7 Best Hunting Shotguns + Buyers Guide
Shotguns are a classic choice for American hunters, renowned for their versatility and effectiveness. Whether you’re hunting rabbits, birds, deer, or even bears, a shotgun can handle it all. They’re especially popular in the Southeast for deer and hog hunting, as well as in duck blinds and turkey fields. As a longtime shotgun hunter myself, I appreciate their reliability and adaptability. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best hunting shotguns available and help you find the perfect one for your needs.
The Truth About Shotguns
As a kid, I once bagged two hogs in a single sitting. When a pack of feral Eurasian hogs walked in front of my tree stand, I targeted the biggest one and dropped him. When they ran, I worked the pump on my Mossberg 500 and put the bead on a second hog, and dropped it with a headshot. My dad still tells the story of how I hit a hog at fifty yards as it moved in the head. In reality, that’s one strength of the shotgun. It’s quite easy to use on running targets, which again makes it excellent for hunting.
Ever since then, I’ve been a shotgun nut.
Shotgun versatility comes from the fact you can use a multitude of rounds in the gun. We divide these into buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. Additionally, shotguns get multiple lengths of shells that allow them to hold a variety of pellets and pack a variety of recoil experiences. These pellets can be made up of a variety of different materials, including lead, steel, and copper.
These different loads allow you to hunt a bit of anything. We specialize shells for a particular game, like turkey shot, which is a densely packed load of birdshot, often with specialized copper-plated lead shot. We can use slugs with either smooth bore or rifled shotguns, depending on the design of the slug.
This ability to choose between a wide variety of ammo types makes it very easy to make the shotgun into the exact weapon you need it to be to hunt very specific ammunition.
How I Chose the Best Hunting Shotguns
As a former Marine with over twenty years of hunting experience, I’ve had the opportunity to test different hunting 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 hunters to help me out. By combining their knowledge with mine, I’ve made this list of the best hunting shotguns.
I understand that selecting a hunting shotgun is a personal decision, so I’ve ranked these hunting shotguns from 1-7, catering to different user preferences. Additionally, I’ve included a buyer’s guide to help you navigate the hunting shotgun options and find the right choice for your needs. Keep reading to discover the hunting shotgun that’s just right for you.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Hunting Shotguns
Best Hunting Shotguns
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Best Hunting Shotguns Specifications
Below is a table of the specs for each shotgun.
| Shotgun | Gauge | Barrel Length(s) (in) | Action | Stock | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mossberg 500 Field | 12/20/.410 | 24/26/28 | Pump | Wood/Synthetic | 5+1 |
| Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun | 12 | 24 | Semi Auto | Synthetic | 4+1 |
| CZ Drake | 12/20/28/.410 | 28 | Break | Turkish Walnut | 2 |
| Savage 301 Single Barrel Shotgun | 12/20/.410 | 26 | Break | Synthetic | 1 |
| Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey | 12 | 18.5/24 | Semi Auto | Synthetic | 4+1 |
| Savage Renegauge | 12 | 24/26/28 | Semi Auto | Synthetic | 4+1 |
| Benelli Supernova | 12 | 24/26/28 | Pump | Synthetic | 4+1 |
Best Hunting Shotguns
Here is our list for the best hunting shotguns:
- Mossberg 500 Field
- Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun
- CZ Drake
- Savage 301 Single Barrel Shotgun
- Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
- Savage Renegauge
- Benelli Supernova
Best Hunting Shotguns – Reviews
1 Mossberg 500 Hunting All Purpose Field
Mossberg 500 Hunting All Purpose Field
A classic field ready variant of the Mossberg 500 with wood stock.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
B-
Based on 3 Reviews
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Mossberg 500 Field Specs
- Gauge 12/20/.410
- Barrel Length 24/26/28
- Action Pump
- Stock Wood/Synthetic
- Capacity 5+1
Mossberg 500 Field Review
The Mossberg 500 series are classic American shotguns that have become the most popular pump-action shotgun on the market. This classic shotgun came out of the 1960s and has gone everywhere, from the hunting blind to the police cruiser and even the battlefield. For hunters, the Mossberg 500 series absolutely dominates the market. Imagine the animal you want to hunt….okay Mossberg makes a 500 series shotgun for it.
The Field series comes in .410, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge. They make specific models for turkey hunting, using slugs, blasting birds, and more. The Mossberg 500 shotguns are pump action designs that feed from your traditional tubular magazine below the barrel. They are very simple, but there is a reason we have used this basic shotgun design for decades. It works.
These are incredibly reliable guns. The pump action is inherently well-designed and functions flawlessly. Mossberg uses dual action bar arms, dual extractors, and their famed skeletonized anti-jam elevator. They cycle up to 3-inch shells without issue.
The Mossberg 500 uses a rustproof aluminum receiver that keeps the gun quite light. It’s drilled and tapped for optics. The Flex variants allow you to use a multitude of quick attach furniture components to better customize the gun for your uses. Not to mention the various sighting systems, which include optics, bead sights, rifle sights, and more.
What is the downside? I think the slop in the action can be kind of annoying, but that’s trivial.
Mossberg 500 Field Pros and Cons
- Super Reliable
- Available in Any Configuration You Need
- Affordable
- Sloppy Action
Mossberg 500 Field Deals
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$344.38
-
$388.81
-
$410.99
2 Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun
Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun
An inertia driven shotgun with a rifled barrel and a cantilevered picatinny rail system.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A+
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun Specs
- Gauge 12
- Barrel Length 24 in
- Action Semi Auto
- Stock Synthetic
- Capacity 4+1
Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun Review
Sometimes finding the exact configuration you want in a hunting shotgun can be tough. When I went shopping for a slug gun, I wanted a rifled barrel with a relatively trim barrel. I wanted it to be optic-ready, and finally, I wanted it to be a best semi-auto shotgun. The Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun fit the bill and did so at an impressive price point. The M3000 series has proven to be a solid budget shooter, and it’s an impressive slug gun.
Stoeger is owned by Beretta, who also owns Benelli and has made use of the famed inertia-driven system from Benelli. The M3000 series uses this inertia-driven system to ensure reliable cycling and a somewhat trim gun design. It’s quite effective for throwing slugs with repeatable reliability and allows for rapid cycling.
At 7.2 pounds, the inertia-driven gun won’t weigh you down. The 24-inch barrel is just long enough to get great velocity but not long enough to be a pain in the tree stand, deer blind, or thick southeastern swamps. Across the top, we have a cantilever scope mount that makes attaching anything from a variable optic to a red dot easy.
This makes it perfect for slug hunters in states or localities with strict rifle laws who want to make use of the range of a proper slug gun. A rifled barrel with a sabot slug is as accurate as most hunting rifles, and a variable, magnified optic makes plenty of sense. The Stoeger M3000 also features oversized controls. That makes a lot of sense for hunters who are hunting in the middle of winter, where gloves are common and useful for cold hands.
So, what’s the downside? Inertia guns don’t cut recoil as much as gas guns do, so when you shoot slugs, you can really feel the heavy kick.
Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun Pros and Cons
- Super Accurate
- Hunting Ready
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Heavier Recoil
Stoeger M3000 R Rifled Slug Gun Deals
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$579.00
-
$579.00
-
$579.99
3 CZ Drake
CZ Drake
An affordable over/under shotgun available in 4 different gauges.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
D-
Based on 2 Reviews
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CZ Drake Specs
- Gauge 12/20/28/.410
- Barrel Length 28 in
- Action Break
- Stock Trukish Walnut
- Capacity 2
CZ Drake Review
If you want a fancy over/under shotgun, then you have plenty of choices. It would have been really easy to put some fancy Beretta shotgun that costs a few grand, or even up to 10k pretty easily. Those are great guns. However, I consciously sought out the most affordable yet high-quality over/under shotgun for bird hunting, which also qualifies as a great gun in its own right. I landed on the CZ Drake. CZ imports the guns from Turkey, but they have very high QC standards from these makers, which results in fantastic guns.
The CZ Drake comes in at less than a thousand dollars, making it a high-quality but well-priced shotgun. The CZ Drake comes in 12, 20, and 28 gauge as well as .410. Plus, they even produce a left-hand, Southpaw model. Shooters get a fairly lightweight gun that swings nicely as they follow the bird flying high and often away from you. We get a nice vent rib leading to a bright white front sight that’s super easy to easy and track as you focus on the flying birds.
The CZ Drake uses a single trigger that allows for instant, fast-firing follow-up shots that make it easy to shrug off a miss or to take down two birds. The Drake looks fantastic with a gloss black finish, as well as beautiful Turkish walnut furniture. That furniture is very nicely textured and provides an excellent grip on the gun.
Heck, they even ship them in fancy plastic cases and send five chokes to make it easy to customize the gun to do what you need it to. Recoil isn’t rough, but you will feel the full power of your load. The gun doesn’t have ejectors, but it does have a nice extractor that’s easy to use and makes reloading quick and easy.
CZ Drake Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Accurate
- Fast Shooting
- Stiff Controls
CZ Drake Deals
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$535.99
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$641.93
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$654.83
4 Savage 301
Savage 301
A simple single shot shotgun with synthetic stock
- Shootability B
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Savage 301 Specs
- Gauge 12/20/.410
- Barrel Length 26 in
- Action Break
- Stock Synthetic
- Capacity 1
Savage 301 Review
With the death of H&R, the single-shot shotgun market had a bit of a dip until the world caught on to the Savage 301 Single Shot shotgun. Single shots are great guns. If you needed a gun that kept your family fed through the Depression, the single-shot shotgun was an affordable and simple-to-use option. The Savage 301 carries on the tradition of the simplistic single-shot 12 gauge and delivers the most affordable but effective weaponry option. It also comes in 20 gauge and .410.
The Savage 301 ditches wood for a more durable synthetic furniture option. While wood is classy, synthetics resist nature and can be cheaper to produce. The gun features a fairly robust amount of checkering to ensure you can keep a tight grip on the gun as it fires. The weapon uses a hammer-fired design, which is very simple and very proven.
The entire operation of the gun is ambidextrous. It’s fairly light at under six pounds and still has a 26-inch barrel. Savage went with a replaceable choke system to help you control your load and adjust the spread depending on the game you’re hunting. It uses the very common Winchoke system, so there is no stress with finding other chokes.
It’s a simplistic weapon, and that’s what you expect. I would like to see integrated sling swivels, but that’s about all I’d ever expect from such an affordable and robust gun. The downside will be sharp recoil and, of course, the slower-to-reload nature of single shots.
Savage 301 Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Robust
- Simplistic
- Slow To Reload
- Sharp Recoil
Savage 301 Deals
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$146.11
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$172.99
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$175.72
5 Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
A dedicated turkey hunting semi auto shotgun cut for micro red dot sights and covered in camo.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A+
- Value B
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Mossberg 940 Pro-Turkey Specs
- Gauge 12
- Barrel Length 18.5/24
- Action Semi Auto
- Stock Synthetic
- Capacity 4+1
Mossberg 940 Pro-Turkey Review
Turkey hunters are an entirely different breed of shotgunner. They are uber-specific about their guns, loads, sights, and more. Turkey are very attentive animals, capable of picking up on small movements and they tend to be fairly cautious. Turkey hunters often try to hit them 30 to 50 yards away in the head. This leads to tight patterns, heavy loads, and good sights. The new Mossberg 940 Pro-Turkey might be one of the best examples of a turkey gun on the market.
This gas-operated gun takes the sting out of these hefty, hard-hitting loads and makes the gun a fair bit controllable. While follow-up shots aren’t exactly common with turkey hunters, you do have that option here. The gun comes with a recoil-reducing choke that’s also designed to throw an ultra-tight pattern. Additionally, the gun has camo to help it not stand out so much and to avoid the sharp eyes of the turkey. Plus, the camouflage looks fantastic on the gun. That old-school camo is to die for.
The Pro-Turkey comes with enlarged controls for easy use with gloved hands. It’s also equipped with a built-in red dot mount. Turkey hunters were really ahead of the game with red dot optics, and it’s nice to see one built into a gun. If red dots aren’t for you, the vent rib mounted, high visible fiber optic front sight makes it easy to see and hit your turkey of choice.
The Pro-Turkey stands out with its extensive features and modern design for the unconventional turkey hunter. While it’s not an inexpensive gun, it is indeed a fairly priced one, offering good value for its cost. Also, it’s fairly lightweight and comes only in 12 gauge. So, if you’re seeking something lighter and smaller, you might need to explore other options.
Mossberg 940 Pro-Turkey Pros and Cons
- Ultra Modern Controls
- Red Dot Ready
- Light Recoiling
- Easy Shooting
- 12 Gauge only
Mossberg 940 Pro-Turkey Deals
-
$819.00
-
$890.99
-
$911.36
6 Savage Renegauge
Savage Renegauge
A gas operated semi auto shotgun available in many different configurations, from field hunting, to home defense, to competition shooting.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A
- Value C
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Savage Renegauge Specs
- Gauge 12
- Barrel Length 24/26/28
- Action Semi Auto
- Weight Synthetic
- Capacity 4+1
Savage Renegauge Review
The Savage Renegauge was a surprise from Savage, but a welcome one. This all-American-made, gas-operated semi-auto shotgun was quite the reach for a company mostly known for its bolt action rifles. The Renegauge isn’t just a great name, but a damn fine shotgun. The Savage Renegauge uses a gas-operated system with what Savage calls the D.R.I.V., or Dual Regulating Inline Valve system.
What’s does that all that mean? Well, it would take an article to explain. For the end user, it means you get a system that is quite reliable with a diverse selection of ammo. Not only that, but it can take the sting out of these heavy loads through the regulating inline valve system. It makes it a soft, reliable shooter, and that’s excellent. The Savage Renegauge is a soft shooting gas gun and it’s among the most comfortable shotguns I’ve ever handled.
Savage built the gun from the ground up to create an excellent overall shotgun. The stock is adjustable for different lengths of pull, and you can adjust it for comb height, drop, and cast. Savage also uses oversized controls that make it easy to use the gun when gloved and just convenient all around. The system uses chrome plating for the reciprocating parts, which makes it rustproof or dang near it. No worries about those marshes causing issues.
The Renegauge comes in a wide variety of configurations for a variety of hunting purposes. This includes turkey, waterfowl, a prairie model, and just a basic field model that can do a bit of everything. The Renegauge is a fantastic hunting shotgun and probably one of my favorite all-around sporting shotguns.
Savage Renegauge Pros and Cons
- Super Light Recoiling
- Modern Ergonomics
- Customizable
- Expensive
Savage Renegauge Deals
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$670.21
-
$734.52
-
$863.99
7 Benelli Supernova
Benelli Supernova
The SuperNova Pump Shotgun is a strong, lightweight 12-gauge, chambered for 3-1/2-inch magnum—impervious to all weather conditions.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics B
- Accuracy A
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 20 Reviews
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Benelli Supernova Specs
- Gauge 12
- Barrel Length 24/26/28
- Action Pump
- Stock Synthetic
- Capacity 4+1
Benelli Supernova Review
Last but not least is one of the most underrated shotguns on the market, the Benelli Supernova. This pump gun is one of the first to mix tons of polymer into the design, including the receiver. The Supernova comes in several models, but the standard field model is what we are discussing today. It features a 28-inch barrel, is a 12-gauge, and comes in a wide variety of camo designs.
The Supernova features a 3.5-inch chamber that makes it accessible for a wide variety of shells and uses. If you want to hunt big bird waterfowl like geese, then the Supernova has you covered with a massive shell length. Additionally, the Supernova field features a magazine cut-off. Press a simple button in the pump, and then you can cycle the action and toss a round directly into the chamber.
The Supernova features a very long pump that makes it easy to grab for a wide variety of shooters. It’s perfect with gloved hands, too, due to the aggressive checkering on the pump action. Let’s make our way to the stock, where we see some odd-shaped chevrons, and that’s part of the recoil reduction system that’s in the stock. Oh, and don’t forget the rotary bolt that helps ensure it ejects the cartridges no matter what.
The Supernova pairs a ton of advanced features with the classic features that we know that work. This includes a nice vent rib with a big white bead that’s easy to see and aim with. The gun’s classic pump action design is ultra-reliable, and ultimately it’s one of my favorite pump shotguns.
You can read the full review of Benelli Supernova here.
Benelli Supernova Pros and Cons
- Ultra-Reliable
- 3.5-inch chamber
- Tons of Modern Features
Benelli Supernova Deals
-
$499.00
-
$549.00
-
$549.00
Best Hunting Shotgun – Buyer’s Guide
If you’re thinking about buying a hunting shotgun, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure you pick the best one for you. I’ve put together a detailed buyer’s guide to assist you in making a well-informed decision when selecting a hunting shotgun.
But before we dive into what you should think about before buying a hunting shotgun, let’s first get a quick understanding of the different hunting shotgun action types.
Hunting Shotgun Action Types
There are four popular action types of hunting shotguns. These represent the most common hunting shotguns on the market.
Pump – Pump-action shotguns are incredibly popular with hunters. They represent an affordable and extremely common type of shotgun that offers a repeating action. They also tend to hold anywhere from two to five rounds. Pump action shotguns are likely the most common type of hunting shotgun.
Semi-Auto – Semi-auto shotguns offer shooters the advantage of one shot per trigger pull with no other effort from the shooter. These guns offer faster follow-up shots and are popular with bird hunters. They also have less recoil than other action types, which can be nice when hunting high-volume animals like upland birds and small game.
Single Barrel – Single-barrel shotguns are as simple as a shotgun gets. They hold one round, thats it. Their affordability and long-lasting designs keep them sticking around.
Over/Under – Over/Under is a type of double-barrel shotgun that orients the barrels vertically. They are extremely popular with upland bird hunters and known for their quick ability to swing and follow a target. They offer two shots, and most bird species don’t allow for ammo capacity past two or three rounds anyway.
Other shotgun types exist and are out there. I’m sure someone still hunts with a lever action shotgun, but they tend to be fairly rare, as do other types of shotguns. These represent the most common type of hunting shotguns.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Hunting Shotgun
Gauge and Chamber Size: Decide on the gauge (like 12, 20, 28, or .410) based on what you plan to hunt. If you’re after a bigger game or waterfowl, consider a shotgun with a larger chamber size, such as 3-inch or 3.5-inch.
Barrel Length and Design: Look for a barrel length between 22 to 32 inches, with 28 inches being pretty standard and versatile. Smooth bore barrels work well for general hunting, while rifled barrels are better for slug guns and improved accuracy.
Stock Material and Design: Choose between classic wood for its traditional look or synthetic materials for durability and resistance to weather. It’s helpful if the shotgun has an adjustable length of pull (LOP) and comb height for a comfortable fit.
Sights and Optics: Consider the type of sights that come with the shotgun — like bead sights, fiber optic sights, rifle sights, or ones that are ready for optics like scopes or red dots — depending on how accurate you need to be.
Weight and Handling: Balance how easy the shotgun is to carry with how it handles recoil. Lighter shotguns are more comfortable to carry but might kick more, especially with heavier loads. Also, make sure the controls are easy to use even if you’re wearing gloves in cold weather.
Special Features: Look for extras like extended choke tubes, camo finishes to blend in better, and systems that reduce recoil, which can be especially helpful for specific types of hunting like turkey or waterfowl.
Budget and Value: Set a budget that matches what you need in a shotgun. Consider whether the extra features are worth the cost for how you plan to use it and how much it will improve your hunting experience.
Conclusion
Shotguns are powerful and versatile tools, especially great for hunting. With the right know-how, they can be excellent in different hunting situations. Whether you’re after a small game or a big game, shotguns are a favorite for many hunters because they can be used in so many ways. After reading our guide on the best hunting shotguns, we hope you feel ready to pick the perfect shotgun for your hunting adventures. Happy hunting!
Best Hunting Shotguns – FAQs
What is the best hunting shotgun for light target loads?
For light target loads, you need a shotgun that cycles these loads without jamming. Semi-autos can sometimes struggle with light loads, so a pump-action or break-action shotgun might be a better fit.
How can I choose the best shotgun for a variety of hunting needs?
A good hunting target gun should have a smooth trigger and a comfortable fit. The barrel length and choke should match the game you’re hunting. It also needs to be reliable and durable to handle tough conditions.
What makes a good target gun for hunting?
A good target gun for hunting should have a smooth and accurate trigger, a comfortable fit, and ideally, a barrel length and choke suitable for the game you’re hunting. It should also be reliable and durable to withstand the rigors of hunting.
Which shotgun is recommended for deer hunting?
For deer hunting, you want a shotgun that fires slugs accurately. Pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns with rifled barrels or smoothbore barrels using rifled slugs are great choices. These setups ensure the necessary precision to hunt deer effectively at different distances.
What’s the ideal shotgun for hunting quail?
Quail hunting demands shotguns that are lightweight and quick to maneuver. When you hunt quail, smaller gauges like 20 or 28 gauge, or even a .410 bore, are preferred for their handling in dense cover. Over/under shotguns with shorter barrels (around 26 inches) are popular among quail hunters due to their balance and ease of swinging onto fast-moving birds.
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About Travis Pike
Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.
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I disagree with the choice of the Mossberg 500 for an all purpose field shotgun. I’ve shot them, worked on them, and know the platform pretty well, so it’s not a knee-jerk reaction. I believe the Remington Fieldmaster 870 or a Winchester SXP are better shotgun options. Neither of those guns have sloppy actions, are much smoother in operation, and are easier to work on. Love the choices of the Renegauge and the CZ Drake. I bought the Weatherby Orion I and love that O/U, but it costs more than the Drake. Been reading most of the reviews on here, this is a very cool site. Glad to see all these old military people are being gainfully employed. Me, I’m just enjoying retirement after 24 years!