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
| Substantially underrated, the innovative SuperNova is one of the best shotguns available. | Check Price | |
| Available in several calibers, Mossberg 500 models range from tactical to muzzle-loading. | Check Price | |
| Lightweight despite a gas operating system, the Beretta 1301 cycles fast. | Check Price | |
| Bullpup configurations and shotguns have always excelled at CQB. The SRM 1216 combines the two. | Check Price | |
| An heirloom quality double-barrel, the Beretta DT11 has a superb trigger, phenomenal aesthetics, and commensurate price. | Check Price | |
| A “value brand” version of the Mossberg 500, the Maverick 88 is available in several 12- and 20-gauge configurations. | Check Price | |
| A rare example of the modern lever action shotgun, the .410 Henry is built on the .45-70 lever action rifle frame. | Check Price | |
 | 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.
- Best Pump Action – Benelli SuperNova
- Best Multi-Cal Shotgun – Mossberg 500
- Best Semi-Auto Shotgun – Beretta 1301
- Best Bullpup Shotgun – SRM 1216
- Best Double Barrel – Beretta DT11
- Best Budget Shotgun – Mossberg Maverick 88
- Best Lever Shotgun – Henry Lever Action Shotgun
- 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.
| Shotgun Models | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Caliber | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benelli SuperNova | 18.5 to 28 inches | 40 to 49.5 inches | 7.6 pounds | 12 gauge | 4 rounds |
| Mossberg 500 | 18.5 to 28 inches | 36.37 to 47.5 inches | 7.5 pounds | .410, 20 gauge, 12 gauge | 5 to 8 |
| Beretta 1301 | 18.5 to 24 inches | 37.8 to 47 inches | 6.4 pounds | 12 gauge | 5 to 7 rounds |
| SRM 1216 | 18.5 inches | 33.75 inches | 9.25 pounds | 12 gauge | 16 |
| Beretta DT11 | 32 inches | 14.75 inches | 8.15 | 12 gauge | 2 |
| Mossberg Maverick 88 | 18.5 to 28 inches | 41 to 45.25 inches | 6.5 inches | 12 gauge | 5 to 7 |
| Henry Lever Action Shotgun | 19.75 to 24 inches | 38.5 to 42.75 inches | 7.5 pounds | .410 | 6 |
| Iron Horse Sentry | 18.5 inches | 36 inches | 6.1 pounds | 12 gauge | 5 to 8 rounds |
Best Shotguns: Our Take
You’ve seen our comparison of shotguns by type. Let’s break them down and review each one individually.
1. Benelli Supernova
Benelli Supernova
An excellent balance of affordability and quality.
SuperNova Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5 inches
- Overall Length 40 inches
- Weight 7.6 Lbs
- Capacity 4 Rounds
- Caliber 12 Gauge up to 3.5-inch shells
Best Pump Action – Benelli SuperNova
The Supernova is a criminally underrated shotgun. It’s one of the best pump shotguns on the market and deserves a lot of respect for its innovation. The famed Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 series are both designs older than my parents, and while great designs, they are dated. Benelli brings us a modern pump gun with a variety of little touches that make it take the top spot.
Those touches include amazing ergonomics. Shooters can reverse the safety for left-handed use. The pump is massive, heavily textured, and placed further rearward to make grabbing it less of a reach. The 3.5-inch chambering also gives you a massive loading and ejection port that makes reloads quick and easy.
Benelli integrates a recoil-reducing system into the stock, and it works. The pump has an ambidextrous button that will allow you to clear the chamber without releasing another round from the tube. This makes it efficient for quick slug-select drills and clearing the weapon for safety purposes.
The Supernova comes with various sighting systems, including beads, high viz sights, and ghost rings. The top of the shotgun receiver is drilled and tapped to add a rail and red dot sight. Shooters can choose between a variety of configurations for hunting, home defense, and tactical use. It’s surprisingly affordable and competes price-wise with both Mossberg and Remington shotguns.
My main downside with the gun would be the lack of accessories built for it. Customizing it is tough. The only major addition I’d like is a new stock with a short length of pull, and sadly they can be tough to find in the configuration you want. If that doesn’t bother you, the Benelli Supernova is a fantastic shotgun.
If you’d like to know more, read our full Benelli SuperNova review.
Benelli SuperNova: Pros and Cons
- Excellent Ergonomics
- Great Sights
- Affordable
- Modern Design
- Long Length Of Pull With Factory Stock
Benelli SuperNova: Check Pricing
2. Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500
Good quality, reasonably priced choice for a “blue collar build.”
Mossberg 500 Specs
- Operating System Pump Action
- Caliber 12 or 20 Gauge
- Sights Ghost ring
- Barrel Length 14-30″
- Overall Length 41″
Best Multi-Caliber Shotgun: Mossberg 500
When I say multical, what exactly do I mean? I don’t mean this shotgun shoots multiple calibers, but rather that it comes in multiple calibers. The Mossberg 500 is a legendary American shotgun, and it’s also one of the most popular. This has led it to be produced in many different calibers, including the big three, 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410.
On top of that, the guns come in slug configurations for those needing a rifle barrel. Heck, you can even purchase a muzzle-loading barrel to convert your shotgun to a muzzleloader. That’s about as multical as it gets. On top of that, these numerous calibers are available in numerous configurations. When I say the 500, I include the entire 500 series, which includes the 590 and 590A1.
This opens up the category to tactical shotguns in every major caliber and a number of purpose-built sporting guns. If you need a shotgun for a specific purpose, Mossberg likely makes it. The Mossberg 500 series are pump action shotguns that are famously reliable and quite affordable. The popularity of these guns even opens up the market to a wide variety of accessories and customization.
The 500 series can be made into nearly any type of firearm you want. That’s important because a lot of the factory stocks feature a long LOP. Other than that, my main complaint is the bead-sighted guns. The barrel sits directly on the barrel, which will often make you appear to hit high. The beads aren’t great, but the ghost rings rule.
If you’d like to know more, read our full Mossberg 500 review.
- Affordable
- Numerous Configurations Available
- Extremely Reliable
- Extremely Customizable
- Bead Sights Leave Much To Be Desired
Mossberg 500: Check Pricing
3. Beretta 1301
Beretta 1301
Lightweight despite its gas operating system, the Beretta 1301 cycles fast.
Beretta 1301 Specs
- Weight 6.4lbs
- Overall Length 37.8”
- Barrel Length 18.7”
- Standard Cartridge 3” 12ga
- Capacity 7
Best Semi-Auto: Beretta 1301
I’m a Benelli M4 fan and always will be, so it pains me to admit that the Beretta 1301 might be the better gun. The Beretta 1301 is a newer gun, so there is some experience there, and when you look at the whole package, I can say I love my M4, but the 1301 is objectively better. It’s lightweight, cycles fast, and offers you a rock solid, reliable action with a growing aftermarket.
Beretta owns Benelli and has a history of producing awesome shotguns. The Beretta 1301 reflects this heritage, being a gas-operated gun that’s reliable and surprisingly lightweight. Despite its gas operation, it weighs only 6.4 pounds in its base tactical configuration, which is notably lighter than the Benelli M4.
The BLINK system, said to be 36% faster than other gas guns, operates smoothly, ensuring rapid firing without compromising performance. It handles most standard rounds and low recoil buckshot well, making it a versatile and dependable choice for various shooting scenarios.
It might not digest those sub-1000 FPS traps or skeet loads, but it easts through cheap birdshot without complaint. The Beretta 1301 offers you a lightweight, rapidly cycling, dead nuts reliable gun that even comes outfitted with proper sights, an optics rail, and a variety of stock choices. Not to mention the oversized controls and replaceable chokes.
What’s the catch? Well, a premium shotgun demands a premium price, and the 1301 isn’t cheap. I like to think of it as making an investment.
If you’re interested in the 1301, you might also take a look at the Beretta 1301 competition model.
Benelli 1301: Pros and Cons
- Fast Cycling
- Reliable
- Lightweight
- Great Ergonomics
- Expensive
Benelli’s 1301 Semi-Auto: Check Pricing
4. SRM 1216
SRM 1216
SRM ARMS M1216 civilian shotgun – 12 GAUGE – Semi-auto, Roller delayed action, Rotary detachable high capacity magazine.
SRM 1216 Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5 inches
- Overall Length 33 inches
- Weight 7.75 pounds
- Capacity 16 + 1
- Caliber 12 Gauge 3-inch chamber.
Best Bullpup Shotgun: SRM 1216
Bullpup guns typically excel for close-quarters use, and shotguns also excel in that field of use, so it makes sense to mix the two. With that said, the genre of bullpup shotguns has grown, and in that genre, the SRM 1216 shines. You might want to argue it’s not a true bullpup, but dang, it’s close enough. The SRM 1216 is a semi-auto shotgun that uses a tube-style magazine and uses a roller delayed blowback system to make a unique system.
The SRM 1216’s magazine is quite impressive. Its four connected tubes hold four 2.75-inch shotgun shells each, totaling 16 rounds. When one tube is empty, rotating to the next is smooth, with the bolt automatically chambering a round. Plus, you can easily swap out the magazine for a fresh one, adding to its versatility.
With its roller delayed blowback system, the SRM 1216 offers a good rate of fire and minimal recoil, though not as much as a gas-operated gun. Still, it’s lighter at 7.25 pounds, and its bullpup-inspired design keeps it compact at 32.5 inches in length, making it easy to handle in various situations.
The downside will most certainly be its price and the fact you can’t really customize the gun. You can add optics and lights, but that’s about it. If you don’t mind not being able to customize the gun, then the SRM 1216 is a great defensive weapon and brings some real innovation to the old scattergun.
You can read the full review of the SRM 1216 here.
SRM 1216: Pros and Cons
- 16 Round Capacity
- Reliable Action
- Easy To Mount Furniture
- Expensive
SRM 1216 Deals
5. Beretta DT11
Beretta DT11
Designed by SOLGW to strike a middle ground between budget and quality.
DT11
- Barrel length 32 inches
- Overall length 14.75 inches
- Weight 8.15 pounds
- Caliber 12 gauge
- Capacity 2
Best Double Barrel: Beretta DT11
Picking a double barrel is going to be based on what you want to do with it. I would say the most popular doubles category is skeet and trap shooting. If you are a sporting shooter or upland bird hunter, it’s going to be tough to get something better than the DT11. The Beretta DT11 is one of those shotguns considered heirloom quality and is a top-of-the-line competition gun.
Beretta built the gun from the ground up to produce tough but refined shotguns made for round counts that get into the tens of thousands of rounds. These guns come with a wonderful 3.5-pound trigger that’s incredibly crisp. A light trigger minimizes movement during the swing, making the gun more accurate.
The balance is low, focused around the bottom barrel to help reduce muzzle rise and to make the gun stable and easy to hit with. The stock is designed to be customized to the shooter’s preference and body types. The Beretta DT11 uses Steelium Pro barrels to offer more durability, consistency, and accuracy. The gun uses a long forcing cone to minimize recoil and create a very consistent pattern.
The DT11 is a dream of a shotgun. It’s a top-of-the-line gun, and you’re wondering what the catch is. Well, it costs more than ten thousand dollars. It’s half the price of most mid-priced new cars, and that certainly puts it in a posh position.
Beretta DT11: Pros and Cons
- Truly Custom Shotgun Experience
- Wonderful Accuracy
- Heirloom Quality
- Costs More Than Many Used Cars
Beretta DT11 Deals: Check the Price
6. Mossberg Maverick 88
Mossberg Maverick 88
A budget shotgun -reliable but no frills.
Sionics Lower Parts Kit Enhanced
- Trigger SIONICS Enhanced
- Spring steel Mil-Spec
- Pistol grip Not included
- Ambi safety? Yes
Best Budget Shotgun: Mossberg Maverick 88
One of the best things about shotguns is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a good shotgun. The Mossberg Maverick 88 is a value-brand version of the Mossberg 500. It differs slightly with some cost-saving measures and a slightly different manual safety and trigger. The Maverick is a rock-solid pump action shotgun that comes in numerous configurations and in both 12- and 20-gauge.
The Maverick comes in as a hunting shotgun with a 28-inch barrel or a 20, or 18.5-inch barrel with various capacities. The gun comes ready to hold five to seven rounds and can be plugged in to comply with certain regulations. When you say the words simple pump action, the Maverick is what you should picture.
There isn’t a ton of fancy features. It’s a simple tube-fed, pump-action design that is incredibly reliable. Since it’s mostly a Mossberg 500, the Maverick 88 is compatible with most Mossberg 500 parts and accessories, although there are some challenges associated with changing out the pump due to the one-piece forend design.
The gun often costs less than two hundred dollars, and this makes it not only one of the cheaper shotguns but cheaper guns in general. If I only had a few hundred bucks to get a home defense shotgun, it would be a Mossberg Maverick 88.
Mossberg’s Maverick 88: Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Easy to Use
- Has Some Customization Bugs
Mossberg Maverick 88 Deals: Check the Price
7. Henry Lever Action Shotgun
Henry Lever Action Shotgun
A throwback to more classic days, Henry’s .410 lever action shotgun is a pleasure to shoot.
Aero Precision 20-Inch Rifle Upper Specs
- Trigger Mil-Spec MOE
- Spring steel Mil-Spec
- Pistol grip Magpul MOE
- Ambi safety? No
Best Lever Shotgun: Henry Lever Action Shotgun
Lever action shotguns aren’t seen much nowadays, but Henry shook things up with their Lever Action shotgun. Despite its simple name, it’s crafted with the same care as their rifles, making it a noteworthy addition to the market.
A lever action design offers a similar speed to pump action shotguns but with a different feel. It’s especially handy for smaller shooters, as it requires less reach and makes cycling rounds quick and easy.
The Henry lever guns only come in .410 and are built on the .45-70 lever action frame. They can only chamber 2.5-inch shells, so you are a little limited in caliber and load selection. With that said, these guns handle like kittens. They barely recoil and handle like a dream.
These guns come in both long 24-inch barrels for sporting use and shorter 19.75-inch barrels for handier little shotguns. The Henry X Model even takes a tactical edge to the gun with all-black furniture, rails, M-LOK slots, and more. The little .410 might not be mighty, but a bad guy isn’t going to shrug off a load of buckshot.
Henry Lever Action Shotgun: Pros and Cons
- Lightweight And Handy
- Tons Of Fun To Shoot
- Easy To Manipulate
- Limited To 2.5″ .410 Shells
Henry Lever Action Shotgun: Check Price
8. Iron Horse Sentry
Iron Horse Sentry
Although long-term storage of loaded box mags for a shotgun can be an issue, a mag-fed scattergun has plenty of things to recommend it.
Aero Precision 20-Inch Rifle Upper Specs
- Trigger Mil-Spec MOE
- Spring steel Mil-Spec
- Pistol grip Magpul MOE
- Ambi safety? No
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.
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Easy to Use
- Has Some Customization Bugs
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.
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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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Your choices don’t necessarily square with reality.
Everyone will have different opinions for sure. What do YOU think should be on this list? Or what exactly do you disagree with? If you go into a little more detail, everyone benefits.
I agree with Jeff. Obviously, the writer was getting paid for promotions. No Franchi? Get real.
We take ZERO payment and there are no promotions. If you can’t read a list of products, that couldn’t (and shouldn’t) include every brand, and which doesn’t include your favorite brand without leaving a “this writer sucks” comment, please move along.
I personally prefer the Mossberg Shockwave for home defense….. preferably the 20 gauge. Big enough to be a show stopper and small enough for a lady to properly use it.
Face it folks…. When one is just on the south side of 80 a 12 gauge just isn’t practical anymore.