Pump Action Shotguns for Sale

Total Impact Guns stocks a deep lineup of pump action shotguns for sale, from rugged hunting guns to short home-defense models, all backed by our price-match guarantee and nationwide shipping to your local FFL. Browse the pump shotguns below, and if you don't see the exact model you want, we can usually get it for you.

Why Buy a Pump Action Shotgun

A pump action shotgun is the most dependable and affordable shotgun design you can own because it has fewer moving parts and runs any shell you feed it. You work the slide by hand, so the gun doesn't rely on gas or recoil to cycle, which is why a pump keeps running with light target loads, heavy buckshot, and slugs alike.

That reliability is why the pump is the first shotgun most folks buy, whether it's for the duck blind, the deer woods, or by the back door at night. They cost less than a semi auto, hold up to hard weather and dirt, and the platform has barely changed in decades because it works.

We stock more pumps than any other shotgun action, and you can shoulder one or run it on our indoor range before you commit. If you want a faster follow-up shot, compare a pump against our semi auto shotgun selection to feel the difference.

12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, and Sub Gauge

Pump shotguns come in a few gauges, and the right one depends on what you're shooting, how much recoil you want, and who's behind the gun. Gauge sets how much shot the shell throws and how hard the gun kicks, so it matters more than any other single choice.

GaugeRecoilBest forNotes
12 gaugeHeavyHome defense, waterfowl, deer, all-aroundMost common, widest ammo selection
20 gaugeModerateUpland birds, new and smaller shootersLighter gun, softer kick, still plenty of power
.410 / 28 gaLightSmall game, youth, fun plinkingLeast recoil, limited defensive use

The 12 gauge is the do-everything choice and has the cheapest, easiest-to-find ammo, which is why most buyers start there. A 20 gauge pump action shotgun kicks softer and carries lighter, so it's a smart pick for younger shooters, smaller-framed folks, or long days walking fields. For most buyers it comes down to how much recoil you want to handle.

How to Choose a Pump Shotgun

The best pump shotgun for you comes down to fit and job, not the name on the receiver. Before you buy, work through these five things:

  1. Intended use. Hunting, home defense, clays, or a do-it-all gun. This sets your barrel length and gauge.
  2. Gauge. 12 gauge for the most power and cheapest ammo, 20 gauge for lighter recoil and an easier carry.
  3. Barrel length. A 26" or 28" barrel suits hunting and clays, while an 18.5" to 20" barrel is handier for home defense.
  4. Fit. The gun should shoulder fast and let you reach the trigger and slide without stretching. A shotgun that fits is one you'll hit with.
  5. Budget. A reliable pump starts around $250, so you don't have to spend much to get a gun you can trust for years.

The easiest way to settle it is to put a couple in your hands. Our team will walk you through the options at the shop, and you can shoulder and shoot models on our range before you decide.

Best Pump Action Shotguns and Brands

The best pump action shotgun is the one that fits you and your job for it, but a handful of models stay popular for good reason. Models like the Remington 870, Mossberg 500 and 590, and Winchester SXP lead the pack for their reliability, huge parts and accessory support, and proven track record in the field.

Our curated pump lineup covers the brands shooters ask for most:

  • Remington -- models like the 870, the standard a lot of other pumps get measured against
  • Mossberg -- models like the 500, 590, and Maverick 88, with a thumb-tang safety hunters like
  • Winchester -- models like the SXP, known for a fast, smooth slide
  • Benelli and others -- models like the Nova for shooters who want something a little different

A tactical pump shotgun with a short barrel and extended magazine is built more for defense, while a longer-barreled field model is set up for birds and deer. If you have your eye on a model we don't stock, just ask, since we can usually source it for you.

What a Pump Shotgun Costs

Most pump action shotguns sell for $250 to $500, with budget-friendly models starting near $200 and premium or specialty pumps running $600 to $1,000 or more. You're paying for fit, finish, and barrel options, not just the action, so there's a solid pump at almost every price. Total Impact backs every shotgun with a price-match guarantee, so if you find the same pump for less somewhere else, we'll match it.

How to Buy a Pump Shotgun Online

Buying a pump 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:

  1. Order your shotgun. Pick your pump and check out on our site.
  2. Pick your FFL. Choose a local licensed dealer (FFL) for the transfer, or pick up in our shop.
  3. We ship it. We send the shotgun to that dealer anywhere in the country.
  4. 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 pump 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 Pump Shotguns

Is a pump shotgun good for home defense?

Yes, a pump shotgun is one of the most trusted home-defense guns because it's reliable, hits hard at close range, and runs any load you put in it. A short-barreled 12 or 20 gauge loaded with buckshot is hard to beat inside the home. For setups built for it, see our home defense shotgun options.

How much does a pump action shotgun cost?

Most pump action shotguns cost between $250 and $500, with budget models near $200 and premium or specialty pumps at $600 to $1,000 or more. Total Impact price-matches any competitor, so you always pay the best price.

What is the best pump shotgun for beginners?

The best pump for a beginner is a proven, easy-running model like a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, ideally in 20 gauge for softer recoil. Those guns are simple to load, simple to clean, and have parts and accessories everywhere if you ever want to change something.

Is a 12 gauge or 20 gauge pump better?

A 12 gauge throws more shot and has the cheapest ammo, while a 20 gauge kicks softer and carries lighter. Most buyers pick a 12 gauge pump action shotgun for the power and ammo selection, but a 20 gauge is a great choice for new or smaller-framed shooters.

How many shells does a pump shotgun hold?

A standard pump shotgun holds 4 to 5 shells in the magazine tube plus one in the chamber, depending on shell length. Models with extended magazine tubes, common on defense and tactical guns, can hold 7 to 8 or more.

Is a pump or semi auto shotgun better?

A pump is more reliable and cheaper and runs any load, while a semi auto cycles faster and kicks softer because it uses some recoil to work the action. For a first shotgun or a defense gun the pump is hard to beat, but plenty of hunters prefer a semi auto for fast follow-up shots.

Find Your Next Pump at Total Impact

Whether you're after your first shotgun or the next one for the safe, Total Impact has the pump action 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.