Shotgun
6 expert answers on Shotgun. Practical guidance from a master gunsmith with 30+ years of experience.
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What Is the Best First Shotgun — Pump vs Semi-Auto?
For a first shotgun, a pump-action 12-gauge is the best starting point. The Mossberg 500 ($350 to $400) and Remington 87…
12 Gauge vs 20 Gauge — Which Should I Choose?
12-gauge is the standard for maximum versatility, power, and ammunition selection — it is the right choice for most shoo…
What Is the Best Shotgun Setup for Home Defense?
The best home defense shotgun is a 12-gauge or 20-gauge pump or semi-auto with an 18 to 20-inch barrel, cylinder bore (n…
What Do Shotgun Chokes Do and Which Should I Use?
A shotgun choke constricts the end of the barrel to control how quickly the shot pattern spreads. Cylinder (no constrict…
What Shotgun Ammo Should I Use? Buckshot, Slugs, and Birdshot Explained
Birdshot (sizes #9 to #1) is for birds, clays, and small game — tiny pellets at high count. Buckshot (sizes #4 to 000) i…
Mossberg 500 vs Remington 870 — Which Pump Shotgun Is Better?
Both are excellent, time-proven pump shotguns with decades of military and law enforcement service. The Mossberg 500 has…
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