Best Pump Shotgun [2023]

It’s difficult to determine the “best" pump action shotgun, as personal preferences and needs can vary significantly from one individual to another.

That being said, some popular and highly regarded pump action shotguns include the Winchester SXP, Stevens 320, Mossberg 500, and Benelli Nova Tactical.

These shotguns are reliable, durable, and widely used by hunters, law enforcement, and military personnel around the world.

Best Pump Shotguns At a Glance

Let’s get to it. Here are our top 5 budget-friendly pump action shotguns.

Benelli Nova Tactical

The Benelli Nova Tactical is a marriage of metal and polymer durability, much like Glock handguns.

The texture on the grip and forend makes it easy to manipulate and control even when shooting slugs and heavier loads.

The Nova Tactical is not temperamental about shotshell length. Feed it everything from 2" shells to 3.5" magnums and it will eat it up.

The magazine capacity is four plus one in the chamber.

Different variations of the Nova Tactical are available.

Specs

• Gauge – 12
• Weight – 7.2 pounds
• Barrel Length – 18.5 inches
• Choke – Fixed Cylinder
• MSRP – $449.00

Mossberg Maverick 88

The Maverick 88 shares many of the same features as the Mossberg 500 shotguns, such as dual extractors, twin action bars, positive steel-to-steel lockup, and an anti-jam elevator.

This means the Maverick can perform just as well as the more expensive Mossberg 500, but with a price reduction of around $400.

If you’re in the market for a pump-action shotgun that closely resembles the Mossberg 500, but doesn’t break the bank at around $200, the Maverick 88 is worth considering. It’s a solid choice for those on a budget. A working man’s shotgun.

Specs

• Gauge – 12
• Weight – 7.3 pounds
• Barrel Length – 20 inches
• Choke – Cylinder Bore
• MSRP – $262.00

Mossberg 500 Retrograde

The Mossberg 500 Retrograde is a classically styled pump action shotgun. Very similar to those that fought in both World Wars and many other conflicts around the world.

Beautiful Walnut wood furniture is used rather than polymer seen in so many budget shotguns.

A vented recoil pad takes a bite out of the felt recoil of heavier home defense loads.

The barrel is topped off with a simple brass bead sight. However, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a red dot shotgun sight.

Capacity is five plus one in the chamber.

If you’re into fine cigars, single-malt scotch, and fine timepieces, the Mossberg 500 Retrograde will suit you just fine.

Specs

• Gauge – 12
• Weight – 6.75 pounds
• Barrel Length – 18.5 inches
• MSRP – $588.00

Stevens 320 Security

The Stevens 320 Security has dual sidebars, a rotary bolt for strong lockup, and great ergonomics to name a few things.

The stock is made of polymer, with a near-vertical grip built into the stock for added recoil control.

Sights vary on the different models, but the ghost ring sights are best for added precision when using slugs.

Capacity is five plus one in the chamber.

Specs

• Gauge – 12
• Weight – 6.7 pounds
• Barrel Length – 18.5 inches
• Choke – Fixed Cylinder
• MSRP – $278.00

Winchester SXP Defender

The Winchester SXP (Super X Pump) Defender is the gateway into the world of Winchester fighting shotguns.

This pump shotgun features a classic ribbed forend, which was a legendary feature of the Winchester Model 12 Trench Gun of both World Wars.

This shotgun has modern styling in the buttstock and hardware.

Hard chrome plating on the bolt provides natural lubricity, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

The capacity is five plus one in the chamber.

The rotary bolt locks up like a tank and at 18 inches is the shortest shotgun on this list.

Specs

• Gauge – 12
• Weight – 6.5 pounds
• Barrel Length – 18 inches
• Choke – Fixed Cylinder
• MSRP – $360.00

Conclusion

Pump action shotguns are a popular choice for hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting due to their versatility, reliability, and affordability.

While they may not be as fast or smooth as semi-automatic shotguns, they are still a popular choice for many shooters.

Pump action shotguns also have the added benefit of being able to fire a variety of ammunition types and sizes, making them a useful tool in a variety of situations.

Our top pick from this list is the Mossberg Maverick 88.

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