems, or optic mounting provisions.

Youth Single Shot Shotguns

Youth models may use shorter stocks, reduced length of pull, lighter weight, and smaller overall dimensions. Proper supervision, appropriate firearm fit, and safe handling instruction remain essential.

Training Shotguns

Single shot shotguns are often selected for supervised introductory instruction because they load one shell at a time and provide a visibly accessible chamber when the action is open.

Compact Shotguns

Some single shot shotguns use shorter stocks or compact overall dimensions while retaining manufacturer-compliant barrel and firearm configurations.

Traditional Single Shot Shotguns

Traditional models may use wood stocks, exposed hammers, blued barrels, fixed chokes, and straightforward break-action mechanisms.

Modern Single Shot Shotguns

Modern models may incorporate synthetic stocks, camouflage or coated finishes, interchangeable choke tubes, optic rails, fiber-optic sights, and other contemporary features.

Shotgun Chamber Length

Chamber length determines the maximum shell length approved for the firearm. Always use shotshells that match the exact gauge and chamber specification.

2 3/4-Inch Chambers

2 3/4-inch shells are widely used across hunting, recreational, and target shotgun applications. Compatibility depends on the firearm's chamber marking.

3-Inch Chambers

Three-inch chambers are common on many modern hunting-oriented single shot shotguns.

3 1/2-Inch Chambers

Selected 12 gauge single shot shotguns may be chambered for manufacturer-approved 3 1/2-inch ammunition. Verify the exact model before use.

Barrel Length

Barrel length affects overall dimensions, weight, balance, sight radius, swing characteristics, and intended sporting application.

Field Barrels

General hunting and field models are available with various barrel lengths depending on gauge, intended application, and manufacturer.

Turkey Barrels

Turkey-focused single shots may use relatively compact barrels with compatible choke systems and high-visibility sights.

Smoothbore Barrels

Most single shot shotguns use smoothbore barrels with either fixed or interchangeable choke systems.

Rifled Barrels

Selected single shot shotgun platforms may use rifled barrels intended for manufacturer-approved slug ammunition. Verify the exact firearm and ammunition compatibility.

Vent-Rib Barrels

Some single shot field or sporting configurations include a ventilated rib above the barrel.

Plain Barrels

Traditional single shots often use plain barrels without a raised rib, typically paired with a front bead or other simple sight.

Shotgun Chokes

Choke determines the constriction near the muzzle and influences shotshell pattern distribution. Configuration may be fixed or interchangeable.

Fixed Chokes

Traditional single shot barrels frequently use fixed choke constrictions such as manufacturer-specified cylinder, modified, full, or other configurations.

Interchangeable Choke Tubes

Many modern single shots accept removable choke tubes. Choke threading, gauge, dimensions, and ammunition ratings must match the exact firearm.

Extended Chokes

Extended choke tubes may project beyond the muzzle and can include visible markings or textured surfaces for easier identification.

Turkey Chokes

Specialized turkey chokes are available for compatible shotguns. Confirm barrel, choke, gauge, shell, and shot-material compatibility before use.

Steel-Shot Compatibility

Barrel and choke compatibility with steel and other non-lead shot varies by firearm. Always verify manufacturer ratings.

Break-Action Hinges

The hinge or pivot allows the barrel assembly to rotate away from the receiver. Hinge geometry and bearing surfaces vary by model.

Locking Systems

Single shot break actions use manufacturer-designed locking lugs, bolts, blocks, or other systems to secure the barrel when closed.

Action Release Controls

The action may unlock through a lever, button, latch, or other manufacturer-specific control.

Extractors

Extractors lift a shell or fired case from the chamber when the action opens, allowing manual removal.

Ejectors

Some single shot shotguns use ejectors that move a fired shell farther from the chamber when the action is opened. Exact operation varies by firearm.

Exposed Hammers

Many traditional single shot shotguns use an external hammer. Hammer position, cocking procedure, safety system, and operation vary by model.

Hammerless Designs

Some modern designs use enclosed firing components rather than a conventional exposed hammer.

Transfer-Bar Safety Systems

Certain hammer-fired models incorporate transfer bars or other internal safety mechanisms. Exact function should be confirmed from the owner's manual.

Manual Safeties

Some single shot shotguns include cross-bolt, lever, trigger, or other manually operated safety controls.

Automatic Safeties

Selected break-action designs may automatically place the firearm's safety into a manufacturer-defined position when the action opens.

Trigger Systems

Trigger pull weight, shape, travel, break, and internal design vary by shotgun.

Receiver Construction

Receivers may be constructed from steel, alloy, polymer-supported assemblies, or other manufacturer-specified materials depending on model.

Steel Receivers

Steel receiver construction is common on many traditional and modern single shot shotgun platforms.

Lightweight Receivers

Some compact or youth-oriented shotguns use materials or receiver designs intended to reduce total firearm weight.

Stock Materials

Stocks may use walnut, hardwood, laminate, polymer, composite, or other materials.

Wood Stocks

Wood-stocked single shots provide traditional appearance. Grain, color, checkering, finish, and stock dimensions vary.

Synthetic Stocks

Polymer and composite stocks are common on modern field and youth shotguns and can provide reduced maintenance.

Camouflage Stocks

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

Stock Fit

Stock dimensions influence firearm fit and include length of pull, comb height, drop, grip shape, and buttpad configuration.

Length of Pull

Length of pull is measured from the trigger to the rear of the stock. Youth and compact models commonly use shorter dimensions than full-size shotguns.

Recoil Pads

Some single shot shotguns use rubber or synthetic recoil pads. Thickness, shape, and firmness vary by model.

Hard Buttplates

Traditional or lightweight firearms may use hard buttplates rather than padded recoil surfaces.

Shotgun Weight

Single shot shotguns can be relatively light because they do not require a repeating magazine or multi-barrel action. Weight still varies considerably by gauge, barrel, receiver, and stock.

Lightweight Field Shotguns

Lower firearm weight can make a shotgun easier to carry in the field, while also affecting balance and perceived recoil.

Recoil Characteristics

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

Front Bead Sights

A simple front bead is common on traditional single shot field shotguns.

Fiber-Optic Sights

Some hunting and turkey models use fiber-optic front or front-and- rear sight systems for increased visibility under suitable lighting.

Rifle-Style Sights

Slug-oriented models may include adjustable front and rear rifle-style sights.

Optics-Ready Single Shot Shotguns

Selected models provide factory rails, drilled-and-tapped mounting points, or other optic interfaces.

Red-Dot Sights

Compatible red-dot sights may be used on turkey, slug, and other specialized shotgun configurations equipped with an appropriate mounting interface.

Scope-Ready Slug Shotguns

Certain rifled-barrel or slug-oriented single shot shotguns provide scope mounting provisions. Verify base, ring, optic, and ammunition compatibility.

Shotshell Compatibility

Use only ammunition of the exact gauge and approved shell length marked for the firearm.

Target Loads

Target shotshells are available for recreational clay shooting and other sporting applications in several gauges and payloads.

Field Loads

Field ammunition is offered in multiple shot sizes, velocities, shot materials, and payloads appropriate to different lawful applications.

Upland Loads

Upland shotshells should be selected according to gauge, chamber, choke, lawful game species, and manufacturer recommendations.

Turkey Loads

Turkey ammunition varies by shell length, shot material, shot size, payload, and velocity. Verify choke and firearm compatibility.

Non-Lead Shot

Steel, bismuth, tungsten-based, and other non-lead shot materials may have specific barrel and choke requirements.

Slug Ammunition

Some single shot shotguns are designed for compatible slug ammunition. Verify whether the barrel is smoothbore or rifled and follow manufacturer ammunition guidance.

Cleaning a Single Shot Shotgun

Follow manufacturer instructions for unloading, opening the action, bore and chamber cleaning, hinge maintenance, extractor or ejector cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and storage.

Hinge Maintenance

Hinge and pivot surfaces should be kept clean and maintained only with products recommended by the firearm manufacturer.

Locking-Surface Inspection

The action should close and lock according to the manufacturer's design. Suspected looseness, damage, or improper lockup should be evaluated by qualified personnel.

Extractor & Ejector Maintenance

Extractor and ejector components should remain clean and free from damage or excessive fouling.

Choke-Tube Maintenance

Removable chokes should be cleaned and maintained according to the firearm and choke manufacturer's instructions.

Bore & Chamber Cleaning

Use brushes, patches, rods, and solvents appropriate for the shotgun's gauge, barrel material, finish, and choke system.

Wood Stock Care

Wood stocks should be protected from excessive moisture, heat, and aggressive solvents. Follow manufacturer recommendations for the exact finish.

Corrosion Prevention

Metal surfaces should be kept clean and dry and protected according to manufacturer guidance, particularly after exposure to rain, snow, mud, salt, or other environmental conditions.

Shotgun Storage

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

Shotgun Cases

Hard and soft shotgun cases are available in numerous dimensions. Account for barrel length, sights, optics, extended choke tubes, and other installed equipment.

Breakdown Storage

Some break-action shotguns can be separated into major assemblies for compatible fitted cases or compact storage according to manufacturer instructions.

Gun Safes

Long-gun safes and secure storage systems provide controlled access and organized storage for sporting firearms.

Transporting Single Shot Shotguns

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

Hunting Regulations

Hunting laws may specify gauge, shell length, shot material, ammunition type, season, species, and other firearm requirements. Verify current regulations for the specific hunt.

Youth Hunting Requirements

Youth hunting programs may have age, supervision, education, licensing, firearm, and ammunition requirements that vary by jurisdiction.

FFL Transfer Requirements

Single shot 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 transaction and jurisdiction.

State & Local Restrictions

Firearm, ammunition, hunting, transfer, transportation, and possession requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. Buyers should verify current applicable requirements before ordering.

Compare Exact Model, SKU & UPC

Single shot shotguns with similar names may differ by gauge, chamber length, barrel length, choke configuration, stock dimensions, hammer design, sights, optic provisions, extractor or ejector, finish, weight, included accessories, and distributor package. Verify the exact manufacturer model number, SKU, UPC, and current specifications.

Always Verify Manufacturer Specifications

Single shot shotgun gauge, chamber length, barrel length, choke system, stock dimensions, hammer or striker design, trigger, safety, extractor or ejector, sights, optics compatibility, weight, finish, ammunition requirements, included equipment, and legal configuration vary by manufacturer and model. Always review the current manufacturer's specifications for the exact shotgun being considered.