The Most Popular Shotgun in the U.S., Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the shotgun you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:49
In a country known for its diverse landscapes and equally diverse outdoor activities, shotguns hold a significant place in the hearts of sportsmen and women. From marshy wetlands to dense forests, the right shotgun can make all the difference in a successful hunting trip or a fulfilling day at the shooting range. Understanding which models stand up to the expectations of enthusiasts is more than just useful; it's crucial for newcomers and seasoned users alike to make informed decisions.
This is why a dynamic ranking of the nation's most cherished shotguns provides such valuable insight. By casting your vote, you help paint a clearer picture of what truly resonates with users, whether for sport, protection, or collection. Seeing real-time shifts in preferences not only guides potential buyers but also reflects broader trends in outdoor sports and firearms technology.
What Is the Most Popular Shotgun in the U.S.?
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142votes
US Air Force from USA · Public domainRemington 870
Remington Arms CompanyThis shotgun has been a favorite of hunters and law enforcement for over 60 years. It is reliable, durable, and versatile.The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun, widely regarded as one of the most popular firearms in America. It is renowned for its reliability, versatility, and solid construction, making it a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement personnel.- Action: Pump-action
- Gauge: 12, 20, 28, and .410 bore
- Capacity: Varies (typically 4-8 rounds)
- Barrel Length: 18.5 to 30 inches
- Choke System: Interchangeable
Remington 870 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Remington shotgun
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular tactical shotgun
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular firearm in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular gun in the world
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237votes
Tekogi · CC BY-SA 3.0Mossberg 500
O.F. Mossberg & SonsThis shotgun is often chosen for its affordability and reliability. It is also popular for home defense.The Mossberg 500 is a popular 20-gauge shotgun known for its versatility and reliability. It is widely used for hunting, home defense, and sport shooting.- Gauge: 20
- Action: Pump-action
- Capacity: 4 + 1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Mossberg 500 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular tactical shotgun
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular 20-gauge shotgun
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular firearm in America
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323votes
Browning Citori
John M. BrowningThis over-under shotgun is popular among sporting clay and trap shooters. It is known for its accuracy and durability.The Browning Citori is a popular shotgun in the U.S. It is a versatile over-under shotgun known for its reliability, durability, and smooth operation. The Citori is highly regarded among sports shooters, hunters, and clay target enthusiasts due to its precise craftsmanship and exceptional performance.- Gauge: 12, 20
- Action: Over-under
- Barrel Length: Various lengths available
- Chamber Length: 3 inches
- Chokes: Interchangeable chokes
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416votes
Benelli Super Black Eagle II
BenelliThis shotgun is popular among waterfowl hunters for its reliability and ability to handle heavy loads.The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is a semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability, versatility, and effectiveness. It is a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters in the United States.- Gauge: 12
- Chamber Size: 3.5 inches
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 3+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 26/28/30 inches
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56votes
Beretta 686
BerettaThis over-under shotgun is popular among sporting clay and trap shooters for its accuracy and durability.The Beretta 686 is a popular 20-gauge shotgun known for its reliability and versatility. It is specifically designed for a variety of hunting and shooting sports activities.- Gauge: 20
- Barrel Length: 26-30 inches
- Action: Break Action
- Chamber Size: 2 3/4 - 3 inches
- Capacity: 2 rounds
Beretta 686 in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular 20-gauge shotgun
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66votesThis shotgun is often chosen for its affordability and reliability. It is also popular for home defense.The Winchester SXP is a popular pump-action shotgun widely used in the United States. It is known for its reliable performance, versatility, and smooth cycling action. The shotgun is designed for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense purposes.
- Gauge: 12 or 20 gauge
- Action Type: Pump-action
- Capacity: 4+1 rounds (12 gauge), 5+1 rounds (20 gauge)
- Barrel Length: Various sizes available, typically 26-28 inches
- Chamber Length: 3 inches (12 gauge), 3.5 inches (12 gauge Super X4 models)
Winchester SXP in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular tactical shotgun
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79votes
Stoeger M3500
Stoeger IndustriesThis shotgun is popular among waterfowl hunters for its reliability and ability to handle heavy loads.The Stoeger M3500 is a highly popular semi-automatic shotgun designed for hunting and sport shooting. It offers reliable performance, versatility, and value for its users.- Gauge: 12 gauge
- Chamber: 3.5 inches
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 24-28 inches
- Total Length: 47-51 inches
Stoeger M3500 in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular semi-automatic shotgun
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89votes
Franchi Affinity
FranchiThis shotgun is popular among bird hunters for its light weight and reliability.The Franchi Affinity is a popular 20-gauge shotgun known for its reliability, versatility, and sleek design. It is a semi-automatic shotgun suitable for a wide range of shooting activities, including hunting, sport shooting, and home defense.- Gauge: 20-gauge
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 4+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 26 or 28 inches
- Stock: Synthetic or Walnut
Franchi Affinity in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular 20-gauge shotgun
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular semi-automatic shotgun
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912votes
CZ-USA Drake
CZ-USAThis shotgun is popular among upland bird hunters for its affordability and reliability.The CZ-USA Drake is a popular shotgun in the United States known for its versatility and reliability. It is designed to meet the needs of both hunters and clay target shooters.- Gauge: .410, 28, 20, and 12
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Chamber Length: 3 inches
- Stock: Turkish Walnut
- Overall Length: 46 inches
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108votes
Weatherby SA-08
Weatherby, Inc.This shotgun is often chosen for its affordability and reliability. It is also popular for hunting upland game and waterfowl.The Weatherby SA-08 is a popular 20-gauge shotgun renowned for its reliability and smooth shooting. It is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for hunting and clay shooting purposes.- Gauge: 20
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 4+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Chamber Length: 3 inches
Weatherby SA-08 in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular 20-gauge shotgun
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular semi-automatic shotgun
Missing your favorite shotgun?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular shotgun
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Sales figuresThe number of shotguns sold can provide a good indication of popularity.
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Brand reputationShotguns from well-known and respected brands are often more popular due to their perceived quality and reliability.
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User reviewsCustomer feedback and reviews can be a helpful indicator of popularity and user satisfaction.
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Features and versatilityShotguns that offer a range of features and can be used for multiple purposes (e.g. hunting, trap shooting, home defense) are likely to be more popular than those with limited functionality.
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PriceAffordability is an important factor for many buyers, so shotguns that are priced competitively and offer good value for money are likely to be more popular.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular shotgun in the U.S.. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or shotgun is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3240 views
- 166 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each shotgun once every 24 hours. The rank of each shotgun is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular shotgun in the u.s.
Background Information: Most Popular Shotguns in the U.S.
Shotguns have been an American favorite for centuries, prized for their versatility and effectiveness in a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios. With so many different models and types available, it can be challenging to determine which shotgun is the most popular in the United States.
According to recent surveys and sales data, the most popular shotgun in the U.S. is the Remington 870. This pump-action shotgun has been a staple of American hunting and shooting since its introduction in 1950, and it remains a top choice for both seasoned hunters and novice shooters alike.
Other popular shotgun brands in the U.S. include Mossberg, Browning, and Winchester. Each of these manufacturers offers a range of shotgun models to suit different needs and preferences, from lightweight and compact shotguns for upland bird hunting to larger, more powerful shotguns for big game hunting or home defense.
Ultimately, the most popular shotgun in the U.S. will depend on a variety of factors, including the shooter's experience level, intended use for the shotgun, and personal preferences in terms of design and features. Regardless of which brand or model you choose, however, a shotgun remains a reliable and effective tool for any hunting or shooting enthusiast.
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