7 Best Semi-Auto Shotguns of 2025
The semi-auto shotgun market has noticeably lagged behind the rest of the firearms industry.
Semi-automatic handguns and rifles have been dominating the market for over a century now. While semi-automatic shotguns have also existed for well over a century, they still lag behind the classic pump-action shotgun.
That’s changed rather rapidly in the last few years.
The big reason is a rapid increase in the reliability of semi-automatic shotguns. This led to the slow acceptance of the semi-auto platform as the de facto shotgun for military, police, and civilian defense. It still faces competition from pump guns, but that lessens up yearly.
There are a ton of great semi-auto shotguns on the market, and we’re digging into the very best today.
Semi-Auto Benefits
The primary benefit is a faster rate of fire. Every trigger pull discharges a round without the need for manual action. You can’t get that same speed with a pump action. A semi-auto allows us to shoot faster, but that’s not the only benefit.
The gas or inertia-operated designs significantly reduce recoil. These guns are much easier to control while shooting fast. They won’t leave your shoulder beat up and leave you feeling as worn down as a pump-action.
Since they don’t require a manual action to be done by the user, they don’t require you to always have two hands on the gun. Two hands are preferable, but if you need to call the police, close or open a door, or escort a family member, these guns can be handled with one hand.
Compared to pump actions, accessorizing these guns is quite easy. Without a moving forend, you can set up lights with tape switches much easier with a semi-auto.
Semi-Auto Downsides
There is no such thing as a free lunch. Semi-automatic shotguns have a few downsides worth mentioning. First, reliability is always a present issue. Semi-autos are more complicated than pump guns and are more prone to failure when you compare similar quality guns.
How much more prone? With a modern semi-auto, not that much. Modern semi-automatic shotguns do require more maintenance and cleaning to keep running. It’s just the nature of the beast.
Semi-autos will be a bit pricier, especially quality semi-autos. Don’t let a cheap Turkish semi-auto color your view of semi-auto shotguns and price points. These guns can also be a little heavier, especially gas-operated guns, due to the gas system.
You gotta take the pros with the cons, and recognizing the cons will help guide your decision to find the best semi-auto shotgun.
The Best Semi-Auto Shotguns
Best Semi-Auto Shotguns
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The Best Semi-Auto Shotguns Specs
Below is a table of the specifications for the best semi-auto shotguns
| Rifle | Barrel Length (in) | Overall Length (in) | Weight (lbs) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beretta 1301 | 18.5 | 37.8 | 6.35 | 7+1 |
| IWI TS12 | 18.5 | 28.34 | 8 | 15+1 |
| Benelli M4 | 18.5 | 40 | 8 - 8.4 | 5+1 |
| Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol | 19.1 | 38 | 7.1 | 7+1 |
| Mossberg 990 Aftershock | 14.75" or 18.5 | 27.13" (14.75" barrel), 30.88" (18.5" barrel) | 6.04 lbs (14.75" barrel), 6 lbs 5 oz (18.5" barrel) | 5+1 |
| Stoeger M3000 Freedom Tactical | 18.5 | 40.75 | 7 | 7+1 |
| Mossberg 940 | 18.5 | 37 | 7.25 | 7+1 |
Best Semi-Auto Shotgun
Here is our list for the best products:
- Beretta 1301
- Benelli M4
- Mossberg 940
- Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol
- Stoeger M3000 Freedom Tactical
- IWI TS12
- Mossberg 990 Aftershock
The Best Semi-Auto Shotguns Reviews
1 Beretta 1301
Beretta 1301
Lightweight despite its gas operating system, the Beretta 1301 cycles fast.
- Reliability A+
- Accuracy A+
- Shootability A
- Ergonomics A
- Value C
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
B-
Based on 8 Reviews
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Beretta 1301
- Barrel Length 18.5 in
- Overall Length 37.8 in
- Weight 6.35 lbs
- Capacity 7+1
Beretta 1301 Review
The Beretta 1301 has fought hard and long to rise to the top of the charts when it comes to semi-auto shotguns. The 1301 comes in numerous configurations, including sporting and tactical models. It’s currently in its Mod.2 generation, and the Mod.2 variant has taken everything awesome about the 1301 and made it even better. Beretta has put their backing behind the gun and produced a fantastic firearm.
One of the big keys to the 1301’s success is the BLINK or B-LINK gas system. Beretta says it makes their shotgun the fastest on the market and that it’s 36% faster than the competition. I’m not sure how you measure that, but from a shooter’s perspective, the 1301 is capable of superbly fast follow-up shots. I have my personal best buckshot double tap with the 1301 at .68 seconds.
The BLINK gas system also takes a bite out of recoil. It’s not soft like an AR-15, but it’s smoother than most shotguns. The gas system is reliable enough to work with reduced-recoil ammo, like my favorite, Federal FliteControl.
The base models of the 1301 weigh significantly less than most gas-operated guns. I’m a fan of lighter shotguns and think most gas guns are unbalanced. That’s not an issue with the 1301, unless you get into the all-metal Chisel stock models. It’s easy to swing and move smoothly from high to low, readying yourself for a solid shooting position.
Most 1301s have all the features you expect. It’s optics-ready, and the stock can adjust via spacers. The Mod.2 takes things to the next level of awesome. It has a Pro Elevator, which gets out of the way when the bolt closes for easier reloading. The forend now features M-LOK slots, and stocks from Mesa Tactical and Chisel Machining are also an option.
The downside is going to be the price. As the gun’s popularity rose, Beretta began decking them out, and the price has risen as well. They are not cheap guns by any means, but they aren’t the priciest gun on this list.
Beretta 1301 Pros and Cons
- Fast Cycling
- Light Recoiling
- Ergonomic
- Expensive
2 Benelli M4
Benelli M4
Sold at Guns.com, Euro Optic
- Reliability A
- Accuracy A
- Shootability A
- Ergonomics B
- Value D
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
B+
Based on 18 Reviews
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Benelli M4 Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5 in
- Overall Length 40 in
- Weight 8 – 8.4 lbs
- Capacity 5+1
Benelli M4 Review
The original king of combat shotguns, and arguably the most proven combat shotgun, is the Benelli M4. The military adopted the Benelli M4 in 1999 after extensive testing by the United States Marine Corps. The M4 became the M1014 and served as the Joint Service Shotgun. The Benelli M4 helped usher in the new age of semi-auto shotguns and rewrote the semi-auto shotgun’s reliability reputation.
The Benelli M4 is a gas-operated gun that uses Benelli’s ARGO gas system. The ARGO system consists of a dual-rod stainless steel piston system. It’s often referred to as self-cleaning, and the stainless steel nature keeps things slick and easy to wipe down. The ARGO system is the key behind the M4’s reputation for reliability.
The Benelli M4 is a smooth-shooting shotgun that allows for rapid follow-up shots. It’s quick cycling, and the ARGO seems to take a lot of sting out of the gun’s recoil. The stock model is optics-ready and comes with ghost ring iron sights. The rail is fine for an optic, but I prefer to replace it with a lower-profile mount.
The Benelli M4 has an excellent reputation for reliability, and it can take some serious abuse, but it’s not perfect. The design shows its age with its absurdly long and non-adjustable length of pull. The controls are micro-sized, especially the bolt release. Benelli solved a lot of these problems with the M4 Gen 2, but is only selling it to law enforcement and military forces.
The Benelli M4 is also expensive, more expensive than the Beretta 1301. At around two grand, it’s a tough sell. However, it remains a fantastic firearm and one of the best semi-automatic shotguns on the market. It’s a shame Benelli won’t put their backing behind it.
Benelli M4 Pros and Cons
- Extremely Reliable
- Easily Customizable
- Low Recoil
- Expensive
- Long LOP
3 Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical
An optics ready semi-auto shotgun with enlarged controls and extended magazine tube with M-Lok barrel clamp.
- Reliability A-
- Accuracy A
- Shootability A
- Ergonomics A
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 11 Reviews
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Mossberg 940 Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5 in
- Overall Length 37 in
- Weight 7.25 lbs
- Capacity 7+1
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Review
Mossberg has undoubtedly made some of the best pump-action shotguns on the market. The 500/590 series dominates the shotgun market. Their relationship with semi-automatic tactical shotguns is a bit complicated. The 9000 was an oddity, and the 930 was a lot better, but had its oddities. The 940 series isn’t a massive advancement, but it’s a considerable upgrade to the Mossberg 930.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical integrates all of these upgrades to create a more reliable and thoroughly modern tactical shotgun. The Mossberg 940 can eat its way through a ton of ammo and still run like a scalded cat. It cycles low-recoil ammo without a problem and provides a fairly fast firing rate. The gas system absorbs recoil and reduces it to a controllable platform.
Ergonomically, I love this gun. It features a stock that can be adjusted for LOP via a system of spacers. An adjustable length of pull makes it easy to fit the shotgun to various shooters and their arm length. The controls are massive and oversized, especially the bolt release, which is fantastic. Mossberg beveled the loading port to make reloads easy, and you won’t leave a DNA sample when you do so.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical even has an optics mounting option that’s completely novel. It allows for a direct connection of the optic to the receiver, no rail necessary. This allows for a low optic, which is beneficial to shotgun shooting. It even co-witnesses with the high-visibility bead style sight that’s present on the Pro Tactical.
The Pro Tactical has gained enough popularity to attract aftermarket attention. It delivered a number of upgradeable parts, should you choose to take that route. I added a Mesa Truckee to my 940 to mount a light. The 940 serves as my home defense shotgun. Since you can find this gun for less than a grand, it can be an American-made bargain.
The downsides really come down to the unpolished design. It’s not as nice as higher-end guns, but still delivers in terms of performance. It’s not revolutionary, but it excels in the basics.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Pros and Cons
- Awesome Ergonomics
- Brilliant Optics Ready Design
- Affordable
- Lacks Polish
4 Beretta A300 Patrol
Beretta A300 Patrol
The Beretta A300 series is a more affordable alternative to the more expensive to import Italian sporting shotguns.
- Reliability A
- Accuracy B
- Shootability A
- Ergonomics A
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 2 Reviews
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Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Specs
- Barrel Length 19.1 in
- Overall Length 38 in
- Weight 7.1 in
- Capacity 7+1
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Review
Another Beretta hits the list. This one is the more affordable model. The 1301’s price slowly shot up as Beretta worked to make it the best shotgun on the market. In doing so, they created a pricey platform that was out of reach for a lot of people. To help reach out to more budget-conscious shooters, they released the A300 Ultima Patrol. The A300 Ultima Patrol is an American-made Beretta that retails for just under $1,000.
That seems to be the sweet spot for serious semi-auto shotguns. It’s not too high, but it’s not necessarily budget-friendly either. It allows a manufacturer to produce a high-quality firearm that’s reliable, accurate, and well-made without going overboard. Ultimately, the A300 surprised me with its features.
The ergonomics are fantastic all around. The stock’s length of pull can be adjusted via spacers. The controls are fairly large for easy engagement. The loading port is recessed and easy to load. The grip texture is aggressive, encouraging a firm grip to drive the gun on target and utilize an excellent push/pull system for recoil mitigation.
The Ultima Patrol is optics-ready and comes with ghost ring sights. My front sight did come loose fairly easily, and was annoying to fix, but a dab of Loctite fixed it up. The sights are non-adjustable, which is odd for ghost rings, but presented no issues at the range. The front half of the gun is exceptionally light.
Most of the weight is concentrated in the rear end of the gun, making it exceptionally easy to hold up. The downside is a little more muzzle rise, which means you have to bear down on the gun and keep it on target. It’s a little less forgiving of poor technique than other shotguns.
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Excellent Reliability
- Great Ergonomics
- Less Forgiving of Poor Technique
5 Stoeger M3000 Freedom Tactical
Stoeger M3000 Freedom Tactical
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
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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Stoeger M3000 Freedom Tactical Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5 in
- Overall Length 40.75 in
- Weight 7.0 lbs
- Capacity 7+1
Stoeger M3000 Freedom Series Tactical Review
If you want to get into a downright affordable overall option, then the Stoeger M3000 Freedom Tactical will serve you well. Beretta now owns Stoeger and is their budget shotgun brand. The M3000 series is all inertia-operated weapons and arguably Benelli M2 clones, but made in Turkey. Turkish shotguns can be a gamble, but they are using a proven design, and Beretta’s ownership of Stoeger alleviates my concerns about Turkish quality.
The M3000 Freedom Tactical is the tactical variant, and Stoeger has gone as far as producing 922R-compliant models with seven-round magazine tubes. The newer tactical series boasts several fantastic features, especially considering its price point. This includes M-LOK slots on the handguard for accessories, and a stock with M-LOK slots for sling points.
That stock has a nice cheek rest and a comfy recoil pad. I also appreciate the aggressive angle of the pistol grip, which enables a tighter hold on the gun and allows your single hand to support the shotgun’s weight with ease. The length of pull is a little long at 13.75 inches, but it’s not absurd like some others out there.
We get a flash of ghost ring sights, and a nice optic’s rail for your favorite red dot. The controls are surprisingly large. The M3000 Tactical is a robust, well-made gun that offers numerous modern features at a lower-than-expected price point. As an inertia-driven gun, it’s light and runs clean, but it hits you a little harder in the shoulder. If you can deal with that, you can have an affordable, semi-automatic tactical shotgun.
Stoeger M3000 Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Modern Features
- Robust Design
- More Recoil (Inertia-Operated)
6 IWI Tavor TS12
IWI Tavor TS12
Shotguns have always had capacity limitations. The TS12 by IWI aims to help solve this. Love this firearm.
- Shootability B+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 51 Reviews
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IWI TS12 Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5 in
- Overall Length 28.34 in
- Weight 8 lbs
- Capacity 15+1
IWI TS12 Review
Let’s get a little weird with it. The IWI TS12 isn’t your average shotgun. It looks like something that stepped out of the future. Bullpups tend to look that way. The action is located behind the pistol grip, but the magazine is not. This gun utilizes a tubular magazine, similar to those found in every other shotgun on this list, but features three tubes rather than one.
The tubes rotate so only one is in action at a time. When a tube runs dry, the shooter indexes the tube, and the next one is up to bat. The action will even automatically load the first round in the new tube after the bolt locks to the rear. It allows for rapid and easy reloads, keeping your gun ready to go.
Each of these tubes holds five rounds for a total of 15 rounds. Not bad for a shotgun, and it’s not stuck with obnoxious box magazines. Additionally, the use of three separate tubes gets it past magazine restrictions since each tube is treated as a separate magazine.
The overall length is approximately 28 inches. The shorter design makes it highly maneuverable and easy to use indoors. The magazine tubes that aren’t in action are easy to load and keep loaded. The top of the gun has a nice, long optics rail that’s got more than enough room for a red dot and weapon light.
The IWI TS12 is an oddball and requires its own, somewhat unusual manual of arms. It takes some specialized training to master compared to other shotguns, and it’s pricey, but it provides a novel and useful design. It’s probably the best semi-auto bullpup shotgun on the market, and the only one that’s figured out how to exceed 10 rounds of ammo without being obnoxious.
IWI TS12 Pros and Cons
- 15 Round Capacity
- Low Recoil
- Short and Maneuverable
- Expensive
- Unique Manual of Arms
7 Mossberg 990 Aftershock
Mossberg 990 Aftershock
The Mossberg 990 Aftershock brings a gas-operated semi-auto option to the 12-gauge firearm world.
- Shootability A-
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy B
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Mossberg 990 Aftershock Specs
- Barrel Length 14.75 – 18.5 in
- Overall Length 27.13 – 30.88 in
- Weight 6 lbs 5 oz
- Capacity 5+1
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Review
The Mossberg 990 Aftershock isn’t technically a shotgun; it’s a firearm. It’s sold with a pistol grip only, and legally if the gun doesn’t have a stock, it’s not a shotgun. This allows the Aftershock to have a 14.75-inch barrel without running afoul of the NFA. The Aftershock is available in either a 14.75-inch or an 18.5-inch configuration. The latter can be turned into a shotgun legally, but the shorter variant requires a tax stamp from the ATF.
The Aftershock series is gas-operated guns that move the entirety of the gas system under the handguard. This allows for the pistol grip configuration, while also accommodating Mossberg 500/590 stocks. Adding a stock makes it a shotgun. The Aftershock provides you with an easy option for a semi-auto Title 1 shotgun, or if you’re willing to get the tax stamp, an affordable semi-auto short-barreled shotgun.
Mossberg moved the ergonomic features of the Mossberg 940 to the 990. We get massive controls that are easy to utilize and easy to engage. The enormous bolt release is particularly attractive. The 990 Aftershock also features several fantastic upgrades. It’s optics-ready, features M-LOK slots for lights, and comes with Mossberg’s redesigned pistol grip.
The gas-operated action reduces recoil to a significantly more controllable degree, and even with the pistol-grip-only design, it’s easy to control with a push/pull style of recoil mitigation. The high-vis bead sight is fine, but a red dot is a better way to go. The 990 Aftershock offers a maneuverable platform in both stocked and pistol-grip-only formats.
It’s rare to find a reliable and straightforward option for a short-barreled semi-auto shotgun, but here’s the best way to walk that line. It’s a great way to do a Form 1 SBS.
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Easy to SBS
- Optics Ready
- No Stock Included
Going Semi-Auto
Semi-automatic shotguns are incredibly effective weapons. They pack a wallop of power with every trigger pull, but don’t have the same wallop at the shoulder as other guns. As such, they are leading the way in defensive shotguns. Through a few decades’ worth of experience, we’ve provided what we think are the best semi-auto shotguns.
Do you agree? Would you add one? Let us know below!
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner and a lifelong firearms enthusiast. Now that his days of working a 240B like Charlie Parker on the sax are over, he's a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He is a "simplicisist" when it comes to talking about himself in the 3rd person and a self-professed tactical hipster. Hit him up on Instagram with story ideas.
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I own this shotgun and it is a pleasure to shoot. I have shot 2 3/4 00 buck, 4 shot, and 9 shot. I have not had any problems or malfunctions. I have once fired all the mentioned ammo in a random order in an attempt to see if it would malfunction but it did not!!! Only negative thing is recoil is a little heavy with 00 buck with my 59 year shoulder!