Shotguns are powerful at close range and short enough to use in tight spaces, which makes them perfect for self defense at home. The best pump shotgun should be easy to use properly, reliable in emergencies, powerful enough to drop an enemy, and reasonably affordable. Every gun offers a different balance, so it’s important to try a variety to find the right one. We decided to make the search a little easier by producing a list of ten great pump guns that embody those traits.
10. Mossberg Maverick 88
| Manufacturer | Mossberg |
| Capacity | 6+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18.5’’ |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
| Price Range | $200-$300 |
The Maverick 88 is a workhorse for people who want a self defense gun that also works for hunting or target shooting. The design includes dual extractors and an anti-jam elevator, so it’s reliable enough for defense. It also uses the same barrels as the popular Mossberg 500, which makes it easy to customize at a low price. This is a great first gun for novices and a decent backup for experienced shooters who already own a 500.
9. Cimarron 1897
| Manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| Capacity | 5+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 20’’ |
| Weight | 7.15 lbs |
| Price Range | $500-$600 |
The Cimarron 1897 is the best pump shotgun for history fans because it is a replica of the famous Winchester 1897. The original saw brutal use in the first world war, and it still performs adequately. This gun lacks a loading gate, which makes it easy to load quickly but risks dirt getting into the system. The sight is a simple bead and groove system, which is quick and easy at close ranges but bad for longer distances. These features make the 1897 a great choice for history buffs and those who value simplicity, but somewhat suboptimal for novices.
8. Weatherby PA-08 SYNTHETIC
| Manufacturer | Weatherby |
| Capacity | 4+1 |
| Caliber | 12/20 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 26/28’’ |
| Weight | 7.25 lbs |
| Price Range | $400-$500 |
The PA-08 is the best pump shotgun for people who want to use a 20 gauge weapon, but it’s also available for 12 gauge shooters. The stock has a recoil pad, which combines with the 20 gauge model’s low inherent recoil to make the kick negligible. It’s also easy to keep the gun clean and functional because the trigger system drops out for maintenance. This gun is a little longer than most others, but it is still maneuverable in all but the tightest homes. Use it if you want to avoid recoil, but try other guns if you want something with more power.
7. Chiappa C6
| Manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| Capacity | 5+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18.5’’ |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs |
| Price Range | $300-$400 |
The C6 is a decent, balanced choice for newer shooters. The gun is made from a mixture of steel and aluminum, which helps to cut down on its weight without sacrificing durability. All of the parts are manufactured to a precise standard, which combines with the materials to make a highly reliable weapon. The C6 can accept a pistol grip, so it’s fairly easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and shooters can thread Remington chokes into the barrel to adjust it for other uses. Consider this if you want a versatile gun that you can use for defense and for target shooting.
6. Hatsan Escort AimGuard
| Manufacturer | Hatsan |
| Capacity | 5+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18’’ |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs |
| Price Range | $100-$300 |
The AimGuard is the best pump shotgun for small shooters because the pump is unusually close to the gun’s rear. That makes it easy on shooters with short arms. The gun’s construction is fairly solid in spite of the low price. The receiver is made from aircraft alloy and the barrel is plated with chrome, so it’s hard to damage this gun. The stock’s shape is even slightly adjustable for increased comfort. This is a great choice for new shooters or anyone on a budget, but more experienced people should consider more expensive options.
5. Remington 870 Express Tactical
| Manufacturer | Remington |
| Capacity | 6+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18.5’’ |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Price Range | $600-$700 |
The Model 870 is the best pump shotgun for shooters who want to adjust and customize their weapon. The gun is drilled for scope mounts, and it comes with a Picatinny rail with a Ghost Ring sight on it. The sight is fully adjustable and can take a variety of optics, but it’s great for rapid target acquisition as it is. The barrel comes with a tactical choke to make sure that every shot has enough power to keep the shooter safe. This gun is best for shooters with some experience since they can take advantage of its customization options.
4. FN P-12
| Manufacturer | FN America |
| Capacity | 4/5+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18’’ |
| Weight | 7.43 lbs |
| Price Range | $600-$700 |
The P-12 is a dedicated tactical weapon. It comes with flip-up iron sights and a fiber-optic front sight, but it also has a weaver rail that can host other sights. The receiver is made from anodized aluminum, while the barrel is made of chrome-lined steel. Both materials resist corrosion, which makes this gun easy to maintain. It’s also quick to cycle because it uses FN’s speed pump system and uses recoil to assist the cycling. Most shooters can put this to good use, but novices and shooters who lack muscle mass will get the most use out of the speed pump system. If interested in this type of weapon you can check out our best 12 gauge shotgun list also.
3. Benelli M3 Convertible
| Manufacturer | Benelli |
| Capacity | 7+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 19.75’’ |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Price Range | $1400-$1800 |
The M3 is unique because it can function with a pump action or as a semi-automatic weapon. Switching between the two is fairly quick, and the gun remains reliable in spite of using two distinct mechanisms. Maintenance is just as easy, since the trigger assembly pops out after removing a single pin. The gun does have one big downside which is its high price, which is many times that of most other options. Shooters should only consider this gun if they value versatility and know when to switch between modes, while everyone else should get something cheaper.
2. Mossberg 590A1 Mariner
| Manufacturer | Mossberg |
| Capacity | 7+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18.5’’ |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
| Price Range | $700-$800 |
The 590A1 is a military design, which marks it as one of the most reliable options out there. It comes in a variety of configurations, but the Marine variant is usually the best bet. It has a Marinecote finish that resists most corrosion and makes it the best pump shotgun for use in harsh environments. The gun can hold seven shots, but the stock has room to carry four more, so it offers more ammo than most alternatives. The 590A1 is otherwise a simple weapon, which keeps it easy to use and maintain, so it’s perfect for new or intermediate shooters.
1. Winchester SXP Defender
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
| Capacity | 5+1 |
| Caliber | 12 Ga |
| Barrel Length | 18’’ |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Price Range | $300-$400 |
The Defender offers a mix of everything that a defensive gun needs. It exposes very little metal, so shooters don’t need to worry about the glare in bright light. A pad cuts down on recoil to boost accuracy while texturing on the synthetic stock ensures a good grip. The forearm grip is also ribbed to offer even more control. The barrel’s open choke can handle slugs or put out buckshot with a wide spread that makes it easy to hit a target. Most shooters of every skill level, even those on a tight budget, can get great results with this gun.
The Best Pump Shotguns: Pros And Cons
Believe it or not, there’s a huge advantage to using a pump shotgun. But as with anything, there’s always a downside to everything. However, we’ll start with the pros:
Versatility
Pump shotguns have a standard design, but they’re very functional. As with any weapon, it has its limits but pump shotguns are easy to adjust, as long as you have the right parts. The good news is you can modify your weapon in a matter of minutes—if you have some basic tools.
Reliable
Some people might not agree, but pump shotguns are some of the best in the business. It performs well in different environments, and it only requires basic maintenance. Not to mention it can handle a wide variety of ammunition—which is an advantage.
Popularity
You can find pump shotguns in almost any place that you go. If you want to get accustomed to using a certain weapon, it’s best to use one that is ubiquitous. Not only can you find it in many places, you can share the ammo between models, which is a plus. You can’t beat that!
Power
One thing you can count on with this particular weapon is power. It provides at least one ounce of lead per trigger pull. The best pump shotguns produce enough power and magazine strength to blast through most obstacles, especially at close range.
Socially Acceptable
No matter how powerful pump shotguns might be, they are usually more permissible to buy or own in most areas. Not to mention, if you plan to be on the road with you weapon, it’s better to have a gun that fits most legal jurisdictions. Not only that, but pump shotguns aren’t usually viewed as dangerous weapons. That’s good news for you since if you ever have to use your weapon, it won’t be with a rifle that’s considered dangerous.
Cost
A standard pump shotgun can be a lot more affordable than a brand named weapon, which is a plus if you’re buying your first gun or plan on purchasing multiple rifles.
Cons
Even if you buy the best shotguns on the market, there will be some things that aren’t all that great about them. Here are a few disadvantages:
Weight
It’s pretty obvious that shotguns won’t be your option for concealed carry or every day use. They’re heavy and the ammo needed for the barrel is huge, which makes it hard to use. If you’re using it to hunt, it can be a burden to carry around such heavy ammo.
Limited Rounds
Most pump shotguns can only carry a maximum of four to eight rounds, depending on the model. Unlike semi-automatic weapon, there’s not a lot of back-up ammunition and reloading the firearm is a bit of a hassle, plus it’s slow.
Heavy Recoil
Although this type of shotgun works well for home defense, it’s not for everybody. It has a heavy recoil which may be too hard for some people. However, there are other options available if you think the blow back would be too strong for you. A 20-gauge shotgun is smaller , which makes the recoil less impactful.
Final Thoughts On The Best Pump Shotguns
Reliability is vital in an emergency, so you need a gun that will always perform to a high standard, and that often means a shotgun. The best pump shotgun will offer the right mixture of reliability and power to keep you safe. If you have experience with any of the pump shotguns listed above, be sure to leave a comment about it to help other shooters pick their weapons.
