Types of Shotguns

by Ted Hitchcock

There are several types of shotguns, each designed to serve a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common types of shotguns:

1. Hunting Shotguns: These are designed for hunting birds and small game. They are typically lightweight and have a smoothbore barrel that allows for a wide shot pattern to increase the chances of hitting a moving target.

2. Tactical Shotguns: These are designed for military and police use and are often used for home defense. They have a shorter barrel and a pistol grip to increase maneuverability in tight spaces.

3. Skeet Shotguns: These are used for skeet shooting, a sport in which clay pigeons are launched into the air, and the shooter must hit them before they fall. Skeet shotguns are designed to be lightweight and fast-handling, with a short barrel and a high-post rib to assist with quick target acquisition.

4. Trap Shotguns: These are used for trap shooting, a sport in which clay pigeons are launched away from the shooter. Trap shotguns are designed for shooting at longer ranges and have a longer barrel and a low-post rib to assist with aiming.

5. Sporting Clays Shotguns: These are used for sporting clays, a sport that simulates hunting scenarios. Sporting clays shotguns are versatile and are often used for both trap and skeet shooting.

6. Double-Barreled Shotguns: These have two parallel barrels and are typically used for hunting and sporting purposes. They are available in both side-by-side and over-and-under configurations.

7. Pump-Action Shotguns: These are operated by sliding a fore-end back and forth to eject a spent shell and load a new one into the chamber. They are commonly used for hunting, tactical, and home defense purposes.

8. Semi-Automatic Shotguns: These use the energy from the fired shot to automatically eject the spent shell and load a new one into the chamber. They are commonly used for hunting, tactical, and home defense purposes.

9. Bolt-Action Shotguns: These are similar to bolt-action rifles and are operated by manually opening and closing a bolt to eject a spent shell and load a new one into the chamber. They are typically used for hunting and target shooting.

10. Break-Action Shotguns: These have a hinge mechanism that allows the barrel to break open for loading and unloading. They are commonly used for hunting and target shooting and are available in single-shot, double-barreled, and combination configurations.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most common types of shotguns. Each type of shotgun has its own unique features and characteristics that make it suitable for specific types of shooting. Ultimately, the type of shotgun you choose will depend on your intended use and personal preferences.