{"id":3973,"date":"2019-12-02T08:34:57","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T08:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=3973"},"modified":"2025-10-07T18:56:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:56:57","slug":"types-of-shotguns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/types-of-shotguns\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Shotguns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shotguns are often thought of as big, brawny hunting weapons. However, the shotgun may be the most versatile tool in a shooter\u2019s arsenal. Many firearms experts claim that if they were limited to just one gun, it would be a shotgun. But you do have several choices when it comes to the different types of shotguns available.<\/p>\n

Common Types of Shotguns<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Break Action<\/li>\n
  2. Semiautomatic<\/li>\n
  3. Pump Action<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A Versatile Tool<\/h3>\n

    Historically known as a scattergun, shotguns are most effective as short range weapons.<\/p>\n

    A favorite choice of hunters, a shotgun with appropriate ammunition can be used to hunt everything from small upland birds to large whitetail deer. These firearms are also solid home defense weapons. Because they can accommodate a variety of tactical modifications, they are also commonly used by law enforcement and the military.<\/p>\n

    Finally, a shotgun is the standard weapon for shooting clay targets<\/a>, whether with your buddies on the back forty or in regulated trap, skeet, and sporting clay competition.<\/p>\n

    If you are new to shooting, the world of shotguns can be confusing and pretty intimidating. There is almost an infinite number of weapon choices. The world of shotguns even has its own language that includes exotic words like \u201cgauge,\u201d \u201cbuckshot,\u201d and \u201cchoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

    In the interest of education, we\u2019ve compiled this simple, straightforward guide to shotgun basics to help clear things up.<\/p>\n

    What is a Shotgun?<\/h2>\n

    \"\"By definition, a shotgun is a long gun capable of firing multiple metal pellets simultaneously. Unlike rifles that have spiraled grooves machined into the inside of the barrel, the standard shotgun has a smooth bore. This smoothbore design allows these weapons to fire multiple pellets of varying sizes.<\/p>\n

    Although shotguns are not as accurate as rifles, the number of pellets fired with each shot increases the chances of hitting the intended target, making them very effective for fast-moving (like ducks) and close range targets.<\/p>\n

    Some modern shotgun designs feature rifled barrels. These \u201cslug guns\u201d provide increased range and accuracy, but can only fire special saboted slugs. (Don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll talk about this in a minute.)<\/p>\n

    Shotgun Gauges<\/h2>\n

    Shotguns come in a variety of gauges. Many shooters refer to their shotguns by their gauge. For example, Grandpa\u2019s beloved \u201c12 gauge\u201d was a shotgun with a specific bore diameter. While rifle bores are measured in \u201ccalibers,\u201d shotguns are measured in \u201cgauges.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Gauge is determined by the weight, in fractions of a pound, of a solid lead sphere that will fit into the bore of the shotgun. If this sounds confusing, it\u2019s because it kind of is. To put it more simply, the size of a solid lead ball that would fit down a standard 12 gauge is 1\/12 of a pound. In other words, it would take 12 balls of the same size to make a full pound.<\/p>\n

    The most common gauges available to modern shooters are the 12 gauge<\/a>, 20 gauge<\/a>, and the .410 bore (which is actually like a 67 1\/2 gauge, but I told you the world of shotguns could be confusing). The smaller the number, the larger the diameter of the barrel.<\/p>\n

    Most defensive shotguns are 12 gauges. This is also a popular option for hunters who can handle the recoil. A 20 gauge delivers a little less power, but is still an effective weapon for home defense and most hunting scenarios.\u00a0These smaller weapons tend to be lighter and produce less felt recoil, making them a favorite for youth, women, and smaller framed shooters.\u00a0(Not sure if need a 12 or a 20 gauge? This article will help<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

    A .410 delivers even less power and recoil and can be a fun-shooting option for targets, small game, and pest control. However, because .410 shells are significantly smaller, there are fewer pellets in each shot. Some shooters find them frustrating when trying to hunt birds and small game.<\/p>\n

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