What are the different types of Shotguns?

Shotguns are loved by all gun lovers and there are pretty solid reasons for loving them. These guns are strong, reliable, effective, affordable and most importantly easy to use. Shotguns are notoriously popular from various Hollywood movies for the sheer power they execute and the damage they can cause to the other party involved.

But having said that, shotguns make for a very good option when it comes to self or home defense. California shotguns may look less effective in comparison with AR-15 or AK-47s but trust me, these are more powerful and well-made guns you can totally rely on.

Although there are a lot of great options to choose from San Diego gun stores, shotguns still remain at the top as they excel in hunting, sport shooting, home defense especially of large property and even for personal protection.

Shotguns are also available in a number of options so in order to choose which one is best for you, decide on the specific use of it. The choices out there in regards to shotguns are mind bogglingly huge with all sorts of mechanisms and actions, gauges, barrel lengths, ammunition and accessories. Firstly, there are 3 kinds of shotgun loads, birdshot, buckshot or slugs.

The birdshot and buckshot have pallets in them that spread in the air when shot. The birdshot has smaller pallets while the buckshot has bigger ones. The slugs are a large solid projectile which has a better range and penetration.

For home defense or self-defense I would always recommend the buckshot as they are more damaging for the attacker rather than the property.

Different Type of Shotguns

1.Double Barrel Shotguns

When we say shotguns, a double barrel gun is what generally pops in everyone’s mind as it’s the traditional style of it. The most common types being side-to-side and over-and-under. The side-to-side refers to both barrels placed side by side of each other firing both shots simultaneously. The over-and-under refers to the barrels being stacked on top of each other. These styles of California shotguns are ideal for experienced hunters teaching amateur hunters the sport of hunting. It is also ideal for security purposes in a shop, home or office.

2.Semi-Automatic Shotguns

The semi-automatic shotguns are the modernized version of the traditional. You can immediately tell them apart as it doesn’t have that traditional double barrel and has only one single barrel. These guns have been gaining popularity among the masses due to its increased dependability and up-to-date enhancements. The semi-automatic shotguns available at San Diego gun stores have a reduced recoil and a bigger magazine capacity. As compared to the pump-action guns, the semi-automatic guns cycle the bolt from the pressure of the first round automatically.

3.Pump-Action Shotguns

Pump-action shotguns are seen in many Hollywood movies and have always provided some gratifying action scenes. This type of shotgun has also been used in the military so it has a special place in the hearts of American people. Pump-action shotguns are pretty similar to the semi-automatic ones over here; the action is cycled by the shooter and not the gun itself. Although it needs some muscle power, it is said to be more reliable in terms of safety than a semi. Even though it has the same disadvantages as the semi, having one barrel, one choke and more convoluted cleaning process.

4.Bolt-Action Shotguns

Bolt-actions shotguns are practical but have lost their charm to the other modernized versions. This shotgun is best intended for firing slugs at distant ranges. The gun is loaded with a bolt action by pulling it back to eject and pushing it forward to chamber. For better accuracy, an attachment of point scope can be attached to it. Some bolt-action shotguns have a rifle barrel to give it the spin for better slug accuracy.

5.Over/Under Shotguns

Over/under shotguns are designed in such a way that it allows shooter’s discretion to either aim over or under the intended target. This style of shotgun’s barrel lies above the receiver, the top one is located farther away than the bottom one. The shells of this shotgun are either above or below the center of the barrel, allowing the shooters to choose according to its preference of target acquisition. Since the barrel is above the receiver, the shooter can see whether the shell is going higher or lower than the intended target. When using an over/under shotgun, always look from the top barrel rather than the lower one for better aim and to avoid any injury.

Ending Lines

Shotguns are a great firearm that have been around for over a century. The modern tweaks in the guns have made them more reliable and dependable. You can choose the best shotgun according to your usage and enjoy the lethal power of it!