Buyer's Pick
Best Shotguns
Home-defense and field shotguns rated by real owners — pump vs. semi-auto, gauge, and setup.
How to Choose
A shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms you can own — devastating for home defense with buckshot, a deer gun with slugs, and a clay-and-bird gun with the right load. The first decisions are pump vs. semi-auto (simplicity and price vs. softer recoil and faster follow-ups) and gauge (12 for power, 20 for lighter recoil).
For defense specifically, run quality buckshot, add a light, and pattern your gun at your real distances. The top-rated shotguns below are owner-reviewed workhorses, and the community questions tackle the gauge, action, and ammo debates that matter most.
Top-Rated Shotguns
Related Questions
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Buckshot vs. birdshot for home defense - does it matter?
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Rifled vs sabot slug — which for my shotgun?
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Pump vs. semi-auto for home defense?
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Best shotgun gauge if I am recoil-sensitive?
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Bead vs. ghost-ring sights on a defense shotgun?
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Is a 20 gauge enough for home defense?
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Is a .357 Magnum revolver good for home defense?
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Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 for a first shotgun?
