There is likely no other firearm with as diverse a range of suitable applications as the shotgun. These include military operations, law enforcement, hunting, sports such as trap and skeet shooting, as well as personal and home defense.  Shotguns come in a wide variety of sizes generally referred to by a unit of measurement known as the “gauge.” Some of these include 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge; the smaller the number, the larger the bore diameter. Shotgun shells can be loaded with a multitude of projectiles, ranging from small to large diameter shot, slugs and various mission-specific loads.

There are a number of variables to consider when selecting a shotgun. This list is by no means comprehensive, but merely an outline of the many different options available.

What do I need?

Gauge: The bigger the gauge, the more recoil a shotgun will have. Larger cartridges are also able to put more shot or heavier projectiles downrange. The 12 gauge shotgun is by far the most popular with military, law enforcement and home defense applications.

Barrel Length: Longer barrels will be better for shooting skeet or trap, while shorter barrels are often used for home defense and tactical applications.

Rifled or Smooth Bore Barrel: If you are buying a shotgun with the sole purpose of shooting slugs such as would be done in a larger game hunting scenario, a rifled barrel will provide greater accuracy at longer ranges. Smooth bore shotguns are generally used for shot shells, although there are also slugs designed to be fired out of smooth bore barrels. Typically, hunting shotguns have a barrels approximately 26 to 28 inches long.

Action:  Pump action shotguns are the most common. They are inexpensive, reliable, and easy to use. Semiautomatic shotguns use gas blowback, meaning that all you have to do is pull the trigger to fire each subsequent shot until the magazine is empty. They allow for much faster shooting, but are also more expensive. Breech loading shotguns whether single barrel or double barrel (over/under or side by side) are extremely reliable, but can also get expensive especially in the double barrel flavor. Due to the fact that you only get two shots, these are popular weapons for shooting skeet.

How can Metro Pawn & Gun help?

Metro Pawn & Gun typically always has a great assortment of shotguns available for sale.

If you are looking to invest in a shotgun, we are the place to visit! Likewise, if you need to sell or pawn any type of firearm, bring it to us and we will make a fair cash offer.

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