The best semi auto shotgun may not be as reliable as a pump shotgun, but it is safe enough to serve a homeowner who needs to defend their family and their property. In addition, it can be an excellent choice for a sports person who needs to hunt or just shoot targets. These auto shotguns have been in the market for an extended period, and they are the first choice for many people thanks to their reduced recoil, versatility, ease of use and maintenance, and lightweight.
10. Beretta AL391
| Manufacturer | Beretta |
| Capacity | 4 |
| Gauge | 20 |
| Barrel Length | 24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32” |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Price Range | $700 – $900 |
The AL391 often takes the place of sports gun, but in the recent past, the auto shotgun has become a staple for home protection as well. It features a slim fore-end and an aluminum receiver, which significantly reduces its weight and makes it easy to use. In addition, it features a magazine plug to adjust rounds and a magazine cut-off to replace chambered shells. Due to its self-compensating recoil systems, which runs on gas, it’s one of the best semi auto shotguns under $1,000.
9. Mossberg 935 Magnum
| Manufacturer | Mossberg |
| Capacity | 5 |
| Gauge | 10 |
| Barrel Length | 24” |
| Weight | 7.75 lbs |
| Price Range | $800 – $850 |
The 935 is a great shotgun with magnum loads. It boasts high-rate down-range performance, dual vent system, and over-bored barrels. In addition, the relatively small shotgun has a 3.5 stopping power operation and a quick magazine release button. The Mossberg semi auto shotgun has a stock drop spacer and a drilled, tapped receiver. Its features enhance improved sightliness, reduced pellet deformation, and ease of use in low light environments. Also, it offers great flexibility making this the best semi auto shotgun for the price.
8. Remington 1100
| Manufacturer | Remington Arms |
| Capacity | 4 |
| Gauge | 12 or 20 |
| Barrel Length | 18” to 30” |
| Weight | 8 lbs |
| Price Range | $950 – $1,200 |
This gas-operated shotgun is popular in sports, but it has featured changes in weight, reliability, and recoil. Now, it’s an excellent home defense shotgun. The gun, first introduced in 1963, features sleek lines that make it easy to handle and use. Featuring plastic shot shells and old version paper shells does not stop this weapon from being the best semi auto shotgun. It comes with a self-compensating design and a carrier release on the underside. Additionally, it has an adjustable carbon fiber stock and a shell catcher. With only a few days of training, anyone can use this gun.
7. Winchester Super X3
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
| Capacity | 4 |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 28” |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
| Price Range | $930 – $970 |
The SX3 offers a light and balanced feel. This is due to the recoil spring and the alloy magazine tube which reduce weight by up to 0.5 pounds. Besides great usability, the semi automatic shotgun features chrome plated chamber that enhances durability. Some of its special features include a synthetic stock for the best grip and a self-adjusting system which adjusts loads while minimizing felt recoil. The Winchester shotgun features black-bored technology for finest shot patterns. Availability of parts and accessories, flexibility and ease of use gives this semi-automatic shotgun an edge over others in the market.
6. Franchi 720
| Manufacturer | Franchi |
| Capacity | 4 |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 24”, 26”, 28” |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs, 6lbs, 6.1 lbs |
| Price Range | $600 – $750 |
Franchi has been in the semi-automatic shotgun industry since 1868 as reflected in the high-rate quality of the 720. This 20 gauge semi auto shotgun comes with a gas operated system which drives bolt backward during firing. Key features include a Twin Shock Absorber which reduces recoil by spreading the energy produced over shooter’s shoulder. That makes it one of the best shotguns for all users, even newbies. Additionally, it has an alloy steel receiver to reduce weight and a synthetic stock for good grip. This automatic shotgun comes handy for home defense, hunting, and other sports.
5. Browning Gold
| Manufacturer | Browning |
| Capacity | 5 |
| Gauge | 10 |
| Barrel Length | 26”, 28” |
| Weight | 6 lbs, 7 lbs |
| Price Range | $1,050 – $1,200 |
This semi automatic shotgun comes with an exquisite finish that warrants it the name gold. The checkering on the handle and fore-end gives it a light feel and comfortable grip. Its “Invector Plus” tubes enhance great shot patterns. It features self-adjusting gas system and trigger-guard safety. It’s an excellent 20 gauge semi auto shotgun for soft shots. In addition, the mild recoil makes it great for those not accustomed to the weight and force. This shotgun is easy to use and comes with reduced noise, making it a great sports firearm.
4. Benelli Super Black Eagle
| Manufacturer | Benelli |
| Capacity | 4 |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 26” |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs |
| Price Range | $1,450 – $1,550 |
Benelli has set the standard for all other shotguns. The SBE semi-automatic shotgun series is capable of firing 2-3/4 inches, 3 inches, and 3-1/2 inches shells without the need for adjustments. It comes with great features such a comfort tech system to reduce recoil, Air-Touch grip with a checkered pattern, and a fiber optic front bar. In addition, you can take advantage of the heavy trigger guard that accommodates even gloved fingers. The Benelli shotgun has an inertia driven system for stability. Even more, they have left-hand models available with left-shoulder recoil pads making it reliable and easy to use by a wide range of users.
3. Saiga-12
| Manufacturer | Izhmash |
| Capacity | 10+20 |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 16.9”, 22.8” |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Price Range | $700 – $ 1,100 |
Named after the saiga antelope, this high capacity shotgun comes in a horde of configurations, making it the best semi auto shotgun for sporting activities. Moreover, it is a gas operated gun that incorporates several features missing in other shotguns. These include a Picatinny rail atop the receiver for optics, muzzle brake, and push button for easy magazine release. Though the Saiga-12 shotgun has been around since 1997, new models come with great features for sports people.
2. Vepr-12
| Manufacturer | Morot Oluzhie Ltd. |
| Capacity | 12+25 |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 20.5” |
| Weight | 10 lbs |
| Price Range | $800 – $900 |
Vepr-12 is a detachable magazine shotgun that has been in production since 2003. The gun comes with a stamped steel receiver made for durability. A safety catch and a bolt release mechanism keep the user safe and make it easy to use. Some models feature a folding stock while others have a fixed stock. Though the shotgun was originally for military use, nowadays it is more popular for sporting activities such as hunting. It’s possibly the best 12 gauge shotgun for home defense, making it highly versatile.
1. Akdal MKA 1919
| Manufacturer | Akdal Arms |
| Capacity | 5 |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 19” |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs |
| Price Range | $400 – $550 |
This is a lightweight shotgun that comes handy in sports activities and home defense. It is easy to handle and shoots quickly. In addition, it is one of the best magnum-fed shotguns with features such as two mags and three internal choke tubes. In addition, it has impact resistant polymer on stock, pistol grip, and lower receiver. The MKA 1919 is the best semi auto shotgun under 500 you can find for the price. It also comes with an easily removable barrel for swift cleaning, and easy AR controls like bolt release, return spring, safety, and changing handle. Even beginners can operate this gun with ease.
Why You Should Decide To Get A Shotgun
When you think of owning a gun, a shotgun might not come to mind. However, there are several advantages to owning one; check them out below:
Performance
Shotguns offer a lot of force and they also provide good performance. If you want a weapon you can count on, a shot gun is a good option. Not only is it easy to handle, it’s been a go-to weapon for generations.
Cost And Availability
Shotguns are generally less expensive than other weapons, so it’s a good choice for those on a budget. Not to mention, it’s easy to purchase. Shotguns are very accessible within local gun shops, as opposed to other weapons. With that said, you can upgrade your gun when necessary and do so at a low cost.
Wide Range Of Ammo
One of the great things about shotguns is its versatility when it comes to ammunition. They can be used to shoot different targets that a smaller firearm can’t do. For instance, you can use shotgun bullets to take down small game or operate it to while hunting. Not to mention, if you want to fire the weapon and not cause harm to an intruder, some shotgun ammo can take a person down without causing injury.
Basically, you can use a shotgun for various purposes without switching rifles.
Legislative Protection
Since most shotguns are viewed as sporting rifles, they’re usually not any laws banning them. The rules vary from city to city, so it’s important to check the regulations in your area. Some urban areas are against shotguns, but prefer residents to use handguns instead.
Easy To Maintain
Luckily, most shotguns are easy to clean, and the supplies needed to maintain the weapon are fairly inexpensive. This is a great quality because if you use your weapon often, it takes more to keep up the maintenance, but cheaper products help you save money.
Safety Tips For Your Semi-Automatic Shotgun
One of the primary rules of owning a firearm is operating it safely. Here are a few tips for avoiding accidents:
Unload Your Firearm After Use
This first tip might be a no-brainer, but it’s easy to get careless when you’re handling a firearm. After you’re done shooting, make sure you remove all bullets before proceeding. If you’re in a hurry or headed to another shooting location, you might feel as if it’s not a big deal to unload your weapon. However, anything can happen within a short amount of time, so it’s important to remove ammo every time your gun isn’t in use.
Don’t Solely Rely On Your Gun Safety
Even if the safety feature is switched on your gun, you still have to be careful. The safety is a mechanical function that can stop working at anytime. With that said, it’s never okay to put your finger on the trigger or point it towards another person. Use your gun with caution whether the safety is on or not.
Be Careful If The Gun Doesn’t Fire
If your rifle misfires, that’s a red flag. If you pull the trigger and nothing happens, that doesn’t mean it won’t work the second or third time you pull the trigger. Therefore, fire the weapon again, don’t treat is as if your gun is malfunctioning; operate it as if there are no issues with it. The last thing you want to do is to assume the gun won’t fire, and it does.
Use Protective Eye and Ear Protection
This tip might also seem like common sense. However, it’s easy to become easy-going and assume nothing will happen when you’re shooting. But you must protect yourself every time you go out in the field. Plus, you’ll feel much better knowing that you have on the proper gear for shooting.
Make Sure You Know What’s Beyond Your Target
The biggest mistake you can make is to shoot your gun without being certain where your target is. Not only that, it’s also wise to have a good idea of what’s behind the mark. Sometimes the bullet go further than anticipated, and if anyone or anything is behind your target, a serious accident can happen. Before you go out on the field, make sure you know how far your bullet can travel before you go out shooting.
Get Acquainted With Your Weapon
One of the worst things you can do is to not get familiar with your rifle before taking it out to shoot. When you know all the ins and out of your weapon, you’ll find yourself struggling while your in the field. Not only that, it easier to lose control of while you’re shooting if you’re not acquainted with the gun. So, read the manufacturer’s manual and learn as much as you can.
What To Look For When Choosing A Semi-Automatic Shotgun
Choosing the right gun takes a lot of thought. You never want to choose one based off of price or popularity. However, everything should be determined by your needs. Below are a few suggestions to help you pick a new weapon:
The Use of The Rifle
One of the first things you need to take into consideration is the reason you’re getting the rifle. Shotguns are extremely versatile, so you can use them from anything from home protection to hunting. Once you’ve made that decision, everything else will pretty much fall into place. Knowing that information will help you decide what size you need, the ammo, etc.
The Rate Of Shooting
Another thing that you need to think about is how quickly you want your weapon to fire. Luckily, semi-automatic shotguns shoots faster than any other shotgun. Therefore, if you’re going to use your weapon for hunting, it’s best to choose a rifle that quick.
Making The Right Choice
Choosing the best semi auto shotgun can be a daunting task, especially when one has never owned one before. Nevertheless, a simple research will show which guns to buy based on their functionality, affordability and special features. However, if you don’t want to limit yourself to semi automatics, check out our comprehensive list of the top shotguns for home defense.
