The average 12-Gauge shotgun costs $975, with most new 12-gauges costing between $350 and $2,000. However, some single-shot models cost as little as $110, while high-end models can cost as much as $10,000. The cost of a 12-GA shotgun depends on the action, brand, and other factors we break down in this article.
12-GA shotguns come in various styles and are one of the most popular home defense weapons. In addition, 12-gauge firearms are an excellent choice for hunting, wing shooting, and sporting clays. This price guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a wise shotgun purchase, including:
Cost summary: Average cost of a 12-gauge shotgun
The average 12-gauge shotgun costs $975, has a capacity of rounds, and has a inch barrel.
| Average | $975 |
| Typical range | $350 -$2,000 |
| Low | $110 |
| High | $10,000 |
We researched 12-gauge shotguns at Guns.com, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Academy Sports to show you the full scope of 12-gauge shotgun prices. If you are on a tight budget, consider a single-shot model.
Cost by action
The cost of a 12-shotgun varies by action type, as shown in the table below. Single-shot guns, such as break-action models, are the cheapest. Over-under-action shotguns tend to be the most expensive.
| Action type | Typical cost |
| Break | $150 – $2,000 |
| Lever | $350 – $1,850 |
| Over-under | $350 – $4,500 |
| Pump | $200 – $1,950 |
| Semi-automatic | $250 – $3,000 |
If you are not sure which action is best for you, here is a shopping guide for action type:
- Break-action shotguns
- Pump-action shotguns
- Semi-auto shotguns
- Lever-action shotgun
- Over-under shotguns
Break-action shotguns
Break-action (alo called break-open) shotguns can be single or double-barreled, and single-barreled break-action shotguns are typically the least expensive 12-GA shotguns. For example, the Hatfield SLG 12 Gauge Break-Open Shotgun costs about $140. However, double-barreled models are much better for sportsmen and hunters, so most 12-GA break-actions have two barrels.
Single-barrel break-action shotguns are fantastic for youngsters, but I would not recommend a 12-GA for a child. Consider a 410 break-action shotgun instead. 410-bore shotguns cost less than 12-GA and are much easier for small shooters to handle.
| Break-action Pros | Break-action Cons |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Compact ✓ Safe ✓ Good for left-handed shooters ✓ Simple mechanics ✓ Affordable single-barrel models | ✗ Limited capacity (1-2 shots) ✗ Limited variety of accessories ✗ Expensive double barrel models |
Pump-action shotguns
There is a wide variety of 12-GA pump-action shotguns, including many budget friendly-models. For example, the G Force Arms GF3T Tactical sells for about $200, and the Mossberg Maverick 88 All Purpose sells for about $220. The Remmington 870 is the most popular pump-action shotgun, costing about $450.
Pump-action shotguns are my personal favorite. You may also hear them referred to as slide-action firearms because you manually slide a pump to load a new shell. Although the process is slower than a semi-automatic, pump-actions offer more flexibility because you can load a variety of shell types. However, a 12-GA pump has heavy recoil, so it is not good for small or inexperienced shooters.
| Pump-action Pros | Pump-action Cons |
| ✓ High compacity ✓ Versatile ✓ Reliable ✓ Many affordable models | ✗ Slower than semis ✗ Heavy recoil ✗ Limited range |
Semi-auto shotguns
Semi-automatic shotguns are fast firing because they automatically chamber a new shell. This makes them a popular choice for hunters. Most semi-autos fall into one of the following categories:
- Gas-operated semis use the gas from your last shot to load the next shell. They are heavy but have less recoil than inertia semis. Gas-operated semi-automatics are also high maintenance because dirt and debris may cause the gun to malfunction.
- Inertia-operated firearms are also called recoil-operated because they use the recoil from your last shot to load the next bullet. They are lighter, lower maintenance, and more reliable than gas-operated guns. Consider an inertia-activated semi if you shoot in dirty conditions or extreme weather.
| Semi-auto Pros | Semi-auto Cons |
| ✓Fast ✓ Less recoil ✓ High capacity ✓ Far range | ✗ Less reliable than pump-action ✗ More expensive than a pump ✗ High-maintenance |
Lever-action shotgun
Lever-action is similar to pump-action and more common in riffles than shotguns. However, lever-action shotguns cost a little more than pump shotguns. Lever-action shotguns have a lever to push that loads the next shell.
| Lever Pros | Lever Cons |
| ✓ High capacity ✓ Reliable | ✗ Difficult to clean ✗ Slower than semis |
Over-under shotguns
An over-under shotgun is a double-barreled break-action firearm where one barrel is on top of the other. They tend to be expensive but are very reliable even in bad weather. They may have one or two triggers.
| Over-under Pros | Over-under Cons |
| ✓ Reliable ✓ Versatile ✓ Durable ✓ Well-balanced | ✘ Heavy recoil ✘ Limited capacity ✘ Expensive |
Cost by brand
The cost of a shotgun depends on the Brand that manufactures it, as shown in the table below.
| Brand | Typical range |
| American Tactical | $110 – $590 |
| Benelli | $380 – $3,700 |
| Beretta | $750 – $4,400 |
| Browning | $650 – $2,000 |
| Charles Daly | $140 – $960 |
| Henry | $500 – $620 |
| Mossberg | $250 – 1,250 |
| Remmington | $350 – $1,800 |
| Rizzini | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Stevens | $190 – $1,150 |
| TriStar | $200 – $2,250 |
| Winchester | $315 – $2,400 |
Check out our review of the Remington 1100 semi-automatic shotgun.
Cost by activity
Shotguns used for hunting typically cost a little more than guns used for home defense. However, everyday shotguns used for target practice generally are the cheapest.
Cost by receiver
Most firearms have an aluminum or steel receiver. The metal is shaped by one of three methods — cast, billet, or forged. Cast receivers are the cheapest, and billet receivers are the most expensive.
Related costs
Cost of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition
Most boxes of 12-gauge shotgun ammo cost $8 to $80. Although most boxes contain 25 rounds of ammo, some boxes of high-end hunting ammo can cost as much as $95 for five rounds.
| Average | $25 |
| Typical range | $15 – $40 |
| Low | $10 |
| High | $95 |
Buckshots cost less than shotgun slugs, but birdseye and target load bullets are the cheapest shotgun ammo.
Cost of a 410-bore shotgun
The average 410 shotgun costs about $600, which is less than the average cost of a 12-ga shotgun.
| Average | $600 |
| Typical range | $150 – $2,300 |
| Low end | $100 |
| High end | $10,000 |
Cost of a 20-gauge shotgun
The average 20-gauge shotgun costs $750, which is less than the cost of a 12-ga, but more than a 410-ga.
| Average | $750 |
| Typical range | $250 – $1,750 |
| Low | $120 |
| High | $10,000 |
Clay targets
A box of clay targets typically costs $15 – $35 and contains 135 – 250 targets.
FAQ
Is it worth owning a shotgun?
Shotguns come in many sizes, are customizable, and are great for home defense, hunting, and shooting clay.
What kind of shotgun do police use?
The most popular shotguns for police officers are 12-gauge pump-action firearms, such as the Remington 870 Shotgun.
Why are 12-gauge shotguns good for home security?
You can take down an attacker in one shot using 12-GA buckshots or slugs. They are faster, more powerful, and less likely to penetrate through walls than handguns. In addition, they look intimidating and scare away a home invader.
What is an advantage of a double-barrel shotgun?
You can load them with a variety of shotgun shells.
The information in the article on shot-guns is very informative. Having a knowledge of the weapon you are looking to purchase is very helpful. All the information gained from this site gives you a more detailed insight.
Thanks Miss Michelle !
Thanks Gerald!