Shotguns are versatile firearms that cater to a variety of needs, from hunting and sport shooting to personal defense.
Their prices can vary widely based on several factors, including brand, craftsmanship, and features. One of the most significant determinants of a shotgun’s price is its type.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of shotguns and provide an average cost for each, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing.
How Much Does the Average Shotgun Cost?
The average cost of a shotgun varies widely based on its type, brand, craftsmanship, features, and the region of purchase.
Common types like pump actions might average around $400, while over-unders can range between $600 to $2,500, and semi-automatics hover around $750.
The price can also be influenced by the brand’s reputation, the materials used, and any additional features or customizations.
Handcrafted shotguns or those with intricate engravings can command premium prices.
Market dynamics, such as demand and supply, legislation, and regional factors, can further impact the cost.
Considering these variables, the average cost of a commonly purchased shotgun typically falls between $500 to $1,200, though there are options both below and above this range.
Types of Shotguns & Average Cost
Here’s a quick reference table for the types of shotguns and their average costs:
| Types of Shotguns | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Over-Unders | $600 – $2,500 |
| Side-by-Sides | $1,100 |
| Pump-actions | $229 -$799 |
| Lever Actions | $800 |
| Semi-Automatics | $750 |
Over-Unders:
These are break-action shotguns with two barrels stacked vertically. They’re popular for sport shooting and hunting. The price range for over-unders can be broad, typically falling between $600 to $2,500.
However, luxury models from renowned brands can exceed this range, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
In contrast, over-under shotguns, favored by many sport shooters and hunters for their precision, can vary significantly in price, ranging from $600 to a high-end of $2,500 or more.
Semi-automatics, which offer the advantage of quicker follow-up shots, tend to hover around the $750 mark.
Side-by-Sides:
Another form of break-action shotgun, these have their barrels aligned horizontally. They have a rich history and are often associated with classic hunting scenes.
The average cost is around $1,100, but, like over-unders, luxury models can be much pricier.
Side-by-Side shotguns, often referred to as “SxS”, are a classic and iconic type of firearm, characterized by their two barrels aligned horizontally next to each other.
They have a rich history and are often associated with traditional hunting scenes, classic films, and even British royalty.
Side-by-Sides have been the shotgun of choice for many hunters and shooters for centuries. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and are often associated with the golden age of bird hunting, where hunters, accompanied by their dogs, would walk the fields in pursuit of game.
Pump-Actions
Pump-action shotguns, commonly known as “pump shotguns” or “pumpers,” stand out as some of the most sought-after and recognizable shotguns in the market.
Their unique manual cycling action, combined with their reliability and adaptability, has cemented their place as favorites among both novice and experienced shooters. Within the price range of $229 to $799, there’s a vast spectrum of offerings.
The range between $229 and $799 encompasses a multitude of brands. While the more budget-friendly options might introduce you to emerging or lesser-known brands, the upper echelon of this price bracket is dominated by established industry giants like Remington, Mossberg, and Winchester.
Each brand, regardless of its price point, brings its unique set of features and benefits to the table.
Lever Actions
These shotguns are operated using a lever located around the trigger guard. They offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern functionality. On average, you can expect to pay around $800 for a lever-action shotgun.
Originating in the 19th century, lever-action designs were among the first to provide shooters with the ability to fire multiple rounds without reloading.
The mechanism involves a lever, typically integrated with the trigger guard, which the shooter operates to eject a spent cartridge and chamber a new one. This action is not only efficient but also adds a rhythmic and tactile element to the shooting process.
Iconic firearms like the Winchester Model 1887 shotgun brought the lever-action.
Semi-Automatics
Semi-automatic shotguns represent a blend of modern engineering, convenience, and rapid-fire capability.
As the name suggests, these firearms automatically chamber a new round after each shot, allowing for quicker follow-up shots without the need for manual cycling, as seen in pump-action or lever-action shotguns.
The mechanics behind semi-automatic shotguns can be broadly categorized into two systems: gas-operated and recoil-operated. Gas-operated systems use some of the gas from the fired shell to cycle the action, ejecting the spent shell and chambering a new round.
In contrast, recoil-operated systems utilize the recoil generated from firing to perform the same action. Both systems aim to provide a smooth shooting experience with reduced felt recoil.
One of the primary advantages of semi-automatic shotguns is their speed. The ability to fire successive shots quickly makes them a popular choice for various shooting sports, especially those where speed is of the essence.
They’re also favored in hunting scenarios where the target might be fast-moving, like waterfowl hunting, allowing the shooter multiple quick attempts.
Which Type of Factors Affecting a Shotgun’s Price
When considering the purchase of a shotgun, or any firearm for that matter, it’s essential to understand that the sticker price isn’t just a random figure.
Multiple factors come into play, each contributing to the final cost. These factors can range from the tangible, like materials used, to the intangible, such as brand reputation. Let’s delve deeper into some of these influential elements.
Materials Used:
The raw materials that constitute a shotgun play a pivotal role in determining its price. High-quality metals, such as aircraft-grade aluminum or stainless steel, can drive up manufacturing costs. Similarly, the choice of stock material can influence the price.
Synthetic stocks, while durable and often more affordable, might not command the same price as stocks made from premium woods like walnut or mahogany. The quality of these materials not only affects the gun’s performance and longevity but also its aesthetic appeal and tactile experience.
The use of materials, be it polymer or high-quality metal, can sway the cost. The craftsmanship, especially in brands like Weatherby, adds to the price. A shotgun with intricate engravings might cost a bit more than its plain counterpart.
Brand and Legacy:
Just as with any other product, the brand behind a shotgun can significantly sway its price. Established brands with a long-standing history and reputation for quality and reliability often have higher price tags.
This premium isn’t just for the name but also for the trust and assurance that come with decades, if not centuries, of proven excellence. On the other hand, newer brands, while potentially offering excellent quality, might price their products more competitively to gain a foothold in the market.
Brands like Benelli Armi SpA, Stoeger Industries, Winchester Repeating Arms Company, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, and Remington Arms are titans in the shotgun market.
Their reputation, built over years, often dictates the average price of their offerings. Conventional wisdom suggests that established brands, backed by positive news and reviews, often command higher prices due to their trusted quality.
Craftsmanship and Design:
The level of craftsmanship can drastically affect a shotgun’s price. Mass-produced models, while functional and reliable, might be more affordable than those handcrafted or featuring intricate engravings and designs.
A shotgun that has been hand-assembled, with attention to detail and personalized touches, will naturally command a higher price. This factor often ties in with the gun’s aesthetic appeal, where design intricacies and unique features add both functional and visual value.
Technological Features:
Modern shotguns can come equipped with a range of technological enhancements. Features like adjustable triggers, advanced choke systems, recoil reduction mechanisms, or integrated rail systems for accessories can add to the manufacturing costs.
Furthermore, innovations in safety features or shooting aids can also influence the price, as they often involve research, development, and testing to ensure efficacy.
Gauge
The gauge of a shotgun, which refers to the diameter of its bore, is a crucial aspect that can subtly influence its price.
Within the same brand or model, the choice of gauge can indeed affect the cost, albeit not always as dramatically as one might assume.
For instance, while 20 gauge and 410 gauge shotguns are often perceived as being more affordable, the price difference when compared to their 12 gauge counterparts is usually marginal.
It’s a common misconception to equate the size or volume of the ammo with its cost. One might naturally assume that a 12 gauge, being larger and using more material, would be significantly pricier than a 20 gauge or 410 gauge.
However, in reality, the price differences within the same brand or model are often minimal. This can be attributed to various factors, including production scales, demand patterns, and the overall manufacturing costs that don’t vary dramatically between gauges.
However, the gauge’s influence on price becomes even more nuanced when comparing across different brands. It’s not uncommon to find 410 gauge shotguns from premium brands that are pricier than 12 gauge models from more budget-friendly manufacturers.
This discrepancy underscores the fact that while gauge does play a role in determining cost, it’s just one of many factors in the mix. Brand reputation, craftsmanship, materials used, and other features often have a more pronounced impact on the final price tag.
FAQs:
1. What is the normal price for a shotgun? The price of a shotgun can vary widely based on its type, brand, craftsmanship, features, and the region of purchase. On average, commonly purchased shotguns might fall within the range of $200 to $2,000. Basic pump-action models can start as low as $200 to $400, while high-end over-under or semi-automatic shotguns from renowned brands can reach or exceed $2,000. It’s essential to research specific brands and models to get an accurate price range for what you’re looking for.
2. Is a shotgun a good gun? Yes, shotguns are versatile and effective firearms for various purposes. Their wide pellet spread makes them excellent for hunting small game and birds, and their stopping power is appreciated for home defense. The type of ammunition (birdshot, buckshot, or slug) can be tailored to the intended use. Additionally, shotguns are often recommended for beginners due to their simplicity and effectiveness at close range. However, the “goodness” of a shotgun also depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
3. What is the 12 gauge shotgun? The term “gauge” in shotguns refers to the bore diameter. A 12 gauge shotgun has a bore diameter of approximately .729 inches (or 18.5 mm). The 12 gauge is the most common shotgun size and offers a good balance of power and recoil. It’s versatile and can be used for various purposes, from hunting to sport shooting to home defense. The wide variety of available ammunition types for the 12 gauge further adds to its popularity.
4. How many bullets does a shotgun take? Shotguns use shells, not bullets. The number of shells a shotgun can hold depends on its design and intended use. Many hunting shotguns are limited to holding 2 to 3 shells due to hunting regulations. However, tactical or home defense shotguns can hold more, ranging from 4 to 8 shells in the magazine tube for pump-action or semi-automatic models. Some high-capacity models or those with extended magazine tubes can hold even more. It’s essential to check the specific model’s specifications and any local regulations that might apply.
Conclusion
As highlighted at the outset, while the average price of a shotgun hovers around the $1,000 mark, this figure becomes more insightful when dissected based on the specific type or brand of shotgun you have in mind. Opting for a renowned brand name invariably means shelling out a premium.
However, if your primary concern is functionality, there’s no shortage of quality options available across various price brackets. For those working with a tighter budget, certain compromises might be necessary, but generally speaking, with a budget of a few hundred dollars, you’re well-positioned to secure a reliable firearm that meets your needs.
I hope this article shed light on your queries. If there are aspects you feel were overlooked or specific questions still lingering, please share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback is invaluable in refining and enhancing the content for future readers.