Shotguns Under $300

Shotguns. They're powerful, simple to use and maintain, and easy for the novice shooter to learn to use effectively. We'll cover shotguns in this part of the Firearms Under $300 topic.

In the under-$300 category, there are a number of pump-action shotguns available, both new and used, which are sufficient to meet one's home protection needs. Note that I say "pump-action". I have never seen a reputable semi-automatic shotgun available within our price range. That's not to say one doesn't exist, just that I haven't seen one.

There are a few characteristics to look for in a home defense shotgun. First, a short barrel- 18" is the legal minimum in the US. 18"-20" is short enough to be maneuverable within the confines of one's home. Second, larger magazine capacity. A full-length magazine tube (which extends the full length of the barrel) is desireable. If the shotgun you want to buy doesn't have this feature, there are aftermarket extensions available which are easily installed. Third, is the type of choke (tapering of the muzzle end of the barrel). Buy a shotgun with a "cylinder", or "improved cylinder" choke.
Also, a word on ammunition: There are two conventional types of shotgun ammunition for personal protection: buckshot and slugs. Without going into lengthy detail (that's what Google is for), if you live in a densely-populated area, I recommend sticking with buckshot. It's less likely to penetrate exterior walls and endanger your neighbors. Also, cheaper training can be accomplished with less-expensive birdshot (which is generally not suitable for self-defense).

Another word on ammunition: 12-gauge is the most common shotgun cartridge, and bulk ammunition is cheapest for it. However, for smaller-statured or otherwise recoil-sensitive persons, a smaller 20-gauge shotgun is a viable alternative.

So, let's look at a few examples of good-quality shotguns:

Remington 870

Remington's 870 model is a classic. For 50 years it has been the shotgun most commonly found in police arsenals, due to it's reliability and affordability. Many 870s can be found used for under $300, and sometimes new ones can be found at around $300 as well.

Mossberg 500/590

Also extremely popular with police agencies, as well as being a standard-issue shotgun in the US military, the Mossberg 500 and 590-series shotguns are rugged and reliable. Many of them (such as the one above) also have an built-in extended magazine tube, to hold up to 9 shotshells (depending on the model). These shotguns tend to be slightly more expensive than comparable Remington models, but many can still be found (used) in the under-$300 price point.

Winchester 1300 Defender

Winchester's excellent 1300 model is also frequently available in this price range. Winchester offers the 1300 in a purpose-built "Defender" model, as shown above, with a full-length magazine tube and "open" ("cylinder") choke. If you decide to buy a 1300, look for a Defender.