Most shotguns cost $200 to $1,400, with the average shotgun priced at $715. However, some types of shotguns are more expensive than others. Low-end single-shot models can cost as little as $100, and high-end shotguns can cost as much as $10,000. Firearm prices vary depending on gauge, action, and other factors that we explain in this article.
Shotguns are an ideal weapon for home security, hunting, and shooting clay. Americans began using shotguns in the 19th century for hunting and law enforcement, and they soon became a popular choice for battle. Today, they are still widely used because of their power and versatility.
In this article:
- Cost summary
- Cost by gauge
- Cost by action
- Cost by brand
- Cost by receiver
- Cost by finish
- Single vs. double barrel shotguns
- Related costs
- FAQ
Cost summary – Average price of a shotgun
The average shotgun costs about $715, as shown in the table below.
| Average | $715 |
| Typical range | $200 – $1,400 |
| Low | $100 |
| High | $10,000 |
We researched guns at Guns.com, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, and Sportsman Warehouse to provide the full range of shotgun prices. If you are on a budget and shooting small game, consider a single-shot 410 shotgun.
Cost by gauge
Shotguns with a smaller gauge have a bigger bore and tend to cost more, as seen in the table below.
| Shotgun gauge | Typical cost |
| 410-bore | $150 – $2,300 |
| 20-gauge | $250 – $1,750 |
| 12-gauge | $350 -$2,000 |
| 10-gauge | $780 – $2,000 |
Please remember that lower gauges can take down bigger prey.
410-bore shotguns
Most 410 shotguns cost $150 to $2,300. Many models have a reasonable price, and they are great for shooting small prey. They are also an excellent option for youngsters learning to shoot.
| Average | $600 |
| Typical range | $150 – $2,300 |
| Low | $100 |
| High | $10,000 |
20-gauge shotguns
Most 20-gauge shotguns cost $250 to $1,750. 20-gauge shotguns are larger and more powerful than a 410 and an excellent choice for bird hunting. They have more recoil than 410s, but not as much as a 12-gauge.
| Average | $750 |
| Typical range | $250 – $1,750 |
| Low | $120 |
| High | $10,000 |
12-gauge shotguns
A typical 12-gauge shotgun costs $350 to $2,000. They are great for home defense and hunting large game, such as deer. They are also a popular choice for lawn enforcement. About half of the shotguns purchased are 12-gauge models.
| Average | $975 |
| Typical range | $350 -$2,000 |
| Low | $110 |
| High | $10,000 |
10-gauge shotguns
Most 10-gauge shotguns cost $780 – $2,000. They are the largest you can legally buy in the U.S. and are mainly used for hunting waterfowl. However, they can be challenging to find because many retailers don’t carry 10-gauge shotguns.
Cost by action
Single-shot break action shotguns are the cheapest, and over-under action shotguns are the most expensive.
| Action type | Typical cost |
| Break | $125 – $2,000 |
| Lever | $350 – $1,850 |
| Over-under | $400 – $3,100 |
| Pump | $200 – $2,000 |
| Semi-automatic | $300 – $2,500 |
Break-action shotguns
Break-action shotguns are also called break-open guns, usually costing $125 to $2,000. Single-barrel models are some of the most affordable shotguns, but double-barrel guns are pricey.
| Break-action Pros | Break-action Cons |
| ✓ Easy handling ✓ Good for left-handed shooters ✓ Simple mechanics ✓ Affordable single-barrel models | ✗ Limited capacity (1-2 shots) ✗ Limited variety of accessories |
Pump-action shotguns
Pump shotguns typically cost $200 to $2,000, making them an affordable option for shooters who want a higher compacity than a single-shot.
| Pup-action Pros | Pump-action Cons |
| ✓ High capacity ✓ Versatile ✓ Reliable ✓ Affordable | ✗ Slower than semis ✗ Heavy recoil ✗ Limited range |
Semi-automatic shotguns
Most semi-auto shotguns cost $300 to $2,500. Semi-shotguns are popular with hunters because they automatically load the next shell once a shot is fired.
| 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 shotguns
Lever-action shotguns are similar to pump-action, except there is a level that you push instead of a pump. Lever-action is found more in riffles than in shotguns.
| Lever Pros | Lever Cons |
| ✓ High capacity ✓ Reliable | ✗ Difficult to clean ✗ Slower than semis |
Over-under-action shotguns
Over-under shotguns are expensive, typically costing $400 to $3,000. They are break-action firearms with two barrels, one placed on top of the other.
| Over-under Pros | Over-under Cons |
| ✓ Reliable ✓ Versatile ✓ Durable ✓ Well-balanced | ✗ Heavy recoil ✗ Limited capacity ✗ Expensive |
Cost by brand
As shown in the table below, shotgun prices differ by brand.
| Brand | Typical range |
| American Tactical Imports | $125 – $550 |
| Benelli | $400 – $3,000 |
| Beretta | $750 – $4,000 |
| Browning | $700 – $2,000 |
| Charles Daly | $110 – $1,000 |
| Henry | $500 – $1,000 |
| Mossberg | $350 – $1,200 |
| Remmington | $350 – $1,800 |
| Rizzini | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Stevens | $150 – $1,100 |
| TriStar | $200 – $2,000 |
| Winchester | $150 – $2,400 |
Shotgun brands known for quality and reliability include the following:
- Benelli: They have a fantastic assortment of shotguns, typically costing $400 to $3,000. One of their most famous firearms is the Benelli M4 (riffle). The U.S. Marines have used it since 1999, and you can own an M4 for $2,000 to $3,000.
- Beretta: Typically costing $750 to $4,000, Beretta shotguns ain’t cheap, but they are dependable. They are one of the oldest gun manufacturers and have been a trusted name in firearms since 1526. The Beretta A400 is popular with hardcore hunters and usually costs $1,700 to $3,000.
- Browning: Typically costing $700 – $2,000, Browning shotguns are known for reliability and accuracy. The Browning BPS Field shotgun is one of the best pump-action shotguns; you can find one for $500 to $800.
- Henry: Most Henry shotguns cost $500 to $1,000, and they are best known for their single-shot 410-bore models. The Henry H015 410 is a popular choice for youngsters learning to shoot, and you can buy one for about $500.
- Mossberg: Expect a Mossberg shotgun to cost $350 to $1,200. One of the most praised pump-action tactical shotguns is the Mossberg 590A1, which can hold up to 9 rounds for just $800 to $900.
- Remington: Most Remmington shotguns cost $350 – $2,800, and they are one of the top shotgun manufacturers. The Remington 1100 has been praised since 1963 for its superb engineering and the Remington 870 is one of today’s best-selling shotguns.
Cost by receiver
A shotgun receiver is usually made from aluminum or steel, and three methods are used to shape the metal:
- Cast receivers are the cheapest and are shaped by pouring molten metal into a mold.
- Billet receivers are the most expensive, and they are the most aesthetically appealing. They are shaped using a continuous casting method.
- Forged receivers cost more than cast but less than billet. The metal is hammered into shape; many shooters prefer them because they are the strongest.
Cost by finish
There are many shotgun finishes to choose from, including:
- Black oxide is one of the most popular finishes, and black oxide shotguns usually cost $440 to $1,380.
- Synthetic finishes are typically black, and most shotguns with a synthetic finish cost $150 to $1,600.
- Camo finishes come in many styles, including woodland camo and hex camo. You can find them for as little as $150, but high-end camo shotguns can cost $2,000 or more.
Single vs. double-barrel shotguns
A shotgun barrel is one of the most expensive parts of a gun, so single-barrel shotguns cost much less than double-barrel models. One of the main advantages of a double-barrel shotgun is that you can load different ammo in each barrel.
Related costs
Cost of ammunition
The average box of ammo costs $20 to $25, but paying $15 to $40 for shotgun ammunition isn’t unusual. A box of ammo usually contains 20 – 25 shells.
| Average | $22 |
| Typical Range | $15 – $40 |
| Low | $10 |
| High | $100 |
Slugs tend to be the most expensive, followed by buckshots. Birdshot and target load are the least expensive.
Cost of clay targets
Most clay targets cost $15 to $35 for a box of 135 to 250.
Cost of a rifle
Riffles are another popular hunting weapon, typically costing $250 to $1,870.
| Average | $1,060 |
| Typical range | $250 – $1,870 |
| Low | $125 |
| High | $19,000 |
FAQ about shotguns
Will I need a background check to purchase a shotgun?
Federal law states that anyone purchasing a firearm must fill out an ATF form that the seller submits to the ATF. The form gets forwarded to the FBI’s NICS (firearm checks) unit to ensure you are eligible to purchase a firearm. However, this process is only required if you buy a gun from a licensed firearm dealer.
The laws on private gun transactions vary by state. For example, California, Colorado, and New York make you transfer ownership through a licensed gun dealer.
Is it worth owning a shotgun?
Yes, shotguns are excellent weapons for home defense, hunting, and shooting clays.
Is a shotgun more powerful than a pistol?
Yes, shotguns are more powerful than pistols and rifles. They generate the most foot-pounds of energy.
What is the disadvantage of a shotgun?
Shotguns are bigger than riffles, so they are more challenging to maneuver. Additionally, riffles are more accurate for long-range shots.
What distance is a shotgun accurate?
Most shotguns are accurate for 30 – 50 yards.
Would a 12-gauge slug stop a bear?
If you use a 12-gauge shotgun to stop a bear, you want to use hot slugs.
Main photo by William Isted on Unsplash / Icon overlay by Freepik on Flaticon