Shotguns are fantastic tools for a variety of applications. There are models out there for everything from home defense to hunting to skeet shooting, and everything in between. To help you narrow down your choices from the countless shotguns on the market, we’ve chosen our top three must-have shotguns. We’ll explain what makes them great and what uses you’re most likely to want them for, and we might dispel a few myths along the way.
Best Home Defense Shotgun: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol
The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol is a fantastic option for home defense. This is a semi-automatic, 12-gauge shotgun that’s designed for reliable performance and easy operation. Although you will find people who believe 12-gauge cannot or should not be used for home defense, and that something like a 410 Bore is a good idea, it’s simply not a stance based in reality. 12-gauge is, indeed, good for home defense; far better than 410 Bore, in fact. With any gun and ammo combination used for defensive purposes, you should be aware of its penetration and patterning characteristics.
This shotgun has a 19-inch barrel, which leaves it long enough for solid ballistics, but short enough to ensure optimal maneuverability. That ability to maneuver is improved with the compact stock, which offers a 13-inch length of pull. Self-defense features include an enhanced loading port, enlarged controls, and a streamlined forend for reduced bulk. The gun does have QD attachment points for a sling as well as M-LOK-compatible mounting points. Thanks to an extended magazine tube that’s secured by a custom barrel clamp, the A300 Ultima Patrol has a 7+1 capacity.
Although this shotgun ships with iron sights, it does have a length of Picatinny rail over the receiver. That means it’s a straightforward process to add a red dot sight if preferred. For a good hold during use, the A300 features aggressive texturing on all major grip areas for improved control and comfort. The A300 Ultima Patrol is a proven choice for shotgun defenders nationwide.
Best Classic Shotgun: Remington 870
While there are a handful of shotguns either still on the market or available used that qualify as classics, we have to go with the Remington 870. The original shotgun was designed in 1950 and has been so successful that millions of models have been sold to date. Further, there are practically endless variants on the market, such as the 870 Fieldmaster, 870 Wingmaster, 870 Special Purpose Marine Magnum, and SPS Turkey. As such, the 870 is offered with varying barrel lengths, synthetic stocks, wooden stocks, and all manner of finishes.
This 12-gauge shotgun is a pump-action, which—contrary to common perception—is not a difficult platform to run. With some time and practice, you can run a pump action with exceptional speed. In its standard configuration, the Remington 870 has a 4+1 capacity with a 3-inch chamber, which means you can choose to run either 2.75-inch or 3-inch shotshells. It has an overall length of 48.5 inches, a length of pull of 14 inches, and a factory trigger pull weight of 5.3 lbs. The shotgun has an overall weight of around 7 lbs. The original model—or at least reasonably original—can be found used.
One of the best versatile Remington 870 models so far is the Special Purpose Marine Magnum. It’s designed for superior corrosion resistance wherever it’s being used which can come in handy even when it’s just likely to be exposed to greater amounts of rainfall. This model features electroless nickel plating over every metal part, and that extends to the inside of the gun’s barrel and receiver. The receiver on the Special Purpose Marine Magnum is milled from solid billet steel and the gun has twin action bars to ensure smooth action. This model also offers a 6+1 capacity, so it can hold a bit more than the original. Overall, the Remington 870 line is full of excellent pump-action shotguns that can be used for anything and everything.
Best Waterfowl Shotgun: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
The Benelli Black Super Eagle 3 is the latest evolution of the proven Super Black Eagle platform and is enhanced even more than prior models for superior performance in the field. This is an inertia-driven shotgun with improved ergonomics, reliable cycling, and exceptional resilience in less-than-desirable conditions and wet environments. It’s offered in three barrel lengths—24 inches, 26 inches, and 28 inches—and a wide assortment of receiver and stock finishes. Possible camo finishes include Mossy Oak, RealTree, and Gore, while receivers vary from black to matching camo patterns.
The Super Black Eagle 3 has a 3.5-inch chamber, accepting all common shotshell lengths. Combtech and Comfort Tech stock technologies offer exceptional comfort and functionality, and the recognizable chevrons are meant to absorb shock while the cheek comb pad is carefully designed to reduce impact and vibration during live fire — even with magnum loads. Felt recoil is also mitigated by the gun’s Inertia Driven System, which is clean burning and, according to Benelli, capable of lasting 500,000 rounds and more without failures.
Features include an oversized bolt handle and safety, both of which make it easier to operate the gun while wearing gloves. The loading port is beveled and the carrier is redesigned to make loading and unloading effortless and smooth. The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is a beautifully made shotgun that’s ideal for waterfowl hunters.
What shotgun should you purchase?
Choosing a shotgun can be as easy as grabbing whatever 12-gauge catches your eye or as challenging as selecting one that you need for very specific purposes. Some shooters might find pump actions to be preferable while others want a semi-automatic, and both options are fine. Consider what you’re going to do with the gun and go from there.
