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12 Gauge Shotguns

12 gauge shotguns are probably the most versatile and common shotguns that people buy. With 12 gauge shotguns for hunting, home defense, and sport shooting you can’t go wrong with a box of 12 gauge shotgun shells, and a new 12 gauge for whatever purpose you need either sporting or tactical. Fin Feather Fur Outfitters has a huge selection of high-quality 12 gauge shotguns for sale with fast shipping on your orders.

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12 Gauge Shotgun Basics

A 12 gauge shotgun is a classic firearm, it is arguably the most popular and versatile type of the shotguns. It has a bore diameter of about 18.5 mm (0.729 inches), and fires shells containing multiple lead pellets, or a single projectile called a slug. There are several types of shotgun ammo, but you’ll have no problem finding what you need in 12 gauge. The name “12 gauge” means that 12 lead balls of the bore’s diameter weight exactly one pound.

When it comes to recoil and power, the 12 gauge shotgun is fairly high in both, but with proper shooting technique can be manageable for most shooters, but if you need something for new shooters, children, or just don’t want as much recoil most people will opt for the versatile 20 gauge shotgun as well.

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12 Gauge Shotgun Ammo:

Common 12 gauge shotgun ammo comes in sizes of 2 ¾ inches, 3 inches (magnums), and 3 ½ inches (super magnums). And can be lead or steel depending on what your intended use is. With it’s wider barrel the 12 gauge has a heavier payload of shot, which makes it really effective at longer ranges, or for bigger game.

Types Of 12 Gauge Shotguns

There are many variations of 12 gauge shotguns on the market for sale, from modern semi-auto designs to a classic that stands the test of time in the over-under shotgun format, let’s take a look and compare the different types of 12 gauge shotguns.

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  1. Pump Action 12 Gauge

    A pump action shotgun is probably the most common 12 gauge on the market, cycling the action manually by sliding a fore-end back and forth it is very straight forward to use, and excellent for home-defense, hunting, and an all purpose shotgun. They are incredibly reliable, like most 12 gauges, and typically are a great budget option.

  2. Semi-Automatic 12 Gauge

    12 gauge semi auto shotguns are an awesome option for hunting, especially for waterfowl hunting as it allows for fast follow-up shots, as well as in competitive shooting. The automatic cycle helps reduce recoil, faster shooting, and creates a smooth operation of the firearm. Semi-auto 12 gauges are an awesome option for duck hunting, sporting clay shooting, and 3-gun competitions. I use my Stoeger M3500 for duck and goose hunting, and the speed of the semi automatic action really brings an advantage in the field.

  3. Over-Under 12 Gauge Shotguns

    Over under 12 gauge shotguns are the iconic upland shotgun that many people think of when they hear “shotgun”. The break action allows you to load shotgun shells into the top and bottom barrel, and some models will even eject the shells for you. Depending on your model, you should be able to choose what barrel shoots first. The over under shotgun is great for trap, skeet, sporting clays, and upland hunting pheasants, quail, and rabbits. They provide awesome balance and are very accurate in their pointing. I use my Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge 30” Barrel when I am pheasant hunting and it works like a charm.

  4. Side By Side 12 Gauge

    The other classic is the 12 gauge side by side shotgun where the two barrels are placed horizontally, a go to for many when upland bird hunting and traditional sporting use while maintaining a classic feel and fast barrel selection.

Type of 12 Gauge Shotgun Best Uses Common Shell Sizes Popular Model
Pump Action 12 Gauge Duck Hunting, Turkey Hunting, Home Defense, Deer Hunting, Sporting Clays, General All-Around Use 2 3/4", 3", and many models support 3 1/2" Mossberg 500 / Remington 870
Semi-Automatic 12 Gauge Waterfowl Hunting, Trap Shooting, Sporting Clays, Upland Bird Hunting, Competitive Shooting 2 3/4", 3", and select models support 3 1/2" Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
Over-Under 12 Gauge Trap Shooting, Skeet Shooting, Sporting Clays, Pheasant Hunting, Upland Bird Hunting Primarily 2 3/4" and 3" Browning Citori
Side-by-Side 12 Gauge Traditional Bird Hunting, Cowboy Action Shooting, Upland Hunting, Collecting Typically 2 3/4" and some 3" Stoeger Coach Gun

Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Brands

Benelli 12 Gauge Shotguns

Benelli has built a strong reputation of being a premium brand in the shotgun industry. With a wide offering of shotguns for waterfowl shotguns, upland shotguns, and even left handed shotguns that all deliver reliability, durability, and innovative engineering. They have consistent performance even in harsh conditions which is mandatory for hunters. Powered by their inertia Driven operating system, Benelli 12 gauge shotguns have fast cycling speeds, excellent ergonomics, premium craftsmanship, and weather resistant finishes making them a top tier option.

Mossberg 12 Gauge

Mossberg is a trusted brand when it comes to 12 gauge shotguns because they have consistently delivered durability, versatility, reliability, and most importantly affordability to the market. Their selection of 12 gauges are great for hunting, home defense, and sport shooting. They have timeless over under models for upland hunting, and their semi auto 12 gauge shotguns are excellent for waterfowl hunting as well. Overall Mossberg is an excellent and affordable brand of shotguns.

Stoeger 12 Gauge Shotguns

When it comes to all around performance for 12 gauge shotguns I think of Stoeger for their reliability, affordability, and proven performance in the field. I have hunted with my Stoeger semi auto 12 gauge in some of the harshest, cold & wet conditions, and it has yet to fail me, I’m talking rain, snow, mud, everything it cycles clean and fires that next shot every time helping me take down birds. Their most popular models being the Stoeger M3000 and Stoeger M3500.

Common 12 Gauge Shotgun FAQs

What is a 12 gauge shotgun used for?

A 12 gauge shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms available and is commonly used for hunting, home defense, sport shooting, and recreational shooting. It can handle everything from birdshot for small game and clay shooting to buckshot and slugs for deer or defensive applications. The wide variety of ammunition options is one of the biggest reasons 12 gauge shotguns remain the most popular shotgun type in the United States. I personally use a 12 gauge for every single one of these listed, it is an incredible all around firearm that every American should have in their home.

What is the difference between a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge shotgun?

The biggest differences between 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns are recoil, power, and versatility. A 12 gauge delivers more power and can shoot heavier payloads, making it ideal for waterfowl, turkey hunting, home defense, and all-around use. A 20 gauge typically has lighter recoil and a lighter firearm weight, which makes it popular for beginners, youth shooters, and hunters who want easier handling. However, 12 gauge shotguns generally offer more ammunition options and greater overall versatility.

Why is it called a 12 gauge shotgun?

The term “12 gauge” refers to an old measurement system based on the shotgun’s bore diameter. Historically, a 12 gauge barrel is the size that allows 12 lead balls of that diameter to equal one pound. Because of this system, smaller gauge numbers actually mean larger shotgun bores. For example, a 10 gauge is larger than a 12 gauge, while a 20 gauge is smaller.

Buying 12 Gauge Shotguns For Sale At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters

At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, our promise is to provide you with the highest quality firearms, and gear you need to take on adventure. We have an incredible selection of 12 gauge shotguns for sale if you are hunting, sport shooting, or need a home defense shotgun, we got you covered. Our gun counter has decades of experience, we have been selling 12 gauge shotguns since 1985 so we can answer any questions you have.

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