A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Remington Shotgun
Choosing a first shotgun is less about finding the most powerful model and more about matching the firearm to your intended use, physical comfort, budget, and experience level. Remington offers several established shotgun designs, from dependable pump actions to smooth semi-automatic platforms, giving new buyers useful options for hunting, clay shooting, home protection, or general range practice.
Before browsing specific products, learn the basic differences among gauges, actions, barrel lengths, and stock dimensions. A shotgun that feels balanced and fits properly will usually be easier to operate safely and shoot consistently than one selected only because of its appearance or price.
Purchases must follow federal, state, and local laws. Firearms are generally transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee, or FFL, while ammunition and magazines may have different shipping rules. Verify the requirements that apply to your location and use the retailer’s policy information before placing an order.
Start With Your Intended Use
Your primary purpose should guide nearly every other decision. A shotgun for sporting clays may benefit from a longer barrel, a comfortable stock, and a smooth action suited to repeated shooting. A hunting shotgun needs to match the game, terrain, and local regulations. A defensive shotgun often prioritizes compact handling, simple operation, and reliable function.
New owners sometimes choose a general-purpose 12-gauge pump because it can support several roles with appropriate ammunition and interchangeable chokes. That flexibility can be valuable, but it does not remove the need to practice with the specific firearm and load. A firearm intended for multiple uses should still be configured safely for each activity.
If you are comparing different kinds of long guns before settling on a shotgun, the retailer’s rifles selection can help clarify how intended use changes firearm design. Rifles and shotguns are not interchangeable, and each requires its own training, ammunition, and handling habits.
Understand Gauge And Ammunition
Gauge describes the bore size of a shotgun. The most common choices for a first purchase are 12 gauge and 20 gauge. A 12-gauge shotgun offers a broad selection of ammunition and can be effective for hunting, sport shooting, and defensive applications. It also tends to produce more recoil, especially with heavier loads.
A 20-gauge model is often easier for smaller-framed shooters to carry and control. Modern ammunition makes it suitable for many hunting and sporting purposes, although selection can vary by region and intended activity. Neither gauge is universally best; the better option is the one you can mount, aim, and fire safely while maintaining control.
Shell length and shot type also matter. Never assume that a shell will fit simply because the gauge matches. Check the markings on the barrel and receiver, follow the manufacturer’s specifications, and use only compatible ammunition. Buckshot, birdshot, and slugs serve different purposes and require careful attention to local laws and safe backstops.
Choose The Right Action
A pump-action shotgun, such as a Remington 870 variant when available, is often considered a practical starting point because its manual operating cycle is straightforward and its design has a long service history. The action requires the shooter to cycle the fore-end after firing, making deliberate practice important. It can also offer broad aftermarket support, though accessories should come from reputable sources and be installed correctly.
Semi-automatic shotguns, including certain Remington 1100, 11-87, or V3 configurations depending on current availability, use the energy from firing to cycle the next shell. This can make follow-up shots smoother and reduce the need for manual cycling. Semi-automatic mechanisms are more complex, however, and their operation can be affected by ammunition type, maintenance, and correct adjustment.
Break-action shotguns are less common as a first Remington option but can be appealing for their visible loading and unloading process. A new shooter should handle several action types under qualified supervision if possible. The best design is one whose controls you can identify quickly and operate without confusion.
Fit And Handling Matter
Proper fit is one of the most important parts of selecting a shotgun. When the stock length, comb height, and overall dimensions suit your body, the firearm should come naturally to your shoulder and allow your eye to align with the rib. A poor fit can increase felt recoil, slow target acquisition, and encourage inconsistent technique.
Pay attention to unloaded weight, balance, fore-end shape, and the location of the safety. A lighter shotgun may be easier to carry but can transmit more recoil. A heavier firearm can feel steadier during a long clay session while becoming tiring in the field. Shoulder the unloaded firearm in a safe environment and keep your finger outside the trigger guard.
Barrel length should support the intended use. Longer barrels can feel stable and may help with swinging on moving targets, while shorter barrels are easier to maneuver in confined spaces. Local regulations and the firearm’s intended role should always be considered before selecting a configuration.
Compare Practical Options
The following overview provides a starting point for comparing common first-shotgun configurations. Exact specifications, finishes, capacities, and availability vary by model and current inventory, so review the individual product listing before buying.
| Configuration | Advantages | Points to consider | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-gauge pump action | Simple manual cycle, broad ammunition choice, versatile | More felt recoil and requires practiced cycling | Hunting, range use, general purpose |
| 20-gauge pump action | Manageable recoil and lighter handling | Some loads may be less widely available | Small-game hunting, training, sport |
| 12-gauge semi-automatic | Smooth follow-up shots and reduced manual operation | More parts to clean and greater ammunition sensitivity | Waterfowl, sporting, general use |
| Break-action shotgun | Clear loading status and uncomplicated controls | Limited capacity and less versatility | Hunting, field use, basic practice |
Price should include more than the firearm itself. Budget for a secure gun safe or locking storage device, eye and ear protection, a cleaning kit, suitable ammunition, and professional instruction. Chokes, a sling, and a case may also be useful, depending on the model and activity.
Avoid buying large quantities of ammunition until you have confirmed that the shotgun cycles the selected load reliably and that it is legal to possess and transport in your area. Keep ammunition locked separately from the firearm when required or advisable, and maintain an inventory that does not encourage careless storage.
Buy Through A Responsible Process
When ordering online, confirm the seller’s transfer procedure before payment. The firearm will generally need to ship to your chosen FFL dealer, where identification, paperwork, background-check procedures, waiting periods, and local requirements may apply. Contact the dealer in advance to confirm that they accept transfers and understand their fees.
A retailer’s customer account can help with order tracking and documentation, but it does not replace legal verification. Review cancellation and refund terms before submitting an order, especially if inventory status or transfer eligibility is uncertain. Cryptocurrency or military discounts may affect the purchase price, but the same transfer and compliance rules still apply.
New owners who are also considering another category can review the store’s handgun catalog separately rather than treating a handgun as a substitute for a shotgun. Each firearm type has different handling characteristics, storage needs, and training requirements.
A Practical First-Buy Checklist
Use this checklist to keep the selection focused and safety-conscious:
- Define the main purpose, expected shooting environment, and applicable hunting or defensive regulations.
- Choose a gauge and action that you can comfortably control and operate after supervised practice.
- Confirm barrel markings, chamber length, choke information, and ammunition compatibility.
- Include secure storage, protective equipment, training, cleaning supplies, and transfer fees in the budget.
- Arrange the FFL transfer before ordering and keep all required identification and documentation available.
After selecting a model, schedule instruction with a qualified firearms trainer or attend a reputable safety course. Learn the four core rules: treat every firearm as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to fire, and identify the target and what lies beyond it. Practice loading, unloading, mounting, and clearing the shotgun with no live ammunition until each step is familiar.
When you are ready to order, review the product details and transfer requirements carefully, then proceed through the retailer’s secure shopping cart. A thoughtful first purchase, combined with proper storage and ongoing training, can provide a reliable foundation for responsible shotgun ownership.