Let there be little doubt — the 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is probably the most recognizable firearm on the planet — both in terms of how it looks and that unforgettable sound of racking the slide.
We love pump-action shotguns and decided it was high time to pull together a Best Of list for this classic firearm.
To find the best pump shotguns, we worked with an expert trap shooter as well as a known Pacific Northwest hunting guide, who spent over 10 hours field-testing 15 different pump shotguns in a variety of situations and ranges.
After testing this collection in the mountains and forests of Eastern Oregon, then on 3 different indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, our experts broke down the best performing pump shotguns by specific use case (and provided a few general recommendations) which offered the best mix of performance, functionality, and price.
With this guide, you’ll be able to find the right shotgun and avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.
