Gauge is a unit of measurement that indicates the diameter of the barrel. The higher the gauge, the lighter the shell shoots. Hunters have found success using shotguns ranging from a 10 gauge to a 28 gauge. The gauge you choose is often decided by the game you want to hunt. Dove hunters often prefer a 12 gauge for these fast flying birds as they provide better range and more shots. A 20 to 28 gauge works well when hunting quail. If you want to hunt turkey, a 10 or 12 gauge is a great choice. There is no right or wrong when choosing the size of your gun. It’s all about personal preference. The general rule is bigger guns for big birds or game and smaller guns for smaller birds or game. However, the 12 gauge is considered by many to be an all around pick for many different types of hunting.

You also have single shot, pump-action, semi-automatic, and double barrel shotguns to choose from. Single shots tend to be more affordable but just as the name indicates, only hold one shot. Pump-action shotguns are probably the most common and they are also quite affordable. Unlike a single shot, once you have discharged a pump action shotgun you simply pump the gun and another shell is loaded into the gun from the magazine. With a semi automatic, it is as simple as squeezing the trigger. Double barrel shotguns have two different types of design. The barrels are either stacked on top of one another or are side by side. Some hunters have better luck with one versus the other, but either one will probably cost you more than a single shot or pump-action shotgun.

A couple other factors to consider are the barrel length and choke of the shotgun. Long barrel shotguns have a tendency to be slightly more accurate but are harder to maneuver in tight spaces or in thick areas. Short barrel guns are ideal in tighter spaces and are quicker to aim. The choke is the area at the end of the barrel that constricts the diameter of the muzzle. The choke will make the pattern of your shot tighter as well as allow it to travel farther while maintaining its pattern. The tighter the choke, the tighter the pattern. The game you are hunting and the distance away from that target can help determine the size of the choke you need.