Finding a good budget shotgun can feel like a gamble. There are plenty of cheap options out there, but not all of them are worth your money. Some run like a dream, while others will have you clearing jams more than shooting. The trick is knowing which ones actually deliver reliability, decent fit and finish, and solid performance—without emptying your wallet.
I’ve been around shotguns long enough to know that price doesn’t always match performance. Some of the best shooters I know rely on affordable workhorses that just get the job done, no frills needed. Whether you’re looking for a pump-action for home defense, a semi-auto for hunting, or an over/under for busting clays, there are solid choices out there that won’t break the bank.
Remington 870 Fieldmaster
Finding a good pump shotgun today isn’t as easy as it used to be, but the Remington 870 Fieldmaster proves that some things don’t have to change. This is an upgraded version of the old 870 Express, with a smoother action, better finish, and improved reliability. It still has that rock-solid steel receiver, and with tons of aftermarket parts available, you can tweak it for anything from waterfowl to deer hunting.
I’ve run plenty of rounds through the Fieldmaster, and it cycles as reliably as any pump I’ve shot. It patterns a little high, but that’s easy to adjust for. Plus, at around $500, it’s one of the best values in the pump-action world. Whether you need a workhorse for the blind or a budget-friendly do-it-all shotgun, this one’s tough to beat.
Mossberg Maverick 88
The Mossberg Maverick 88 is about as basic as it gets, but that’s the whole point. It’s essentially a stripped-down Mossberg 500—same design, same reliability—just with a crossbolt safety instead of the tang safety. It’s also one of the cheapest pump shotguns on the market, often selling for just over $200.
I’ve shot skeet with an M88 and ran 25 straight, so I know they hit where you aim. It’s a 3-inch, 12-gauge workhorse with a 7-pound build, plastic stock, and one choke tube. Nothing fancy, but it functions reliably in the field and can take a beating. If you need a budget home defense gun, truck gun, or a backup for the blind, the Maverick 88 is hard to argue with at this price.
Stoeger M3000
If you like the idea of an inertia-driven semi-auto but don’t want to drop Benelli money, the Stoeger M3000 is worth a look. Since Stoeger is owned by Benelli, this shotgun uses a similar action, meaning you get the same lightweight build, smooth swing, and simple, reliable operation—but for less than half the price.
You do give up a little in fit and finish, but that’s to be expected. Where it matters—reliability, balance, and durability—the M3000 delivers. It runs cleaner than gas guns, cycles reliably in bad weather, and weighs less than most gas-operated semi-autos. As Turkish shotguns keep improving, the M3000 just gets better. If you want a no-frills inertia gun that won’t break the bank, this one should be on your list.
Weatherby Orion
A lot of budget over/unders feel exactly that—budget. But the Weatherby Orion manages to feel a step above the usual entry-level options. It’s got Grade II walnut, which gives it a richer look than most guns in this price range, and the fit and finish are better than expected. It’s not just about looks, though—this shotgun handles smoothly in the field and is balanced well for a quick swing.
I had the chance to shoot this one during bird season, and it impressed me. The swamped rib gives a clean sight picture, and the double triggers offer a classic feel that some shooters prefer over a single selective trigger. The extended choke tubes with blue accents might not be for everyone, but that’s a minor gripe. If you’re looking for a good side-by-side that won’t break the bank, the Orion is a legit contender.
CZ Bobwhite G2
If you’re talking budget side-by-sides, you can’t leave out the CZ Bobwhite G2. It’s been a go-to option for years, and for good reason. It’s got a black chrome finish, mechanical double triggers, and a classic walnut stock—everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense bird gun.
The 28-inch barrels are great for upland hunting, but if you’re busting brush for woodcock or grouse, the intermediate version with a 26-inch barrel and a 14-inch LOP might be a better fit, especially for smaller-framed shooters. There was also a Project Upland edition with upgraded wood and engravings, but that was discontinued in 2023. If you can track one down, it’s a great find.
The Bobwhite isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s just a solid, reliable side-by-side at a price that makes sense. If you want an affordable double gun that won’t let you down, this is it.
Mossberg 500 Optic-Ready Turkey
Turkey hunting demands precision, and Mossberg took all the guesswork out of it with the 500 Optic-Ready Turkey. Instead of making you track down a mount and a red dot, this one comes with a Holosun red dot pre-installed. Just sight it in, and you’re good to go. No extra parts, no frustration—just a turkey gun that’s ready to roll.
I’ve used both the 20-gauge and .410 versions, and both pattern exceptionally well. The .410 model was a real surprise—putting 156 Apex No. 9 pellets on target at 40 yards, which is ridiculous. That’s 12-gauge performance out of a .410. The 20-gauge version is just as deadly, and its short 20-inch barrel makes it easy to maneuver in thick timber. If you hunt longbeards and want a gun that’s light, compact, and deadly accurate, this is the one. Mossberg does make a 12-gauge 3.5-inch version in the 835 platform, but unless you love punishment, the 20-gauge is the sweet spot.
CZ Drake
Affordable over/under shotguns are a gamble. Most feel clunky, stiff, and awkward—more like swinging a 2×4 than a shotgun. The CZ Drake, though? Surprisingly smooth for the price. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and actually feels good in the hands, which isn’t something you can say about most budget O/Us.
I hunted with the .410 version, and it handled better than expected. Unlike some bargain-bin O/Us, this one has ejectors instead of just extractors, so spent shells pop right out. It also comes with five chokes and a hard case, which is pretty generous at this price point. If you’re just getting into the over/under game and don’t want to spend a fortune, the Drake is about as good as it gets for under $700. Simple, reliable, and gets the job done.
Mossberg Silver Reserve Eventide Waterfowl
Some shotguns are made to look pretty. Others, like the Mossberg Silver Reserve Eventide, are made to take a beating—and still keep going. This over/under thrives in rough conditions, making it a great choice for saltwater duck hunts, late-season geese, or even as a backup gun in the blind.
It’s heavier than your average duck gun, but that actually helps on fast-flying divers and makes the recoil easier to handle. The Cerakote finish protects it from the elements, and the sling studs are a smart touch for waterfowlers who need to keep their hands free while wading through the muck.
That said, it’s not perfect. It has extractors instead of ejectors, which slows down reloading—a downside when you’re trying to finish off a cripple before it dives.
Weatherby SA-08
Cheap gas-operated semi-autos can be a nightmare. They jam, they fail, and they leave you cursing in the duck blind. But the Weatherby SA-08 is one of the rare exceptions—a gas gun that actually runs reliably.
I’ve seen plenty of SA-08s in the hands of hunters, and I rarely hear complaints. It’s a simple, lightweight shotgun that just works. You have to swap pistons depending on whether you’re shooting light or heavy loads—a bit old-school, but not a deal-breaker. At 6.5 pounds, it’s light for a 12-gauge, so you’ll feel the recoil more than with heavier gas guns. But if you want a reliable, budget-friendly semi-auto that won’t jam up when you need it most, this is one of the best gas guns in its class.
Remington V3
Remington’s V3 is one of the best-kept secrets in budget shotguns. It uses the VersaPort gas system, which adjusts automatically to different shell lengths and delivers low recoil and great reliability. Even some higher-end semi-autos struggle with lighter loads, but the V3 cycles everything—from target loads to heavy waterfowl shells—without an issue.
It’s not a flashy shotgun, but it’s lightweight, well-balanced, and has one of the best triggers you’ll find in a semi-auto. I’ve shot V3s in freezing temperatures, in the rain, and in dusty fields, and they just keep running. At around $800, it’s not the absolute cheapest, but for a reliable 12-gauge semi-auto that handles like a dream, it’s a steal.
Winchester SX4
If you need a semi-auto shotgun that won’t break the bank but still delivers, the Winchester SX4 is a solid choice. It’s a gas-operated workhorse that cycles reliably, even when you’re knee-deep in a frigid marsh.
The SX4 is lightweight for a gas gun, making it comfortable to carry all day. Is it the prettiest shotgun out there? No—but at this price point, function beats form. The black synthetic version keeps costs down, and in terms of performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better semi-auto in this price range. It patterns well, points naturally, and just plain works.
Beretta A300 Ultima
The Beretta A300 Ultima is Beretta’s answer to the budget shotgun market, and it packs in some features you won’t always find at this price. It has oversized controls, a bigger loading port, and a recoil reduction system—small touches that make a big difference when you’re in the field. It’s a bit heavier than the SX4, which helps soak up recoil but might not be ideal if you’re lugging it around all day.
I’ve shot the A300 on clays and birds, and it ran without a hitch. That said, some folks have reported occasional cycling issues or trigger reset problems. It’s worth noting that Beretta now makes these in the U.S., which might explain some of the growing pains. But if you want a semi-auto with a little more refinement than the SX4, this one’s worth a look.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
