How to Choose Your First Shotgun: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Introduction

Choosing your first shotgun can feel overwhelming – like walking into a foreign country where everyone speaks a different language filled with gauges, chokes, and actions. But here's the good news: millions of people have successfully chosen their first shotgun, and with the right guidance, you can too. Think of this guide as your trusted friend who's been through this process before and wants to help you avoid the common pitfalls.

By the time you finish reading this guide, you'll understand the fundamental differences between shotgun types, know which features matter most for beginners, and have a clear roadmap for making your purchase. More importantly, you'll feel confident that you're making an informed decision that matches your needs, budget, and experience level. Safety and practicality will be our north star throughout this journey.

The Basics

Understanding Shotgun Actions: The Heart of Your Decision

Think of a shotgun's "action" like the transmission in a car – it's how the gun operates and cycles shells. There are three main types you'll encounter. Pump-action shotguns require you to manually slide the forend back and forth to eject spent shells and load new ones – imagine working a bicycle pump. Semi-automatic shotguns do this cycling automatically when you pull the trigger, like an automatic transmission. Break-action shotguns (including single-shots and over/unders) open like a book at the breech, where you manually insert shells.

For beginners, pump-action shotguns are typically the best choice. They're reliable, affordable, and force you to be deliberate with each shot – which builds good habits. The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry of the shotgun world: proven, dependable, and supported everywhere.

Gauge: Size Matters, But Not How You Think

Gauge refers to the diameter of the shotgun's bore, but here's where it gets confusing – smaller numbers mean larger bores. A 12-gauge has a larger bore than a 20-gauge. Think of it like this: historically, gauge numbers represented how many lead balls of that diameter it would take to equal one pound. So 12 lead balls of 12-gauge diameter equal one pound, while it would take 20 smaller balls for 20-gauge.

For your first shotgun, you'll likely choose between 12-gauge and 20-gauge. The 12-gauge is more powerful and versatile – it's like the pickup truck of shotguns, capable of handling everything from bird hunting to home defense. The 20-gauge produces less recoil and is easier for smaller-framed shooters to handle – think of it as the SUV option. Both are excellent choices, but 12-gauge offers more ammunition variety and generally better prices.

Barrel Length and Chokes: Fine-Tuning Your Purpose

Barrel length affects handling and shot pattern. Shorter barrels (18-20 inches) are more maneuverable for home defense, like a compact car in city traffic. Longer barrels (26-28 inches) provide better accuracy for hunting, similar to how a longer car might be more stable on the highway. For a versatile first shotgun, something in the 20-24 inch range offers a good compromise.

Chokes are constrictions at the end of the barrel that control how tight or wide your shot pattern spreads – imagine the adjustable nozzle on a garden hose. Many modern shotguns come with interchangeable choke tubes, giving you flexibility for different situations. This isn't something to stress about initially, but it's good to know the feature exists.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Primary Purpose
   Before looking at any shotgun, honestly assess what you'll primarily use it for. Home defense? Hunting? Clay shooting? Learning to shoot? Write this down – it'll guide every other decision. If you're unsure, "general purpose/learning" is a perfectly valid answer that points toward versatile pump-action options.

2. Set Your Budget (Including Accessories)
   Determine your total budget, remembering that the shotgun itself is just the beginning. You'll need ammunition for practice, a basic cleaning kit, and possibly a gun safe or lock. A realistic total budget for everything might be $400-800 for a quality starter setup. Don't forget to factor in training costs – professional instruction is invaluable.

3. Choose Your Action Type
   For most beginners, start with pump-action. It's forgiving, reliable, and teaches good fundamentals. If physical limitations make pumping difficult, consider a semi-automatic, but expect to pay more. Avoid break-actions unless you specifically want a single-shot for learning basics or have a specific hunting application in mind.

4. Select Your Gauge
   Choose 12-gauge if you're average-sized or larger, want maximum versatility, or plan to hunt larger game. Choose 20-gauge if you're smaller-framed, recoil-sensitive, or primarily interested in bird hunting. When in doubt, 12-gauge offers more options long-term.

5. Research Specific Models
   Focus on proven beginner-friendly options: Mossberg 500/590 series, Remington 870 (though quality control has declined recently), or Maverick 88 (Mossberg's budget line). These have extensive aftermarket support, readily available parts, and decades of proven performance.

6. Handle Before Buying
   Visit a gun store and physically handle your top choices. Check that you can comfortably reach all controls, the length of pull (distance from trigger to buttstock) feels right, and the gun shoulders naturally. This is like test-driving a car – specifications on paper don't tell the whole story.

7. Verify Local Laws and Purchase Process
   Understand your local and state laws regarding purchase, storage, and use. Complete any required background checks and waiting periods. Some states require safety courses or permits before purchase – view these as valuable education, not obstacles.

8. Plan Your First Range Trip
   Before your first shooting session, arrange for experienced supervision or professional instruction. Purchase appropriate ammunition (start with lighter loads), eye and ear protection, and confirm range rules. Your first shooting experience sets the tone for your entire relationship with firearms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying based on looks alone – A shotgun might look "tactical" or "cool," but if it doesn't fit your needs and body, it's the wrong choice

• Ignoring fit and feel – A shotgun that doesn't fit you properly will be uncomfortable to shoot and harder to use effectively

• Choosing the most powerful option – More power isn't always better; it often means more recoil and harder-to-find ammunition

• Skipping professional training – YouTube can't replace hands-on instruction from qualified professionals

• Buying too many accessories immediately – Learn to use the basic shotgun first before adding lights, slings, or other modifications

• Neglecting storage planning – Have a secure storage plan before bringing your shotgun home

• Buying cheap ammunition for learning – While you don't need premium ammo, extremely cheap shells can be unreliable and frustrating for beginners

• Focusing only on price – The cheapest option often costs more long-term through reliability issues and poor support

Pro Tips

• Start with a gun store that offers rentals – Many ranges let you try different models before buying, which is invaluable for decision-making

• Consider buying used from reputable dealers – Shotguns are durable, and a used Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 from a gun shop often represents excellent value

• Join a local shooting club or group – Experienced shooters are usually happy to help beginners and may let you try their firearms

• Invest in quality eye and ear protection – Cheap safety gear can make shooting unpleasant and unsafe

• Buy snap caps for dry practice – These dummy shells allow safe practice of loading, unloading, and trigger control at home

• Keep a shooting log – Track what ammunition works well, your progress, and any issues you encounter

• Learn to clean your shotgun properly – Regular maintenance keeps your firearm reliable and helps you understand how it works

• Don't rush the decision – A good shotgun will last decades; spending extra time choosing is worth it

• Consider barrel length carefully – You can always buy additional barrels later for different purposes

• Build relationships with local gun stores – A good dealer becomes a valuable resource for advice, service, and ongoing support

Next Steps

Now that you understand the fundamentals, your next action should be visiting local gun stores to handle different models. Don't feel pressured to buy immediately – this is a fact-finding mission. Ask questions, take notes, and get a feel for different options. Most gun store employees are happy to help genuine beginners who are asking thoughtful questions. If possible, find a store with an attached range where you can rent and try different shotguns.

Once you've made your purchase, prioritize safety training and practice. Consider enrolling in a basic shotgun course, joining a local shooting club, or working with an experienced mentor. Remember that buying your first shotgun is just the beginning of a journey that can provide years of enjoyment, whether through hunting, sport shooting, or simply the satisfaction of developing a new skill. Take it step by step, always prioritize safety, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. The shooting community is generally very welcoming to beginners who approach the sport with respect and a desire to learn.

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Read the original article in The Handbook | By Boise Gun Club Editorial Team

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Join the Discussion

For folks just getting into shotguns, are you leaning toward pump action for the hands-on feel, or would you rather go semi-auto and focus more on your shooting instead of working the action?