Did you know that in 1887, Winchester came out with their first repeating shotguns? Shotguns are versatile firearms widely used for various purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement.
One of the factors that make shotguns unique is their ability to fire a cluster of pellets (shot) or a single projectile (slug). In this blog post, we will explore the different types of shotguns available, their features, and their specific applications.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the world of shotguns, read on for a guide that will help you understand the various options and make an informed decision when choosing a shotgun.
Semi-Automatic Shotgun
With this type of shotgun, every time the trigger is pulled, one shot is fired and the shell is ejected. Then a new shell is chambered. Semi-automatic guns use the shot’s recoil to automatically eject the empty shell.
In comparison to other shotguns, these guns have a higher speed of shooting. You can use 380 ACP auto ammo for these models. Normally, people use semi-auto shotguns in competitive shooting, self-defense, and hunting.
Pump Action Shotguns
Pump action shotguns are known for being reliable and versatile. They can hold multiple rounds, so you can spend more time shooting rather than reloading. You manually have to slide or use a pump action to eject a spent shell and chamber a new round.
The main thing you have to do as the shooter is pump it back completely in order to get the best experience before shooting. Pump action shotguns do not jam very often, so they are very popular for hunting and home defense.
The main con is that they only fire as fast as the shooter can work the action.
Double Barrel Shotguns
Another name for these is break action shotguns because instead of using one barrel they use two. This is the simplest type of shotgun used nowadays. When you load this gun you have to engage the action release, fold the barrel downward, and then place the new shell into the waiting chamber.
There is a hinge between the barrel and stock, which allows them to break open and expose the breach so that you can load the shells.
Sport shooters and hunters prefer a double barrel gun because overall they are shorter in length but still have the same barrel length. Sometimes, this shotgun has an extractor that pops out spent shells as soon as it’s opened.
Feeling Like a Shotgun Pro?
Now that you learned about the most common types of shotguns, you can make an informed decision on which shotgun you prefer. Whether you are looking for speed, reliability, or precision, there is something for everyone.
Remember to consider factors such as ammunition compatibility, intended use, and personal preferences when choosing the ideal shotgun for your shooting endeavors. If our blog post came in handy, make sure you continue browsing this section for our latest reads.