What Gauge Shotguns Are There?
Choosing the right gauge shotgun for your shooting needs can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. A gauge, measured in barrels, determines the diameter of the shot, shell weight, and ultimately, the performance of your shotgun. In this article, we’ll take you through the various gauges, their unique characteristics, and the benefits of each.
Single-Barrel, Double-Barrel, and Semi-Automatic Shotguns: What You Need to Know
Shotguns come in three primary designs: single-barrel, double-barrel, and semi-automatic. Each type has its pros and cons, making some more suitable for certain uses than others.
- **Single- Barrel Shotgun:** A break-action single-shot shotgun requiring manual reload, ideal for hunting or pest control.
- **Double- Barrel Shotgun:** Side-by-side double-barreled shotgun reloadable between barrels, common for trap shooting and clays, with a specific purpose of taking two quick shots with minimum reload delay.
- **Semi-Automatic Shotgun:** Gas-powered automatic shotgun; magazine capacity limits the overall shot weight.
The Most Popular Shotgun Gauges
Below are the most common gauge shotguns found in many hunting, self-defense, and recreational contexts. As you consider these options:
**Take into account shell availability**, hunting regulations**, and shooting purpose**.
Shotgun Gauge Guide:
| 70 /.69 | Bore / Boar Barrel | Better suited for large slugs and payloads | >16g or heavy shot options |
| 76.2 /.75 | .75 inch | Ideal for lighter shot types & smaller target presentations | New England games or smaller-game hunting |
| 88 /.84 | 3/16 inch/ | Optimal performance in 0.10” to.12” loads | Wild Game, Wild Turkey or 0-1–z |
| 97.3 / 1 | .12 gauge, 11 gauge, etc. | Light- to-medium-weight shell use | wild dove and quail hunting |
