Nearly half of American adults have a firearm in their home, with most owning one for protection, sport shooting, or hunting. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 91% of gun owners have a firearm for protection, 59% for sport shooting, and 53% for hunting. Shotguns stand out as they are perfect for all three uses.
Shotguns are incredibly versatile, with the ability to shoot either multiple pellets or a single slug. This makes them effective for hunting a variety of game, ideal for home defense, and great for recreational activities like trap and skeet shooting.
From 2010 to 2020, Americans bought about 15.8 million shotguns. Here are the 10 most popular shotguns from the latest sales data. Let’s get straight into the guns; you can read more about our methodology later.
10. Winchester Super X Pump
The Winchester Super X Pump, with an approximate base retail price of $360, is a pump-action shotgun available in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. It is known for its lightweight design, excellent balance, and quick handling. This shotgun is the fastest pump-action model, capable of firing three shots in half a second, making it perfect for rapid target shooting or fast-moving game.
9. Beretta Model 1301
The Beretta Model 1301, priced at around $1380, is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. Designed for law enforcement and home defense, it features enlarged controls, a cold hammer-forged barrel, and Beretta’s fast BLINK gas operating system, which cycles 36% faster than its competitors. Its oversized controls and aggressive checkering ensure easy operation in all conditions.
8. Benelli Super Black Eagle
The Benelli Super Black Eagle, with a base price of approximately $1620, is a semi-automatic shotgun available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 28 gauge. It is a top choice for hunters, featuring recoil-reducing technology, a reliable Inertia Driven system, and various enhancements like a carbon-fiber rib and enlarged controls. All models can handle up to 3-inch shells.
7. Mossberg Model 940
The Mossberg Model 940, costing around $800, is a semi-automatic shotgun available in 12 gauge. It offers a durable gas system that allows for up to 1500 rounds between cleanings, and features corrosion-resistant parts, an adjustable stock, and textured grips. It is available in various models suited for different needs, from hunting to tactical use.
6. Benelli M4
The Benelli M4, with an approximate base retail price of $1900, is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. It is the choice of the U.S. Marine Corps, featuring a self-cleaning A.R.G.O. system, a Picatinny rail, and a pistol-grip stock. Known for its reliability and durability, the M4 is used in combat and is ideal for tactical and home defense purposes.
5. Mossberg Maverick 88
The Mossberg Maverick 88, priced at about $230, is a pump-action shotgun available in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. It is budget-friendly and reliable, suitable for home protection, hunting, and more. It features standard pump-action elements like dual extractors and twin action bars, making it compatible with Mossberg 500 accessories.
4. Beretta A300
The Beretta A300, with a base price of approximately $900, is a semi-automatic shotgun available in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. It features a chrome-lined barrel and comes with an Improved Cylinder choke. It is compatible with Beretta’s Mobilchoke tubes, making it highly versatile and resistant to corrosion, offering high performance at a reasonable price.
3. Mossberg Model 500
The Mossberg Model 500, costing around $330, is a pump-action shotgun available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410. Known for its reliability and versatility, with over 12 million sold, it is a favorite for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting. Its simple design ensures durability and quick target acquisition.
2. Remington Model 870
The Remington Model 870, priced at about $410, is a pump-action shotgun available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410. It is highly versatile and reliable, ideal for various uses, from home defense to hunting. Its solid build and dependable performance make it a top choice among shotgun enthusiasts.
1. Mossberg Model 590
The Mossberg Model 590, with an approximate base retail price of $410, is a pump-action shotgun available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410. It is an enhanced version of the Model 500, featuring a heavier barrel and receiver, metal trigger guard, and safety. Known for its durability, the 590 is a top choice for military, law enforcement, and home defense. Its rugged construction and variety of configurations make it highly adaptable to any need.
Methodology
The latest data from Gun Genius, analyzing sales from GunBroker.com, reveals which models are the top choices among buyers. Based on these findings, we’ve identified the ten most popular shotguns in America.
Half of these shotguns are semi-automatic, and half are pump-action. Four manufacturers dominate this list: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Beretta Holding (including Beretta and Benelli brands), and Remington.
Most of these companies have at least one manufacturing plant in the U.S., but some shotguns are made abroad. While many shotguns sold between 1986 and 2016 were U.S.-made, from 2017 to 2020, the U.S. imported nearly two million more shotguns than it produced.
Keep in mind, this list is based on online sales only. Buying a gun online means it gets shipped to a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer who then completes a background check before you can take it home. Prices vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to much higher for premium models.
Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons. Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?
14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
With almost 16 million hunters in the United States, and with such a huge range of game to hunt, the right rifle and the best cartridge is critical. We have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with animals ranging from tiny squirrels to gigantic moose. The cornerstone of a successful hunt lies in the hunter’s skill and knowledge but also in the choice of ammunition. The right cartridge can make all the difference, offering the power needed for a clean, humane kill without compromising the quality of the game.
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
