Shotguns
Impact Guns has stocked shotguns since 1992 across every action type and use case — pump, semi-auto, over/under, side-by-side, single shot, and tactical. Whether you’re outfitting for home defense, waterfowl hunting, clay target shooting, or adding an AR-style platform to your collection, we carry the brands and configurations that serious shotgun shooters actually buy.
Read our full Shotgun Buying Guide ↓
Choosing the Right Shotgun Action
Pump action — The most reliable shotgun action made. Manual cycling means it will feed virtually any load from light target shells to heavy magnum buckshot without complaint. The Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 are the two most proven pump actions in American history and remain our most consistently stocked defensive shotguns. If reliability under any condition is your priority, start here.
Semi-automatic — Faster follow-up shots and reduced felt recoil compared to a pump. Gas-operated semi-autos like the Beretta A300/A400 and Browning Maxus are the top choice for waterfowl and upland hunting where multiple shots matter. Tactical semi-autos like the Fostech Origin-12 and Tokarev TBP bring AR-style ergonomics and box magazines to the platform.
Over/Under and Side-by-Side — Break-action doubles are the traditional choice for clay target sports (trap, skeet, sporting clays) and upland bird hunting. Two shots, simple operation, and elegant handling. Browning, CZ, and Mossberg are our most-stocked O/U brands.
Single Shot — Simple, affordable, and a classic first shotgun. H&R and Mossberg single shots are popular youth and entry-level options.
Gauge Guide
12 gauge — The overwhelmingly dominant choice for home defense, waterfowl, turkey, and tactical use. Widest ammunition selection, best terminal performance, and the most platform options. The right choice for most buyers.
20 gauge — Lighter recoil than 12 gauge, popular for upland hunting, youth shooters, and smaller-framed adults. Less terminal performance and fewer ammunition options than 12 gauge for defensive use.
.410 bore — The smallest common shotgun gauge. Low recoil, limited range and pattern density. Good for small game and introducing new shooters, but not recommended as a primary defensive platform.
28 gauge — A specialty upland and clay sports gauge, loved for its light recoil and handling. Limited but growing platform selection.
Staff Picks
Mossberg 500/590 (12 ga, Pump) — Our top recommendation for a first defensive shotgun. Proven, affordable, and simple to maintain. The 590A1 is the mil-spec version built to even tighter tolerances. Hard to beat for home defense value.
Fostech Origin-12 Gen 2 (12 ga, Semi-Auto) — The most capable semi-auto tactical shotgun we carry. Box magazine fed, extremely fast cycling, and built for serious use. Premium price, premium performance.
Tokarev TBP Bullpup (12 ga, Semi-Auto) — Outstanding value in a compact bullpup semi-auto. Excellent reliability with quality buckshot and slugs, at a price point that makes it accessible. One of our most popular tactical shotguns.
Browning Maxus II (12 ga, Semi-Auto) — Our top recommendation for a hunting semi-auto. Reliable in any weather, soft-shooting, and handles a wide range of loads. The choice for serious waterfowl hunters.
Questions about which shotgun fits your needs? Call us at 800-917-7137 or use our live chat. We’ve been helping customers choose shotguns since 1992.