7 Best Shotguns for Hunting in 2025

Choosing the right shotgun can make or break your hunting season. The right one feels like an extension of yourself – reliable, versatile, and ready when that perfect shot presents itself.

Hunting demands different things from a shotgun depending on your game and terrain. What works for upland birds might not be ideal for turkey hunting. Your trusty duck gun might not be the best choice for deer season in a shotgun-only zone.

In this guide, we'll break down the best hunting shotguns across different styles – pump-action workhorses, smooth-cycling semi-autos, specialized slug guns, and even budget-friendly options that won't let you down.

Ready to find your next hunting partner? Let's dive into the shotguns that will dominate the field in 2025.

Why Trust This Guide

Our team brings years of real-world gun experience to this guide. Our backgrounds include military service, competitive shooting, and work in gun shops across the country. We've done deep research on many firearm options for this review. We haven't fired every shotgun on our list. But we know these platforms from handling similar models and talking with experts in the hunting world.

We built our recommendations from our hands-on time with similar firearms. We also gathered feedback from experienced hunters and guides who use these shotguns daily. These professionals put their guns through tough tests in all kinds of hunting situations. We picked options known for strong performance in different hunting conditions. Each choice offers good value for what you pay.

Best Pump-Action Shotguns for Hunting

Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field

The legendary Mossberg 500 has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile shotguns ever created. This pump-action workhorse offers exceptional reliability in conditions that would leave other shotguns struggling. There's a reason millions of hunters have trusted the 500 series for decades – it simply works, every time.

What makes the 500 truly special is its modularity. The quick-change barrel system lets you transform your hunting setup in under a minute. Heading from waterfowl in the morning to upland birds in the afternoon? Swap from a 28-inch barrel to a 26-inch one in seconds. Need to prepare for deer season? Add a rifled slug barrel. This adaptability makes the 500 the ultimate all-season hunting companion.

The controls on the Mossberg 500 deserve special mention for hunting applications. The tang safety sits on top of the receiver where your thumb naturally rests. Due to this reason it is easy to operate even with gloves on cold mornings. This thoughtful design means you'll never fumble for your safety when that trophy buck appears at dawn.

Mossberg has maintained the 500's core reliability while updating some materials for improved durability. The vent rib barrel with raised bead sight provides excellent sight alignment even in low light conditions. When your heart is racing as that flock of mallards circles your decoys, the 500's intuitive pointing characteristics help you make the shot when it counts.

Price: $409

Features  

• Quick-change barrel system for maximum versatility
• Dual extractors for reliable operation
• Twin action bars for smooth pumping action
• Tang-mounted safety for ambidextrous use
• Vent rib barrel with raised bead sight
• Available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410
• Drilled and tapped receiver for mounting optics

Pros  

• Legendary reliability in all conditions
• Huge aftermarket support for customization
• Quick barrel swaps for different hunting scenarios
• Great value for the quality
• Tang safety is easy to use with gloves
• Proven design with decades of field use

Cons  

• Plastic trigger guard seems out of place on a hunting gun
• Magazine tube isn't easily extended
• Heavier than some competitors

Remington 870 Wingmaster

The Remington 870 Wingmaster stands as the Cadillac of pump shotguns. With its beautiful blued finish and American walnut furniture, it's a gun you'll be proud to carry in the field and eventually pass down to the next generation. The Wingmaster represents the premium tier of the 870 family, with noticeably better fit and finish than standard models.

What sets the Wingmaster apart is its incredibly smooth action. The pump stroke feels like silk, allowing for fast follow-up shots without the clunky feeling found in lesser shotguns. This smoothness comes from tight tolerances and superior machining – qualities you'll appreciate when trying to get off a second shot at a fast-moving pheasant.

The Wingmaster's heft provides a perfect swing for bird hunting, helping you track moving targets with a natural, fluid motion. The gun's balance point sits just forward of the receiver, creating that "points where you look" quality that experienced hunters prize. This intuitive pointing means less conscious aiming and more instinctive shooting – exactly what you need for wingshooting.

While the 870 platform shares the Mossberg 500's reputation for reliability, the Wingmaster elevates the experience with premium materials and craftsmanship. The blued steel receiver resists the elements, while the American walnut stock and forend develop a beautiful patina over years of use. Each scratch and mark becomes a memory of hunts past – the hallmark of a true hunting companion rather than just a tool.

Price: $857

Features  

• Premium American walnut stock and forend
• Beautiful blued finish
• Smooth-cycling receiver
• Vent rib barrel with bead sight
• Multiple choke options
• Cross-bolt safety
• Available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410

Pros  

• Exceptionally smooth pump action
• Superior fit and finish
• Excellent balance and swing
• Durable enough to become a family heirloom
• Large aftermarket support
• Consistent and reliable performance

Cons  

• The cross-bolt is located behind the trigger, which is less intuitive for left-handed shooters compared to tang safeties like on the Mossberg 500.
• Higher price point than other pump actions
• Heavier than synthetic options

Best Semi-Auto Shotguns for Hunting

Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Max-7

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Max-7 represents the pinnacle of modern waterfowl shotguns. This gas-operated semi-auto handles everything from light target loads to punishing 3.5" magnums without skipping a beat. It's built specifically for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions – like freezing marshes, driving rain, and mud that would cripple lesser shotguns.

What truly separates the A400 from the competition is its revolutionary Kick-Off recoil reduction system. This hydraulic damping technology reduces felt recoil by up to 70%, turning those punishing magnum goose loads into something you can shoot comfortably all day. The difference becomes crystal clear during high-volume dove hunts or when taking multiple shots at passing ducks.

Beretta's Steelium Plus barrel technology isn't just marketing hype – it delivers noticeable performance benefits. The trialloy steel construction and lengthened forcing cone produce more consistent patterns and less felt recoil. This translates to more ethical kills at longer distances, something every responsible hunter should prioritize.

Designed with harsh environments in mind, the A400 features oversized controls that work seamlessly with gloved hands. The enlarged charging handle and bolt release are godsends during frigid early-season hunts when dexterity is limited. Add in the Max-7 camo pattern that blends into multiple environments, and you have a purpose-built waterfowl machine that excels in the most demanding conditions.

Price: $1,949

Features  

• Kick-Off hydraulic recoil reduction system
• Steelium Plus barrel for improved patterns
• Gas-operated semi-auto action
• Oversized controls for use with gloves
• Blink gas system cycles 36% faster than competitors, according to Beretta's own testing 
• Corrosion-resistant receiver and barrel
• Compatible with 2¾", 3", and 3½" shells

Pros  

• Significantly reduced recoil even with magnum loads
• Exceptional reliability in harsh conditions
• Oversized controls perfect for cold-weather hunting
• Fast cycling for quick follow-up shots
• Excellent pattern distribution with factory chokes
• Cycles light loads reliably even when dirty

Cons  

• Premium price tag
• Heavier than some competitors
• Complex design requires more maintenance than pump actions

Mossberg 940 Pro Field

The Mossberg 940 Pro Field represents a huge leap forward in semi-auto shotgun design. Developed with input from shooting legend Jerry Miculek, this gas-operated 12-gauge takes everything great about Mossberg's previous 930 series and fixes the weak points. The result is a hunting shotgun that delivers competition-grade reliability with field-ready features.

Gas-operated shotguns have always offered reduced recoil compared to pumps, but the 940 takes this a step further. Its advanced gas system provides exceptionally smooth cycling while managing recoil in a way that makes fast follow-up shots both possible and accurate. When a covey of quail bursts from cover or doves zip overhead, this quick handling makes all the difference.

What really stands out about the 940 Pro Field is its enlarged loading port and oversized controls. These competition-inspired features prove just as valuable in the field, especially during cold weather hunts when gloves are necessary. The oversized bolt release and charging handle make operating the gun intuitive, even when you're shivering in a duck blind before sunrise.

Field maintenance is where many semi-autos fall short, but the 940 addresses this head-on. According to Mossberg the gas system is designed to run up to 1,500 rounds between cleanings – a major advantage during multi-day hunting trips. The nickel boron-coated internals resist carbon buildup and function reliably even when wet or dirty, providing peace of mind when you're miles from civilization.

Price: $718

Features  

• Gas-operated semi-auto action
• Enlarged loading port for faster reloading
• Oversized bolt handle and release button
• Adjustable length-of-pull
• Fiber optic front sight
• Optics-ready receiver
• Nickel boron-coated internal parts

Pros  

• Runs 1,500+ rounds between cleanings
• Competition-inspired controls work great in hunting scenarios
• Reduced recoil for comfortable all-day shooting
• Highly reliable with various ammunition types
• Easily adjustable for different shooters
• Great value compared to European semi-autos

Cons  

• Currently only available in 12 gauge
• Heavier than pump-action alternatives
• Some may prefer more traditional aesthetics

Browning Maxus II All-Purpose Hunter

The Browning Maxus II All-Purpose Hunter brings together classic styling and modern performance in a package that excels across hunting scenarios. This gas-operated semi-auto represents Browning's continued refinement of their already excellent shotgun designs, with a focus on shooter comfort and reliable performance.

Browning's Power Drive Gas System sets this shotgun apart from competitors. It handles everything from light 2¾" target loads to heavy 3½" magnums without adjustment. This versatility proves invaluable when transitioning between different hunting applications – no more carrying separate guns for ducks and turkeys or constantly adjusting gas settings.

Turkey hunters will particularly appreciate the Maxus II's capabilities. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern helps conceal you from a gobbler's keen eyesight, while the ability to handle heavy turkey loads makes ethical kills possible at extended ranges. The receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a Picatinny-style scope base, so you can add scopes easily. 

The Lightning Trigger provides an exceptionally fast lock time – the period between pulling the trigger and the firing pin striking the primer. This seemingly small detail makes a huge difference when trying to hit fast-moving targets. When that trophy tom finally commits to your decoys or a rooster pheasant bursts from cover, that split-second advantage can mean the difference between success and a miss.

Price: $1,731

Features  

• Power Drive Gas System
• Lightning Trigger with fast lock time
• Inflex Technology recoil pad
• Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish
• Adjustable length of pull (can be trimmed up to ¾")
• Speed Load Plus and Turn Key magazine plug
• Composite stock and forearm with textured grip areas

Pros  

• Handles both light and heavy loads without adjustment
• Fast-pointing and natural swing
• Excellent trigger for a production shotgun
• Ready for optics with included rail
• Effective recoil reduction
• Speed loading feature saves time in the field

Cons 

• Controls not as oversized as some competitors
• Lightweight design can affect swing on fast targets
• Premium price point

Specialized Hunting Shotguns

Savage 212 Slug Gun Mossy Oak

The Savage 212 represents a specialized solution for hunters in shotgun-only zones who want rifle-like performance. This bolt-action shotgun with a rifled barrel brings unprecedented accuracy to slug shooting, allowing ethical deer harvesting at distances that would be irresponsible with standard shotguns.

Unlike traditional shotguns, the Savage 212 operates more like a rifle, complete with Savage's renowned AccuTrigger system. This adjustable trigger breaks crisp and clean, allowing for more precise shot placement – crucial when hunting deer or other big game with slugs. The difference becomes immediately apparent when shooting from a blind or stand at 100+ yards.

The detachable box magazine system offers significant advantages over tube-fed shotguns for hunting applications. Loading and unloading is faster and quieter, and you can quickly swap magazines if needed. For hunters in states with magazine capacity restrictions, the two-round magazine complies with regulations while still providing quick follow-up shots if necessary.

Coming optics-ready from the factory, the 212 pairs perfectly with a quality scope for maximum accuracy potential. This combination of a precision rifled barrel, excellent trigger, and proper optics allows hunters to ethically take deer at extended ranges—potentially out to 200 yards under optimal conditions with a skilled shooter. s. For hunters in shotgun-only zones, this extends your effective range significantly, opening up new hunting opportunities.

Price: $758

Features  

• Bolt-action with rifled barrel
• AccuTrigger system
• Two-round detachable box magazine
• Mossy Oak camo finish
• Optics-ready design (no iron sights)
• Available in 12 gauge
• Adjustable length-of-pull spacers

Pros  

• Rifle-like accuracy with slugs
• Crisp, adjustable trigger
• Quick magazine changes
• Great option for shotgun-only hunting zones
• Effective range beyond 150 yards
• Excellent stock ergonomics

Cons  

• Heavier than traditional shotguns
• Limited to slug ammunition
• Slower follow-up shots than semi-autos
• Specialized use case

Rock Island Armory Traditional Single-Shot 12 GA

Sometimes simplicity wins the day, and the Rock Island Armory Traditional Single-Shot proves this point beautifully. This back-to-basics shotgun offers incredible versatility and reliability at a price point that makes it accessible to virtually anyone. For new hunters or those on a tight budget, it represents the perfect entry point.

The beauty of a single-shot design lies in its near-perfect reliability. With minimal moving parts, there's very little that can go wrong in the field. The break-action design allows for quick loading and unloading, and the exposed hammer lets you know at a glance whether the gun is ready to fire – an excellent safety feature, especially for younger or inexperienced hunters.

Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Rock Island single-shot doesn't cut corners on important features. The vent rib barrel improves sighting, while the adjustable rear sight provides flexibility for different loads and distances. The polymer stock and forend may lack the classic appeal of wood, but they offer improved durability in wet conditions and keep the overall weight manageable for all-day carry.

Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of single-shot shotguns is their versatility with ammunition. While semi-autos and pumps can be finicky with certain loads, a single-shot can chamber mini-shells, though extraction reliability may vary. This means you can use lightweight loads for small game and heavy buckshot for deer in the same gun – a true all-purpose tool for the budget-conscious hunter.

Price: $139

Features  

• Break-action single-shot design
• Vent rib barrel
• Adjustable rear sight
• Polymer stock and forend
• Exposed hammer
• Handles shells up to 3 inches
• Compatible with mini-shells

Automatic ejector

Pros  

• Incredibly affordable entry point to hunting
• Nearly foolproof reliability
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Handles any ammunition without feeding issues
• Simple to maintain and clean
• Great for teaching new hunters

Cons  

• One-shot limitation
• Slower to reload than repeating shotguns
• Limited range with standard loads
• Basic finish and appointments

How to Choose the Best Shotgun for Hunting

Gauge Considerations: 12 vs. 20 vs. .410

The gauge you choose impacts everything from recoil to effective range. The 12 gauge remains the most versatile option, offering enough power for everything from small game to deer. The 20 gauge provides a nice middle ground with reduced recoil and weight. Therefore it is perfect for upland birds and smaller-framed shooters. The .410, while limited in range, makes an excellent option for small game at close distances and for young hunters.

Remember that shot payload decreases with smaller gauges. A standard 12 gauge load carries about 1⅛ ounces of shot, while a 20 gauge typically carries ⅞ ounce. This difference matters most at longer ranges where pattern density becomes critical.

Action Types: Pump, Semi-auto, Bolt, Single-shot

Your choice of action affects reliability, rate of fire, and price:

• Pump actions offer reliability and value with mechanical simplicity
• Semi-autos provide faster follow-up shots and reduced recoil
• Bolt actions excel in accuracy with slugs for deer hunting
• Single-shots offer simplicity, affordability, and lightweight

For most hunting scenarios, pump and semi-auto shotguns provide the best balance of features. Choose based on your budget, hunting style, and personal preferences.

Game Type: Matching Your Shotgun to Your Hunt

Different game demands different shotgun setups:

• Waterfowl: Semi-auto 12 gauge with 3-3½" chamber, 26-28" barrel
• Upland birds: Lighter 12 or 20 gauge, 26" barrel for quick pointing
• Turkey: 12 gauge with tight choke, camo finish, red dot capability  
• Deer: Slug gun or rifled barrel with scope
• Small game: 20 gauge or .410 with improved cylinder choke

Always match your choke to your hunting scenario as well. More open chokes work better for close shots, while tighter constrictions extend your effective range.

Budget Tips: What Features Matter Most

Quality shotguns exist at every price point. Focus your budget on these key areas:

• Action quality: A smooth, reliable action matters more than fancy finishes
• Barrel: Spend on quality barrel work and choke systems
• Fit: A properly fitting shotgun improves accuracy dramatically
• Versatility: Choose models with interchangeable chokes and barrel options

If the budget is tight, a quality pump action or single-shot will serve you better than a budget semi-auto with reliability issues.

Accessories: Enhancing Your Shotgun's Performance

These accessories can significantly improve your hunting experience:

• Chokes: Invest in quality chokes for different hunting scenarios
• Slings: A good sling makes carrying your shotgun all day much easier
• Optics: Red dots for turkey, scopes for slug guns
• Shell carriers: Keep extra ammunition accessible in the field
• Recoil reducers: Recoil pads or mercury reducers for heavy loads

Final Thoughts

The perfect hunting shotgun balances reliability, versatility, and value for your specific needs. For all-around hunting, the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field provides tremendous value and reliability. Those focused on waterfowl should consider investing in the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus for its weather resistance and reduced recoil. For hunters in shotgun-only deer zones, the Savage 212 offers rifle-like accuracy at a reasonable price.

Remember that the best shotgun is the one that fits you well and meets your hunting needs. Consider your primary hunting environments, game species, and budget when making your selection. Even a basic shotgun in the hands of a skilled hunter will outperform an expensive shotgun that doesn't fit properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gauge shotgun is best for a beginner hunter?

The 20 gauge makes an excellent choice for beginners due to its moderate recoil, adequate power for most small game, and lighter weight. A 20 gauge pump-action like the Mossberg 500 Youth model offers versatility while being easier to handle than a 12 gauge.

How much should I expect to spend on a quality hunting shotgun?

You can find reliable hunting shotguns starting around $350-400 for pump actions like the Mossberg 500. Mid-range options like the Remington 870 Wingmaster run $800-900. Premium semi-autos from Beretta or Benelli typically start around $1,500 and go up from there.

What's the advantage of a semi-auto over a pump shotgun for hunting?

Semi-auto shotguns offer faster follow-up shots, reduced recoil through gas operation, and the ability to keep both hands on the gun during cycling. These benefits matter most during fast-action hunting like waterfowl or upland birds, where quick follow-up shots are common.

How far can I effectively shoot with a shotgun for deer hunting?

With a rifled barrel, sabot slugs, and proper optics, modern slug guns like the Savage 212 can be effective out to 150-200 yards in skilled hands. Traditional smoothbore shotguns with foster-type slugs should be limited to about 75 yards for ethical harvesting.

What choke is best for turkey hunting?

Extra-full or specialized turkey chokes provide the tight patterns needed for ethical turkey hunting. These chokes constrict the shot pattern significantly, delivering dense patterns at 40+ yards. Always pattern your specific gun, choke, and ammunition combination before hunting.

Do I need different barrels for different types of hunting?

While not strictly necessary, having specialized barrels maximizes your shotgun's versatility. A longer barrel (26-28") with interchangeable chokes works well for birds, while a rifled slug barrel greatly improves accuracy for deer hunting. Shotguns like the Mossberg 500 make barrel swaps quick and affordable.