| When buying a shotgun, there are many different | | | | shot at a time. |
| factors to consider. Gauge, size, type and brand to | | | | Pump-action shotguns are the most common type of |
| name a few, but one of the first things you must | | | | shotgun, they are reliable and typically on the lower |
| consider is what type of shotgun is best for you. | | | | end of the price range. These guns hold multiple shells |
| There are four basic types of shotguns, all of which | | | | and require you to pump the forend after each shot |
| accomplish the same goal which I have briefly | | | | to eject the spent shell and load a new shell. |
| described below. Each type has its own pros and | | | | Auto-Loader - These guns are also known as |
| cons; you must carefully consider each type and | | | | semi-automatics and use a variety of different |
| what the gun will be used for. | | | | automatic systems to eject the spent shell and load |
| A single shot shotgun is a gun that only holds one | | | | a new shell with only the pull of the trigger. This type |
| shell at a time. They are typically the least expensive | | | | of shotgun also tends to have less recoil (about 30% |
| type of shotgun available, mainly because you only | | | | less) due to the automatic cycling action absorbing |
| get one shot before you have to open the breach | | | | some of the recoil. Automatic loading shotguns |
| and reload a new shell before it may be fired again. | | | | generally are more expensive than pump-action and |
| These types of guns are great for the inexperienced | | | | depending on the quality of the gun, they can be as |
| or youth as they tend to be safer with only one | | | | reliable as a pump-action. |