Why a Shotgun for Hunting
A shotgun throws a spread of shot, so you don't have to be dead-on a fast-moving target the way you do with a rifle. That's exactly what you want when a pheasant flushes or a duck swings past the blind. Swap your shells and choke and one hunting shotgun handles ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasant, rabbit, and even deer in slug country, which is why a shotgun is usually the first long gun a hunter buys.
We stock the popular hunting shotgun gauges and actions, and you can test-fire one on our indoor range to feel the fit and recoil before you commit. If you hunt bigger game where a rifle makes more sense, take a look at our hunting rifle options too.
Pump, Semi-Auto, or Over/Under
Hunting shotguns come in three main action types, and the right one depends on your budget, the game you chase, and how many fast follow-up shots you want. Action affects price, recoil, and how the gun swings.
| Action | How it works | Best for |
| Pump-action | You rack the forend to chamber each shell | All-around hunting, waterfowl, budget buyers |
| Semi-automatic | Each shot cycles the next shell for you | Fast follow-ups, waterfowl, upland, less recoil |
| Over/under (break action) | Two stacked barrels, two quick shots | Upland birds, clays, classic feel |
A pump is hard to beat for the money and runs in any weather, which is why it's the most popular first hunting gun. A semi-auto cycles fast and soaks up recoil, so it shines on a long day of waterfowl. An over/under gives you two chokes and a refined swing that upland and clays shooters love.
How to Choose a Hunting Shotgun
The best hunting shotgun for you comes down to the game you hunt and how the gun fits, not the name on the receiver. Before you buy, work through these five things:
- Game and use. Waterfowl, upland birds, turkey, or deer slugs. This sets your gauge, barrel length, and choke needs.
- Gauge. A 12 gauge shotgun hits hardest and reaches farthest for waterfowl and turkey, while a lighter 20 gauge shotgun carries easier and kicks less for upland and smaller shooters.
- Action. Pump for budget and all-weather grit, semi-auto for fast follow-ups and soft recoil, over/under for classic two-shot bird hunting.
- Fit. The stock length and comb should let you mount the gun and look right down the rib without ducking your head. A gun that fits is a gun you'll hit with.
- Barrel and choke. Longer barrels (26"–28") swing smooth on birds, and a screw-in choke lets you tighten or open the pattern for different game.
The easiest way to settle it is to shoulder a few and feel the difference. Our team will walk you through the options, and you can rent and shoot models on our range before you decide.
Best Hunting Shotguns and Brands
The best hunting shotgun is the one that fits you and matches your game, but a handful of models stay popular for good reason. The Benelli Super Black Eagle, Beretta A300, and Remington 870 lead the pack for their reliability, all-weather toughness, and huge parts and choke support.
Our hunting shotgun lineup covers the brands hunters ask for most:
- Benelli -- the Super Black Eagle and Montefeltro, known for fast, reliable inertia-driven semi-autos
- Beretta -- the A300 and A400 semi-autos and the 686 over/under
- Remington -- the classic 870 pump and 1100 semi-auto
- Mossberg -- the 500 and 835 pumps, a workhorse value pick
- Browning, Winchester, and Franchi -- proven choices across pumps, semi-autos, and over/unders
If a model you want isn't on the page, just ask, since we can usually source it for you.
What a Hunting Shotgun Costs
Hunting shotguns typically start around $300 for a budget-friendly pump and run up to $1,500 for most mid-market semi-autos, with premium semi-autos and over/unders going $1,800 to $3,000 or more. You're paying for the action type, fit, finish, and barrel features, so there's a solid hunting gun at almost every price.
Total Impact backs every shotgun with a price-match guarantee. If you find the same hunting shotgun for less somewhere else, we'll match it.
How to Buy a Hunting Shotgun Online
Buying a hunting shotgun online is simple, and federal law just requires that the gun ship to a licensed dealer for pickup, not straight to your door. Here's how it works with us:
- Order your shotgun. Pick your hunting shotgun and check out on our site.
- Pick your FFL. Choose a local licensed dealer (FFL) for the transfer, or pick up in our shop.
- We ship it. We send the shotgun to that dealer anywhere in the country.
- Pass your background check. Complete the standard background check at the dealer, then take it home.
You must be at least 18 to buy a long gun like a shotgun. We handle FFL transfers both in and out, so we can ship your shotgun to a dealer near you or receive one you bought elsewhere. Picking up at our shop is usually the fastest and easiest route.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting Shotguns
What is the best gauge for a hunting shotgun?
The 12 gauge is the most popular hunting shotgun gauge because it hits hard, reaches far, and handles everything from ducks to turkeys to deer slugs. A 20 gauge is the next best pick, with lighter recoil and an easier carry that works well for upland birds and smaller-framed shooters.
What is the best semi auto shotgun for hunting?
The best semi auto shotgun for hunting is a reliable model like the Benelli Super Black Eagle or Beretta A300 that cycles cleanly in cold and mud and soaks up recoil over a long day. Semi-autos give you fast follow-up shots and kick less than a pump, which is why so many waterfowl and upland hunters carry one. See our full best semi auto shotgun for hunting lineup to compare.
Is a pump or semi-auto better for hunting?
A pump-action is cheaper, simpler, and runs in any weather, while a semi-auto gives you faster follow-up shots and softer recoil. New hunters and budget buyers usually start with a pump shotgun, and many hunters move up to a semi-auto once they're chasing waterfowl or shooting all day.
How much does a hunting shotgun cost?
Most hunting shotguns run from about $300 for a budget pump up to $1,500, with premium semi-autos and over/unders going $1,800 to $3,000 or more, and Total Impact price-matches any competitor.
What shotgun is best for duck hunting?
A 12 gauge semi-auto with a 3" or 3.5" chamber is the top pick for duck hunting because it reaches far, swings fast, and cycles quickly for follow-up shots. Models like the Benelli Super Black Eagle and Beretta A400 are built for waterfowl, with finishes that hold up to water and cold.
Can I hunt deer with a shotgun?
Yes, a shotgun loaded with slugs is a proven deer gun and is required in many areas that don't allow rifle hunting. A 12 gauge with the right barrel and choke will reliably take deer at shorter ranges, and a dedicated slug barrel tightens that up even more. For longer-range deer country, a hunting rifle may suit you better.
Find Your Next Hunting Shotgun at Total Impact
Whether you're gearing up for your first duck season or adding a new bird gun to the safe, Total Impact has the hunting shotguns, the price-match guarantee, and the range to help you choose with confidence. Browse the lineup above, and reach out if you want one we can source for you.