Shotguns By Gauge
Choosing the right shotgun starts with choosing the right gauge. Gauge determines how much shot a shell carries, how hard the gun kicks, and how the gun is sized and weighted — which means it affects everything from how comfortable a gun is to carry all day to whether it’s the right fit for a new or younger shooter. Browse by gauge below to find shotguns matched to your purpose, with a full buying guide for each bore size.
Read our full Shotguns by Gauge Buying Guide ↓
Which Shotgun Gauge Is Right for You?
The 12 gauge is the most common shotgun in America for good reason — it has the widest ammunition selection, the most accessory support, and enough payload for any application from doves to deer. The 20 gauge is the smart choice for youth hunters, smaller-framed shooters, and anyone who finds a 12 gauge punishing over a long day in the field. The .410 is a specialty bore best suited for beginners, experienced hunters who enjoy the challenge, and close-range small game. When in doubt, the 20 gauge is the most versatile starting point for anyone who doesn’t need the 12’s full capability.
Understanding Gauge: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Shotgun gauge is determined by how many lead balls of that bore diameter it takes to equal one pound. A 12 gauge bore is the size of a lead ball where 12 of them weigh a pound — a 20 gauge bore is smaller, requiring 20 balls of that diameter to weigh a pound. That’s why a lower gauge number means a larger bore. The .410 is the exception: it’s measured in caliber (inches) rather than gauge, making it roughly equivalent to a 67.5 gauge by traditional measurement. In practical terms: 12 gauge = most powerful, 20 gauge = lighter and softer shooting, .410 = smallest and lightest.
Shotgun Gauges for Home Defense
The 12 gauge loaded with 00 buckshot is the benchmark home defense shotgun setup — maximum payload, the widest selection of defensive loads, and decisive stopping power. The 20 gauge is a genuinely capable alternative, especially for a partner or family member who struggles to control a 12 gauge under stress — Federal’s 20 gauge FliteControl buckshot is one of the best-patterning defensive loads available in any gauge. The .410 with PDX1 or Federal Personal Defense buckshot works at indoor distances but leaves less margin for error. Choose the largest gauge the least-experienced person in your household can shoot accurately.
Shotgun Gauges for Hunting
Waterfowl and turkey hunters typically want a 12 gauge for maximum range and payload with steel or TSS loads. Upland bird hunters — pheasant, quail, grouse — often prefer the 20 gauge for its lighter handling and quicker swing. Small game hunters do fine with any gauge including .410 at close range. Deer hunters using slugs should use at minimum a 20 gauge; the 12 gauge with a sabot slug is the standard for maximum range and energy. Youth hunters taking their first birds or small game are almost always best served by a 20 gauge — light enough to carry all day and available in youth-stocked configurations that fit properly.
Browse Shotguns by Gauge
Select a gauge below to see our full selection with a dedicated buying guide for each:
- 12 Gauge Shotguns — the most versatile bore, widest ammo selection, suitable for any application
- 20 Gauge Shotguns — versatile, reduced recoil, excellent for hunting and home defense
- .410 Shotguns — lightest recoil, ideal for youth shooters and small game
- All Shotguns — browse the complete Impact Guns shotgun catalog