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When speed and precision are paramount, selecting the right competition shotgun is just as important as perfecting your quad load or running target transition drills. Here are five excellent options you should consider when gearing up for your next competitive shooting stage.
A quality competition shotgun should cycle reliably, have quality sights for rapid target acquisition, and must be easy to reload quickly under stress. Whether you prefer a classic pump action or a more modern semi-auto, consider a model that is equipped with fiber optic ghost ring sights and either an opened loading port (for tube-fed shotguns) or a competition magwell (for magazine-fed shotguns).
In terms of ergonomics, the Classic Firearms team generally recommends enlarged controls for improved handling as well as a recoil reduction system that allows for rapid follow-up shots. Select models ship with these features from the factory, but aftermarket solutions are available for most of the shotguns featured below. Fine-tuning your shotgun's performance may help shave valuable seconds off of your time.
Also be aware that some manufacturers recommend a break-in period using specific shotshell loads to ensure that the gun functions properly. It's always preferrable to test your shotgun and troubleshoot any malfunctions before attempting a course of fire under time constraints, as this will give you an opportunity to become intimately familiar with how your firearm shoots so you can make quick adjustments should something go wrong once the timer is ticking away.
For our list, we've selected the best all-around pump action and semi-auto shotguns for competitive shooting based on the above criteria. From entry-level picks to high-end options, we've got something here for everyone - regardless of experience, skill level, or budget.
Panzer's MAG12 is a relatively slim, lightweight AR-style shotgun that utilizes the same controls as your favorite rifle. Best of all, it accepts all FR-99 and AR-12 magazines - including drums. This model allows you to shoot longer and reload faster without learning a brand new manual of arms when transitioning to shotgun stages and is perfect for new shooters.
Hard on targets but easy on the wallet, this impressive Benelli M4 clone features a short-stroke dual piston gas operating system for flawless cycling. Each gun ships with a skeletonized stock, ghost ring sights, and a Picatinny top rail for mounting your preferred red dot optic.
The Mossberg 590S is designed to reliably feed 1.75", 2.75", or 3" shotshells without issue and is the ideal choice for shooters who prefer a pump action firearm. Moreover, with the 590 series' robust aftermarket support, it is easy to customize with an adjustable stock, pistol grip, etc. if you so desire.
Beretta makes some incredible shotguns, but the A300 and 1301 are two of the best for modern competitive shooting. Each model features enlarged controls and an enhanced loading port, with ghost ring sights as well as a substantial polymer forend. The key difference is that the 1301 Tactical uses the BLINK gas system, which allows for 36% faster cycling and offers increased reliability even under adverse conditions.
The Origin-12 shotgun from Fostech is truly in a league of its own, with all nickel internals and a quick-change barrel system. For added versatility, each Origin-12 ships with a tunable gas block and a folding MFT Battlelink Minimalist stock from the factory. Shooters can actuate the bolt release, mag release, and safety / selector switch without breaking their firing grip, reducing the fine motor functions necessary when reloading.
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There are many divisions within the shooting sports encompassing rifles, pistols, shotguns, and combinations of the three. Discover how you can build the ultimate 3Gun loadout to tackle any shooting stage by watching our video with 3Gun Kenzie below!
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