Thinking about picking up a new shotgun? Versatile and fun, shotguns are a great choice to have on hand whether you’re looking for something for home defense, hunting, or shooting some clays on the weekend. Regardless of your preference in type – semi automatic, break action, or pump action – there are some terrific options out there. 

We’ve taken a look at three excellent, affordable options in each category so you can get everything you need for less than you might think. Take a look.

3 Semi-Auto Shotguns

A semi-automatic shotgun is able to fire a single shell with every trigger pull without the need to manually insert a new shell into the chamber with each shot. They generally store several rounds in a tube, which are fed when the round just fired is ejected. 
 

Citadel Boss 25

The Citadel Boss 25 may look like your average AR rifle, but it’s anything but. This 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun is styled like a rifle but packs a punch with its detachable five-round magazine, synthetic stock, and amazing price point. It features a chrome-lined barrel, textured grip, a Picatinny rail for your accessories, and adjustable folding sights. The price may be low, but the features are not. It even includes five chokes and two five-round detachable magazines.

Dickinson Arms ASI

A solid shotgun that won’t break the bank. The ASI from Dickinson Arms features an inertia-operation system and ventilated-rib barrel to help manage the recoil from this hard-hitting 12 gauge. It also has a brass-bead front sight, a manual safety, a four-round capacity, and a black synthetic stock. 
 

SDS Imports AR-T02

Don’t let the low price fool you, the SDS AR-T02 is perfect for target, clays, hunting, or home defense shooting. It’s designed to accept Remington-pattern extension tubes. The M1913 rail allows you to customize it the way you want. The 12-gauge AR-T02 holds 5+1 shells and has an 18.5-inch barrel with a black synthetic stock. It’s a terrific tactical shotgun that won’t break the bank. 

Break Action

Both over/under and side-by-side shotguns are break-action shotguns. This design uses a hinge to open the receiver from the stock. You usually manually load two shells and have to remove them manually before loading two more shells to fire. Break actions are popular for clay/trap/skeet sports and hunting. 
 

ATI Crusader

The Crusader from American Tactical is perfect whether you’re looking for a 20 gauge to hunt with or bust some clays. It features fiber-optic front sights, a beautiful oil-finished Turkish-walnut stock and forend, and a 2120 chrome-moly steel barrel so it will hold up under most conditions. Five interchangeable chokes will have you ready for anything and, at just over 6 pounds, you’ll have no problem wielding it in any direction to make that shot. 

Hatfield Field

The Hatfield Field 12-Gauge over/under offers a beautiful Turkish-walnut stock. It has a top-tang safety, easy-to-see fiber-optic front sight, an aluminum receiver, and a smooth-bore barrel, which are all features that add to the value of this shotgun. It’s perfect whether it’s your first shotgun or you’re in the market for a classic over/under. 
 

Pointer Acrius

The Acrius from Pointer features a floral-coin-finish engraved receiver on a Turkish-walnut stock. It has five chokes (C, IC, M, IM, & F) and fiber-optic sights for fast sight acquisition. This 12-gauge over/under is well-appointed and beautifully finished, making it a great value and classically-styled shotgun.

Pump Actions

Pump-action shotguns are perfect all-arounders and a favorite for the home-defense shopper. They’re operated by sliding the moveable handguard back and forth, which ejects the just-fired shell while loading the new shell to be fired. The sound of a pump-action shotgun is unmistakable. 
 

Benelli Nova

Benelli is known for their high-end shotguns, and at this price point of under $500 the Nova is a bargain. Designed with many of the higher-end features you’d expect from Benelli, the polymer stock and lightweight receiver are nearly indestructible, so this 12 gauge will hold up under the most difficult conditions. It has a capacity of 4+1, and it’s lightweight, rugged, and maneuverable. You can’t go wrong with this one.
 

CZ 612 Field

This one made my list for best budget pump-action shotguns for a reason. This 4+1 capacity 12 gauge is one you can pass down from generation to generation. It features a very classic look with a Turkish-walnut stock and satin chrome finish. The beaded front sight will make you quick on the target whether you’re in the field or using it for home defense. You won’t go wrong with the CZ 612 Field.
 

Winchester SXP Defender

First of all, it’s a Winchester, so right off the bat, it’s a quality shotgun. Add the features of an inertia-assisted pump, a fixed-cylinder-choke barrel, and the added value keeps on coming for the SXP Shotgun. It features an 18-inch steel barrel, hard chrome-plated cylinder, and a brass-bead front sight to make your target acquisition fast and easy. It holds 5+1 shells, and it’s chambered in 12 gauge, so it’s perfect for whatever you need it to do, all for under $400.

In conclusion, there are some amazing shotguns out there costing less than you might think. Take a look around our site and find the best choice for your needs. Don’t discount buying a used shotgun, we’ve taken the time to inspect our used models to make sure you’re buying exactly what you want!