The Best Shotguns [2024]: Home Defense, Tactical & More

Good Lord, do I love a good scattergun. Shotguns have held my interest ever since I was a little kid. We were a family who used shotguns for everything, from hunting to sport shooting and home defense. My first gun was a shotgun, and I still own that Remington 870 in .410 to this day. The shotgun world is a massive, undeniably huge genre of weapons. There are innumerable shapes, models, and styles. So how do you determine what the best shotguns are?

This question might get you thinking, but don’t worry; that’s why I’ve put this guide together with a list of the 8 best shotguns, helping you to make the right choice for your needs. But before we dive into the list, let’s discuss why you might want a shotgun for different applications and how I selected the best ones for this guide.

Why Choose a Shotgun for Different Applications?

Choosing a shotgun for home defense, tactical use, and even hunting or sporting activities gives you several practical benefits. Shotguns strike a good balance between power and versatility, making them handy tools for various situations. In tactical situations, they shine in close-range encounters and can be loaded with different types of ammunition to suit specific needs. Plus, their reliability and ease of use make them a popular choice for hunters, whether they’re out in the field or enjoying shooting sports like sporting clays. With their ability to deliver effective firepower and adapt to different scenarios, shotguns are a favorite among the firearm enthusiasts for good reason.

How I Chose the Best Shotguns

As a former Marine with over twenty years of shooting experience, I’ve had the opportunity to test different shotguns. So, I know what makes a good one.

To make this list fair, I didn’t just rely on my own experiences. I also asked my friends who are professional shooters to help me out. By combining their knowledge with mine, I’ve made this list of the best shotguns for different applications.

I understand that selecting a shotgun is a personal decision, so I’ve categorized these shotguns based on their best uses to cater to everyone’s preferences. Additionally, I’ve included a buyer’s guide to help you navigate the shotgun options and find the right choice for your needs. Keep reading to discover the shotgun that’s just right for you.

Best Shotguns

1. Benelli Superova: Best Pump Action		Substantially underrated, the innovative SuperNova is one of the best shotguns available.	Check Price
2. Mossberg 500: Best Multi-Caliber		Available in several calibers, Mossberg 500 models range from tactical to muzzle-loading.	Check Price
3. Beretta 1301: Best Semi-Auto		Lightweight despite a gas operating system, the Beretta 1301 cycles fast.	Check Price
4. SRM 1216: Best Bullpup		Bullpup configurations and shotguns have always excelled at CQB. The SRM 1216 combines the two.	Check Price
5. Beretta DT11: Best Double Barrel		An heirloom quality double-barrel, the Beretta DT11 has a superb trigger, phenomenal aesthetics, and commensurate price.	Check Price
6. Mossberg Maverick 88: Best Budget Shotgun		A “value brand” version of the Mossberg 500, the Maverick 88 is available in several 12- and 20-gauge configurations.	Check Price
7. Henry Lever: Best Lever Action Shotgun		A rare example of the modern lever action shotgun, the .410 Henry is built on the .45-70 lever action rifle frame.	Check Price
8. Iron Horse Sentry: Best Mag Fed		There are advantages and disadvantages to box magazine fed shotguns; the Sentry takes cues from the AR platform to mitigate those.	Check Price

This guide will give you a high-level rundown of shotguns’ various types, designs, and calibers. A good shotgun will go a long way, and you can get a lot done with a pretty basic shotgun. One of the best things about shotguns is that you can get a competent shotgun for less than 500 dollars, but you can spend upwards of tens of thousands of dollars if you so choose. 

So let’s buckle in and talk shotguns. 

Types of Shotguns 

So you have a better idea of what exactly I’m comparing here, let’s talk about the various action types you are most likely to run into. This is not an absolutely comprehensive list. Some odd shotguns out there fall out of these categories, but these are the more common types of shotguns. 

Pump Action 

These are your classic manual shotguns. You work the forend to eject spent shells and load new ones. They’re versatile and suitable for hunting, home defense, tactical, and sporting use. 

Semi-Auto 

Semi-automatic shotguns fire one shot per trigger pull and can be gas or inertia-operated. They’re easy to handle, shoot quickly, and have less kick. You’ll find them in sports, hunting, and home defense.

Lever-Action 

Though not as common, lever-action shotguns are still around. You use a lever to eject the shell and load a new one. They’re speedy and versatile, mainly used in sporting events like Cowboy Action Shooting.

Single Shot 

As straightforward as it gets, these shotguns fire one round per barrel. After each shot, you manually reload. They’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and good for hunting and casual shooting.

Double Barrel 

With two barrels, double barrel shotguns can fire two rounds before reloading. They’re simple, reliable, and can handle various loads. Designs vary from affordable to high-end, with side by side and over/under configurations dominating different shooting disciplines like skeet shooting, bird hunting, and cowboy action shooting.

And of course, in Hollywood.

Bolt Action 

Bolt-action shotguns are fairly rare these days, and modern bolt action shotguns are typically slug guns with rifled barrels. Bolt action shotguns used to be much more popular, but over time their allure has faded, especially as pump actions became more robust and affordable. Most bolt-action shotguns are slug guns designed for hunting. 

Shotgun Calibers 

Shotguns are typically measured in gauge. Gauge is an old-school means to measure bore size, and gauge is the number of lead balls of a specific size that equals one pound. The smaller the number, the larger the bore. So 12 gauge is bigger than 20 gauge. One shotgun round that doesn’t use gauge measurements is .410, which uses your standard imperial measurement. There are three dominant shotgun calibers. 

12 Gauge

The most popular shotgun caliber is 12 gauge. 12 gauge is the caliber of choice for most adult shooters in most shotgun uses. It provides a hefty load of ammo at a reasonable amount of recoil. Almost all tactical loads are designed around the 12 gauge. 

20 Gauge

20 gauge offers you a very powerful shotgun round that’s considerably lighter and smaller than a 12 gauge round. It offers drastically less recoil while still providing a healthy dose of shot. 

.410 Gauge

.410 is the smallest commonly available shotgun round. It’s equivalent to 67-gauge. .410s are great for kids and young shooters who would be unsuited for 12 or even 20-gauge recoil. The .410 is perfectly suitable for small game purposes and can work for medium game, but a larger gauge is preferred. 

Other Gauges

Shotguns also come in 16 gauge, 28 gauge, 32 gauge, and more. These are often specific rounds designed for specific purposes and are not super common. If you’re a new shotgun owner, these gauges might be worth staying away from. 

Best Shotguns

These are my choice of best shotguns by type of action.

1. Best Pump Action – Benelli SuperNova
2. Best Multi-Cal Shotgun – Mossberg 500
3. Best Semi-Auto Shotgun – Beretta 1301
4. Best Bullpup Shotgun – SRM 1216 
5. Best Double Barrel – Beretta DT11
6. Best Budget Shotgun – Mossberg Maverick 88
7. Best Lever Shotgun – Henry Lever Action Shotgun
8. Best Mag-Fed Shotgun – Iron Horse Sentry

Best Shotguns: Spec Comparison

Below is a list of some LPK specs. Here you can compare and line up the specs from each product and help you make the best decision possible.

Best Shotguns: Our Take

You’ve seen our comparison of shotguns by type. Let’s break them down and review each one individually.

Best Mag-Fed Shotgun: Iron Horse Sentry

I haven’t mentioned much about shotguns that use removable box magazines. They have become a bit more popular and bear some mention. NBox magazines and shotguns are an odd combo. They admittedly make reloads faster and easier, but despite that it’s tough to recommend them whole cloth at this point. 

One major issue is that the shells are plastic, and when left in a magazine long term, they tend to flatten out and lose some of their proper round shape. This can create feeding issues over time. Shooters need to be aware of that before they get into box-fed shotguns.

If you really wanted one, my suggestion would be to obtain eh Iron Horse Arms Sentry 12. It’s a solid option that does take a low of cues from the AR series and makes a nice, magazine-fed pump shotgun.

You can read the full review of the Iron Horse Sentry 12 here.

Best Shotguns – Buyer’s Guide

If you’re in the market for a shotgun, there are several factors to consider to make sure you choose the best option for your needs. Here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide I’ve compiled to assist you in making a well-informed decision when selecting a shotgun.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Shotgun

Intended Use: Determine the primary purpose for which you’ll be using the shotgun. Whether it’s home defense, hunting, sporting clays, or tactical applications, different shotguns are optimized for different tasks.

Action Type: Decide on the action type that best suits your preferences and intended use. Pump guns like the Benelli SuperNova offer reliability and versatility, while semi-automatic shotguns like the Beretta 1301 provide faster follow-up shots. Lever-action shotguns, such as the Henry Lever Action Shotgun, offer a classic feel and aesthetic.

Caliber/Gauge: Consider the caliber or gauge of the shotgun based on your intended use and personal preference. For example, 12 gauge is the most popular and versatile option, while 20 gauge offers reduced recoil. .410 bore shotguns are ideal for beginners, youth, or small game hunting.

Slug: If you plan to use your shotgun for hunting big game or engaging targets at longer distances, consider a shotgun optimized for shooting slugs. A slug is a single projectile that’s often massive. A slug gun uses a rifled barrel to better stabilize the slug to increase its accuracy and effective range. These guns often have 24-inch barrels and are set up for use with a variable scope. These are typically reserved for hunting purposes, particularly big game (including the quarry of SyFy cryptid hunters).

Capacity: Evaluate the shotgun’s capacity in terms of shell count. Higher capacity shotguns, like the SRM 1216 with its 16-round capacity, may be preferred for tactical or defensive purposes, while lower capacity options may suffice for hunting or sporting use.

Barrel Length and Configuration: Choose a barrel length and configuration that aligns with your intended use. Longer barrels are typically preferred for hunting and clay shooting, while shorter barrels may be more maneuverable for home defense or tactical applications.

Reliability: Prioritize reliability when selecting a shotgun, especially for defensive or tactical purposes. Look for reputable brands known for their reliability, such as Benelli, Mossberg, and Beretta.

Ergonomics and Customization: Consider the shotgun’s ergonomics and the ability to customize it to suit your preferences. Features such as adjustable stocks, interchangeable chokes, and accessory mounting options can enhance comfort and versatility.

Budget: Set a budget based on your financial constraints and prioritize features accordingly. While premium shotguns like the Beretta DT11 offer top-tier performance, more affordable options like the Mossberg Maverick 88 provide excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.

Test shoot: Whenever possible, test-fire different shotgun models to assess their fit, feel, and performance firsthand. This can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that the shotgun meets your expectations.

Conclusion

Shotguns are powerful and versatile weapons that can be used effectively for different purposes like home defense, hunting, sports, and self-defense. With the right knowledge, they can be exceptional weapons for various uses. We hope that you’re leaving here with that understanding now.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and we’ll help you find the right information.

Best Shotguns – FAQs

What gauge is recommended for home defense shotguns?

The 12 gauge is the most popular and widely recommended gauge for home defense shotguns due to its versatility, availability of ammunition, and stopping power. However, if you’re someone who’s recoil-sensitive or places a premium on maneuverability, you may also find 20 gauge shotguns to be a suitable choice for home defense.

How do you select the right target loads for a shotgun?

When choosing target loads for your shotgun, consider factors such as gauge (12 gauge, 20 gauge, etc.), shot size (usually indicated by numbers like #7.5 or #8), and shell length (2 ¾ inch or 3 inch). It’s essential to match the target load to the intended use, whether it’s skeet shooting, trap shooting, or sporting clays, and ensure compatibility with your shotgun’s chamber specifications.

Which shotgun is best for hunting?

When it comes to selecting the best shotgun for hunting, your choice will largely depend on the type of game you’re pursuing. For larger game, such as deer, you may prefer a slug gun like the Mossberg 500 with a rifled barrel. On the other hand, for bird hunting, popular options like the Beretta DT11 or Mossberg Maverick 88 in 12 or 20 gauge are commonly favored.

Are shotguns legal for home defense?

Yes, shotguns are legal for home defense in most jurisdictions. However, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and use for self-defense purposes.