Before You Buy Your First Shotgun | Freedom Weapons LLC

3 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Your First Shotgun

Are you planning to buy your first shotgun? Shotguns have been the all-time favorite of hunters and firearm enthusiasts. They offer numerous advantages while hunting and target shooting, making them the perfect choice for beginners.

Before you buy your first shotgun, you should understand the following tips to help you feel confident and prepared as you start your search for the perfect shotgun.

Understand the Gauge

The gauge of a shotgun refers to the diameter of its bore. The bore is the interior of the barrel through which the shot travels. Shotguns come in various gauges, ranging from the very small .410 to the large 10-gauge. Popular shotgun gauges for sporting and home defense usage are 12-gauge and 20-gauge.

To choose the right gauge for your first shotgun, you have to consider the type of shooting you plan to do. If you're interested in hunting larger game, a 12-gauge shotgun would be the better choice. On the other hand, a 20-gauge shotgun is more suitable for smaller game and clay target shooting.

Home defense shotguns typically come in 12-gauge as well, but it's important to keep in mind that the larger the gauge, the more recoil you'll experience when firing. So if you have concerns about managing the recoil, a 20-gauge shotgun might be a better option for home defense.

Know Your Action Type

Shotguns come in different action types, such as break-action, pump-action, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. Break-action and pump-action shotguns are recommended for beginners, as they are simple to operate and maintain. They are also more affordable than semi-automatic or fully automatic shotguns.

Break-action shotguns involve breaking the barrel open to load and unload ammunition. They typically have one or two barrels, allowing you to fire one or two shots before reloading. On the other hand, pump-action shotguns have a tube magazine under the barrel that holds multiple shells. This allows you to fire multiple shots without reloading. However, both shotgun types require manual operation for each shot, making them more reliable and easier to control for beginners.

Semi-automatic and fully automatic shotguns tend to be complex and expensive. They use gas or recoil to cycle the next round, allowing you to fire multiple shots with a single trigger pull. While these shotguns may be more convenient, they also require more practice and experience to operate safely. They have a higher rate of fire and can quickly become uncontrollable if you fail to handle them properly.

As a beginner, start with simpler action types and gradually work your way up as you gain more experience.

Choose the Right Ammunition

Choosing the right ammunition significantly affects the shotgun's performance and suitability for different activities. Shotguns use shells packed with various small pellets or a single slug. These pellets come in different sizes, also known as shot sizes, and they are used for hunting different types of game at varying distances.

The two main types of shotgun shells are birdshot and buckshot. Birdshot shells contain small pellets and are ideal for hunting small game, birds, or clay target shooting. The small pellets spread out in a wide pattern, increasing the chances of hitting a moving target.

Buckshot shells contain larger pellets and are typically used for hunting larger game and home defense. These shells produce a concentrated pattern to deliver more power to the target and cause more damage.

Shotgun slugs are also available as single-piece projectiles for hunting large game at greater distances. These are usually used in rifled shotgun barrels for improved accuracy. Ensure you check local regulations and preferences of the hunting area before you decide on the type of shotgun shells.

At Freedom Weapons, we're committed to helping you make an informed decision for your first shotgun purchase. We offer a wide range of shotguns from reputable brands, so you can be sure to find the perfect fit. Call us today to learn more about our selection and let us assist you in your search.