A lot of gun buyers look at shotguns as their primary go-to firearm for general-purpose use, but mainly for home or area defense. The scattergun is versatile in terms of ammunition it fires, can be inexpensive, and can fit a number of shooters.
Gun Tests has evaluated dozens of shotguns over the years, and here are a few recommendations if you’re looking for a reliable shotgun and don’t want to spend a lot of money.
All are designed for defense work, are chambered for 2.75- or 3-inch 12-gauge shells, and are equipped with polymer or wooden stocks. We found features we desire in a defense gun, such as ease of loading, smooth cycling, easy recoil management, sights that are fast to acquire, and adequate round capacity. If there are aftermarket parts available, that’s all to the better so we could customize the shotgun to fit our needs.
MOSSBERG 500 12 GAUGE
Variants of this pump-action often sell for ~$350–$430 and have standard capacities ranging from 5+1 to 8+1, and some bigger round counts with extended magazines. Barrel lengths can run from 18.5″–28″ and weigh ~6.5–7 lbs. Other features include ambidextrous tang safeties, a massive aftermarket parts ecosystem, and field-stripping without tools. Here are some specific Mossbergs we’ve tested.
Mossberg 500 Retrograde Persuader 50429 12 Gauge
The Mossberg 500 Retrograde is a beautifully finished shotgun for $384. There are no shortcomings. The Mossberg 500 Retrograde 50429 shotgun is a highly finished version of the Mossberg Persuader. This shotgun features the standard Mossberg 500 action, but its bright-blue finish and highly finished stock are a step above the usual rack-grade shotgun. The Mossberg is almost priced out of the economy range, but at less than $400 with careful shopping, it isn’t prohibitively expensive. It got an A grade.
Mossberg 500A Persuader 50411 12 Gauge
Costing only $307, we felt the 500A had the best trigger and layout of controls. Accuracy proved superior. We might opt for the 20-inch model and get the extra two rounds. Drilled and tapped receiver is another plus. During our dry-firing drills bent on breaking in the pump action of our test guns, we noticed one very impressive aspect of operating the Mossberg 500A Persuader. Both the safety and the slide release could be operated without a change in grip and without having to dismount the shotgun. This was a big edge for the Persuader.
Maverick 88 Security 31046 12 Gauge
Another shotgun in the Mossberg stable is the Maverick 88 Security 31046 12 Gauge, $264 at the time we tested it. This is a basic 12-gauge pump stripped down to the essentials and it got an A- grade. We liked the 7+1 capacity, ease of use, and smooth cycling pump action. The brass-bead front sight was basic, but it was not a liability. Plenty of aftermarket parts are available. Recoil was tolerable.
Mossberg 500 Persuader/Cruiser 3-Inch 20 Gauge 6-shot No. 50452
For home defense, the focus is usually on 12-gauge shotguns, but this 20 gauge selling for $388 at the time of test showed that for many—if not all—folks, it would be a better choice because of its lighter weight and reduced recoil: The gun was a matte-black synthetic-stock pump with 3-inch chambers, an 18.5-inch barrel and 5.1-pound weight. The magazine’s testers liked this 20 gauge a lot and said they would buy it. In particular, for those shooters who already own a Persuader 12 gauge for hunting or other uses, they’d recommend staying with your “house” brand and buy the 20 gauge you’re already familiar with. The reason many shooters should prefer 20s for home defense over a bigger 12 gauge is that they’re noticeably lighter than the 12s.
REMINGTON 870
There are umpteen versions of the 870 pump-action, and they often sell for between ~$350–$450 and have capacities of 4+1 to 6+1. Barrel lengths run 18″–28″ and weigh ~7–7.5 lbs. This is an iconic American design since 1950 and generally has a smooth, solid action feel. Aftermarket parts availability is huge. A major caveat on the 870: it was the gold standard for generations, but Remington’s bankruptcy (roughly 2010–2020) caused significant QC issues. The brand was acquired by RemArms in 2020, and quality appears to have improved, but buying a used pre-2010 870 is often the safer bet if you go that route.
Remington 870 Police Magnum 18-Inch Extended Mag Tube 12 Gauge
We’ve tested a Remington 870 12 Gauge, $275, and gave it an A- grade. It was a solid shotgun with good performance. It performs well and offers reliable function. The Remington begins with a four-round magazine, and the extended tube offers a single extra shell. The Remington is a classic home defender well worth its price on the used market.
Remington 870 Express Magnum 25549 12 Gauge
At $329, we called this a Conditional Buy. If you do not mind lower capacity or plan to upgrade the round count as you go, then simply remove the word “Conditional” from this paragraph and buy the gun. We actually prefer a wooden stock, but either way you can get your shots off very quickly with this action.
Remington 870 Tactical 81200 12 Gauge, $442
Remington’s proven 870 shotgun keeps on shooting, despite a number of cost-cutting measures, such as a plastic trigger-group housing, matte finish and synthetic hardware. Even with the $442 price, this was a Grade A Best Buy when pitted against the Mossberg 930.
STEVENS 320 PUMP ACTION
This unit often sells for ~$220–$280 and has a 5+1 capacity under barrels from 18.5″–28″ and weight of ~6.9 lbs. It offers one of the lower prices for a reliable pump. It uses a rotary bolt action and is easy to service. Downside is that there is less aftermarket parts for it than the Mossberg or Remington, but it’s a good choice for first-time buyers.
Stevens Model 320 Home Defense No. 19495 Pump-Action 12 Gauge
We shot this specific 320 for a price of $270 at the time of the test. The only minor problem we encountered with the Stevens involved the action release located on the left rear of the trigger guard. The release button seemed to be a little small, although it could be worked by all of our test members. Since a person using one of these self-defense firearms in the home would rarely be wearing gloves, this was not considered a big issue. Several excellent features of this shotgun impressed us, including the very nice and highly visible sights; its patterning performance with all three types of ammunition; and the comfortable, solid feel of the firearm. We gave it an A grade.
OTHER PUMPGUNS
Winchester 1200 Speed Pump 12 Gauge
When we tested a 1200 Speed Pump, $225, we gave it an A grade and rated it the Best Buy in that match-up. We found the Winchester 1200 lived up to its name. The Speed Pump is smooth, reliable, and provided good results. While it didn’t have a modern synthetic stock, the wood furniture provided good gripping surfaces. Function was fine, so the Winchester will make a formidable home defender. It is well worth searching for on the used market and is perhaps the best value on this list.
EAA AKKAR Churchill 612 111375 12 gauge
This $320 shotgun has a comfortable pistol grip stock. While all three shotguns are reliable, the Akkar Model 612 is the smoothest. The trigger is crisp; it is the only trigger of the test that could be called nice. Plus, disassembly was easier with this model. We gave it an A grade.
Rock Island Armory Meriva Chrome MR25-P101-MC 12 Gauge
Reliable, $230. The chrome finish and the ability to mount a combat light are good features. We simply could not get past the rough pump action, so we gave it a B grade.
Winchester SXP Marine Defender 512268395 12 Gauge
This $255 shotgun has many good points, including the chrome finish on major components. Function is good and the ability to mount a red-dot sight is a big plus. We like the easy takedown and smooth action, almost as smooth as the original speed pump. We did not like the fore end on this sample, but most SXP shotguns have a plain fore end. We gave it a B grade.
SEMI-AUTOS
STOEGER M3000
This semi-auto inertia-driven action costs more, ~$500–$600, as do most of the self-loaders. This unit has a capacity of 4+1 under a barrel of 24″–28″ and a weight of ~7.3 lbs. As part of the Beretta family, the Stoeger uses the Benelli inertia system under license, and it offers fewer parts to foul than gas guns. It offers perhaps the best bang for a budget semi-auto.
Stoeger M3000 Defense 31890 12 Gauge
We tested this specific version at $529. The M3000 is a good choice and value if you want to get into an inertia-driven gun for a lot less than a Benelli. The trigger pull is more than 8 pounds, but it is versatile with many barrel options. As a dedicated defense shotgun, it is worth the cost.
MOSSBERG 930
This semi-auto gas gun runs ~$550–$650 with common capacities of 4+1 to 7+1. Barrels run 18.5″–28″ and weigh ~7.5 lbs. The gas system absorbs recoil well and works a range of loads. It’s a general-purpose choice that’s great for HD or hunting.
Mossberg 930 Tactical Special Purpose Semi-Auto 85330 12 Gauge
A specific 930 we’ve evaluated cost $544. The Mossberg cannot cycle with less than full-power ammunition, so we used a combination of Winchester and Federal 00 buckshot for most of the testing. One of the raters added a box of Sellier & Bellot loads, and these functioned fine as well. The position of the Mossberg 930 safety lever received good marks. Standing with the shotgun at low ready, it was easy to put the safety on Fire and address multiple targets in one smooth motion. We also noted the trigger reset was crisp and short, which allowed the 930 to slightly outpace the Remington in rapid-fire drills.
OTHER AFFORDABLE SHOTGUN NAMEPLATES WE’VE TESTED
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+ (BEST BUY)
Light and quick to swing, and mimicking the familiar controls of the Remington 870, the $250 Tokarev TX3 functioned perfectly. If Tokarev develops this line further, making it possible for consumers to accessorize their shotguns with existing Mossberg or Remington aftermarket parts, this will be a real winner.
Savage 320 Tactical FDE 19468 12 Gauge, $270
GUN TESTS GRADE: A- (BEST BUY)
Based on the old Winchester Model 1300 design. Easy to load, cycled smoothly and comfortably. The shorter 18.5-inch barrel was maneuverable. We liked the heat shield, sights, and Picatinny rail to mount a light. Recoil was tolerable.
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING
- Your intended use matters a lot. For home defense, go with an 18.5″ barrel and look for a model with a pistol grip or short LOP stock.
- Pump vs semi-auto comes down to simplicity vs speed. A pump will cycle anything — cheap birdshot, buckshot, slugs — without complaint. A semi-auto can occasionally misfeed with light or dirty ammo, but reduces felt recoil noticeably. If budget is tight, pump first.
- The short answer: the Mossberg 500 is the go-to recommendation for most people. It’s been in continuous production since 1961, passes U.S. military torture tests, has an ambidextrous safety that’s genuinely intuitive, and the aftermarket is enormous — you can find stocks, barrels, and accessories anywhere. For under $430, it’s hard to beat.
