Top 20 Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Let's start with some basic terminology. Semi-automatic shotguns are just what the name implies, they're shot guns that can "reload themselves". We won't go into detail about how it works here, but basically when you fire a shell, the shotgun will load another one automatically so you can fire again immediately. An automatic shotgun on the other hand is probably not what you think it is. It doesn't shoot by itself! A full auto shot gun requires you to press and hold down on your trigger to shoot continuously while an ordinary semi-automatic fires once per pull of the trigger.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what your intended purpose is. Why do you want a shot gun? What will you use it for? The answer to this question will narrow down your options and allow you to pick the perfect shotgun for your needs.

If you're not sure yet or if there's more than one use, go for versatility! A semi-automatic shot gun can be used as a home defense weapon, a trap shooting firearm, a skeet/clay pigeon launcher and even as a hunting tool if required. If it can do all those things well, then make sure it's comfortable in the hands of the person that will handle it most of the time (usually yourself). You might also want to look into the types of ammunition it uses and how easy it is to find.

Looking for a home defense weapon? A tactical shotgun might be exactly what you're looking for. These shotguns usually have shorter barrels (between 18 and 20 inches) and are designed with maneuverability in mind. Some models come with pistol grips while others don't, so read up on different manufacturer's feature lists to see which one suits your needs better. If you want a tactical shotgun that can take more than 2 shells, make sure there is no law restricting this where you live!

Looking for a hunting tool? A nice single-barrel or double-barrel pump action shot gun should do just fine here. There aren't many things that require fast shooting speeds, so this should be more than enough.

Want to shoot some clay pigeons? This can also be done with a semi-automatic shotgun, but there are other options as well. Some shot guns have built in receivers for launching targets, which saves you the trouble of carrying around an extra piece of equipment. The downside is that these launchers usually only work with specific types and brands of ammunition... read up on your options before committing to anything!

This is mostly a matter of personal preference and we really can't answer this question for you, but we'll do our best to give some advice nevertheless! If it's your first time buying a shot gun or if you're just not familiar with different manufacturers, go with a well-known brand. Names like Remington or Mossberg are almost synonyms with shot guns so you can't really go wrong by choosing one of them. Keep in mind that some companies are specialized in tactical models while others focus on hunting tools instead.

You also have the option to buy an unusual or rare shotgun that might not be available everywhere just yet if you want to get into something unique! If it's your first shotgun, you should probably avoid this route though since some things might be harder to find down the road.

The price for semi-automatic shotguns varies depending on the manufacturer and the type of gun itself. Some are more expensive than others simply because they better quality, but there are also exceptions to this. You should always pick a semi-automatic shot gun that has all the features you need and none of the ones you don't... but also consider whether it's worth investing in another one when your budget for buying a new firearm is limited.

Even though we covered most aspects of choosing a semi-automatic shotgun in this article, there are still some things we didn't touch base on because we just couldn't fit them in! If you're very serious about getting into skeet/trap shooting or using your shot gun as a hunting tool, have a look at our articles about specific types of shots guns used for these purposes. We'd also suggest checking out our list of recommended shotguns if you're interested in learning more about what you can get for your money.

Just keep in mind that a new semi-automatic shot gun might have some serious kickback until it gets used a bit, so try shooting from a distance first to see if it's comfortable enough to handle until the kick decreases!