Shouldering a fine shotgun makes any firearm enthusiast reminisce of that one noble dog or maybe a foggy duck blind. The weight, feel, and finish of a shotgun create wonderful bygone moments. There are major players in the traditional shotgun market. These are manufacturers who have built the reputation of the industry. Then there are the modern tactical warriors, with nothing but the newest technology. The following is a compendium of shotguns from past to the present. Some of the firearms have sold millions, while others need to be recognized as significant to the industry. Or, they are just cool looking! Each selection is purely subjective. Looking for another interesting top 5? Check out Clint's in the video below!
 

Mossberg 500

The Mossberg 500 is a solid entry into a list of best shotguns. O.F. Mossberg, a Swedish immigrant, and his sons built the iconic company into a powerhouse in the industry. In the early 1960s, Mossberg engineer Carl Benson took design clues from the Remington Model 31 and 870 to develop the 500. Mossberg offers thirteen models, including; Hunting All-Purpose, Youth Combo, and Turkey-Tactical Turkey. Within the 13 Series, there are 27 Model 500 variations. Mossberg's Model 500 comes in a variety of configurations, including:
  • Barrel Length-18.5 to 28 inches
  • Choke-Fixed Full to Accu-Set
  • Sights-Dual Bead to Fiber Optic
  • Stocks-Walnut, Synthetic to Combo
  • Weight-6.25 to 7.5 pounds
  • Gauge-410, 12, 20
We offer one of the best-looking Model 500 pump-action shotguns
on the market. We also offer the Mossberg in every gauge, with different finishes and build materials.


Mossberg 500 12GA Pump Action Shotgun

Beretta 680

The Beretta 680 started in 1979 as a trap and skeet and the over/under quickly expanded into field competition. Market competition was intense for the 680 when it was introduced; American hunters had the Browning Citori and Ruger Red Label. Any Italian shotgun felt like a step up. One instructor at Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds outside of London assessed the Beretta 680, "the Beretta 680s are universally well balanced in all barrel lengths and gauges, with good triggers and an easily used safety system. "The ejectors are strong and reliable, and the chromed bores prevent rusting in our frequently damp UK climate." We offer a fitting example in the same style as the 680. It is an over/under with a 30-inch barrel. The 686 Silver Pigeon
is a 20 gauge with the same flawless action as its predecessors.
Beretta's 680 and variants are exquisite shotguns designed for competition. The 680 was hand finished and the forerunner to the series. The 682 won every world title. Gunsmiths worldwide say there are very few shotguns on the market, past or present, with the same quality build as the Beretta 680 series.

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 20GA Over/Under Shotgun

Remington 870

The Remington 870 has become the best shotgun ever made, or at least the one that has sold over 11 million guns. Its solid steel receiver and stamped parts give the Model 870 a uniquely solid feel. The 870 is more than a magnificent shotgun; it is a companion that can stay in your family for generations. Remington's 870 and its diverse number of variants are used by law enforcement, military, and civilian organizations worldwide. The 870 has a bottom loading, side ejecting action, with the magazine located under the barrel. Interesting truth about shotguns, handguns, or rifles is how much their designs influence others. John Browning designed the Remington Model 17, which influenced the Ithaca Model 37 and the Remington Model 31. It was only a short jump to the 870. We offer a beautiful example of the 870 in 12 gauge configuration
. The shotgun has a classic 30-inch barrel, with high gloss walnut stock. Remington added the ribbed barrel and dual bead sights.


Remington 870 12GA Wingmaster Pump Action Shotgun

Mossberg 500 Tactical

The Mossberg 500 Tactical has seen plenty of upgrades and redesigns in recent years. Law enforcement and the military have looked to the civilian market for direct input on better firearms. The 500 is the perfect candidate for tactical upgrades. We offer the Mossberg 50424 500 ATI Scorpion
in 12 gauge that looks just plain mean sitting on the shelf. The Scorpion offers a short barrel at 18.5 inches and a capacity of six shells in the chamber. Mossberg added a heat shield for the barrel, with a post and bead sight and a matte blued finish.
The pistol grip and adjustable buttstock make this shotgun an ideal representation of the mushrooming market for tactical firearms. It is nearly impossible to find exact sales figures for tactical gear and firearms. They hide much of the allocation for tactical firearms behind military and law enforcement budgets. Every major competitor in the firearms industry is developing tactical firearms and gear. Home defense is now its own market category. Manufactures such as Mossberg, Beretta, and Winchester are taking their best sellers and repurposing for an immense new market. Mossberg's 500 Scorpion may be at the beginning of a sales goldmine, broader in scope than the one they dominated for decades.

Mossberg 500 ATI Scorpion Tactical 12GA Pump Action Shotgun

Browning Citori

The Browning Citori 725 Sporting Over/Under
has classic styling with sophisticated technology making this one of the best shotguns ever. The Citori 725 12 gauge features a lower receiver than its predecessor, the 625.
Browning added an adjustable comb, gave the Citori a thinner width, and continued with the sleeker profile trend. The Citori 725 is a stunning looking shotgun. Browning Citori features a gloss walnut stock and magnificent silver steel nitride receiver. Browning Citori is the natural evolution from John Browning's B25 Superposed, with modern performance upgrades. An all-new mechanical trigger system is located in the Citori. FireLite technology provides a smoother trigger feel and lighter pull weight. Additional technologies for the Citori include Inflex, which gives the shotgun a more natural feel and handling. The Invector-DS choke system improves performance and shooting ability. Every current review gives the new 725 Citori high marks in every category and continues its legendary status.

Browning Citori 725 Sporting 12GA Over/Under Shotgun

Panzer Arms BP-12

The Panzer Arms BP-12 GEN 2 Semi-Auto Shotgun is a strictly tactical firearm. The Bullpup Shotgun is not going after the duck hunting or three bedroom/2 bath ranch home defense market, even though the Panzer is available for that market. Panzer Arms BP-12 Shotgun features a five-round magazine and tactical barrel at 18.5 inches. The Panzer is a close-quarter firearm and delivers several benefits in tactical situations. The firearm is exceptionally lite for holding so much firepower. Why is such a tactical shotgun on this list? Panzer Arms has been building hunting and tactical firearms in Turkey for over 50 years without a lot of American fanfare. Panzer Arms' claim to fame is the technology it builds into the product. Weighing only 6.5 pounds, the Bullpup Shotgun cycles through shells efficiently regardless of the load. We feature several variants of the Panzer Arms 12 gauge
. The AR-style shotgun means there is an enormous gear ecosystem for the firearm. Mounts, tactical scopes, rings, and magazines are possible.
A notable feature of AR-style firearms are the customization possible. Out of the box, this Panzer has a sizable number of customization options, unlike traditionally styled firearms.

Panzer Arms BP-12 12GA Semi-Auto Shotgun

A list reviewing the best firearms of the day is always difficult but enlightening. Like other industries, firearm's is heavily steeped in technology. You never know if there is a thirteen year old that just figured out a groundbreaking material, or a manufacturing process that changes the industry forever. Shop The Mossberg 500
Shop The Beretta 686
Shop The Remington 870
Shop The Mossberg 500 Tactical
Shop The Browning Citori 725
Shop The Panzer Arms BP-12
Shop All Shotguns