October 2021 - GrabAGun Blog

Top 3 Duck Hunting Shotguns

October 29, 2021 | 0 Comments

Across the country, duck hunting season is about to begin. Having all your essentials is imperative to a successful experience, the most important item being your firearm. These days, most hunters choose between a semi-automatic shotgun and a pump-action shotgun for their arsenal. GrabAGun has thousands of shotguns for sale online that you can pick from, all at affordable rates and even with flat-rate shipping!

Pros and Cons of Semi-Automatic Shotguns

If you’re leaning towards a semi-automatic shotgun as your firearm of choice for your duck hunt, then it’s best to weigh your options. Everything comes with good and bad aspects, so it’s important to understand these before making a purchase. Duck hunting is a challenging but highly rewarding sport, so you need the right firearm to make your experience that much better.

Pros

Speed: There is no denying that a semi-automatic firearm is faster than its manual counterparts. The speed comes from the shotgun’s design, which cycles gas throughout the system to eject a spent shell and load a new one, making it great for hunting ducks
Better Stabilization: Semi-automatic shotguns are also notoriously easier to stabilize. Think about it—no pumping action means no time spent trying to readjust your firearm to get on target.

Less Perceived Recoil: That gas redirection isn’t just great for speed. Because all that gas is used to run the action, there is less recoil and muzzle creep with a semi-automatic. For duck hunters, this is great because they can keep on target with little effort.
Reduced Need for Cleaning: While you can’t escape maintenance completely, inertia-driven systems operate as such that cleaning and maintenance can be reduced.

Cons

Sketchy Reliability: Unfortunately, one of the main complaints against semi-automatic shotguns is the fact that they are prone to unreliability. Fouling can cause a shotgun to jam or misfeed, and that’s the last thing you want to happen in the field.
Loading and Unloading: For anyone that has never used a shotgun before, there can be a steep learning curve when it comes to loading and unloading the firearm. New hunters that haven’t practiced with a shotgun beforehand can find this to be a particularly tough problem.
Expensive: Duck hunting semi-automatic shotguns are expensive, there are no two ways about it. Even if you get the most basic model, you are still going to spend a pretty penny.

Top 3 Semi-Automatic Shotguns for Sale

For a new hunter, semi-automatic shotguns may be the best route to take. You have faster follow-up shots, generally less recoil, and easier handling with his type of firearm. While there are thousands on the market, there are a few shotguns for sale that GrabAGun customers love.

Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus

Beretta is one of the oldest firearms manufacturing companies in the world, with more than a century of knowledge and experience. A shotgun that many hunters, both new and experienced, trust for duck hunting is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus. This is a high-quality shotgun that you can depend on in just about any situation, but especially on a duck hunting trip. It features Beretta’s exclusive Steelium Plus barrel—a first for hunting shotguns. This barrel actually provides the best shot patterning possible for all hunting loads and reduces felt recoil. It also comes with an extended charging handle and bolt release for easier manipulation, even during the coldest, rainiest days. Plus, with an enlarged port for easier loading, you really can’t go wrong with Beretta shotguns. It truly has all of the pros and none of the cons.

Takeaways:

Dependable, reliable, and performance-driven
Reduced recoil with the Steelium Plus barrel
Feeds a variety of rounds effortlessly
Made by a brand with over a century of experience

Browse all of GrabAGun’s Beretta shotguns for sale here

Weatherby Element Waterfowl

The Weatherby Element Waterfowl Max-5 combines Weatherby’s signature style, fit, and finish with their inertia operated action. It’s a no-nonsense semi-automatic shotgun that delivers exceptional performance. The inertia-operating system allows for high-volume shooting, giving duck hunters a chance at faster follow-up shots. This is a cleaner, smoother, and ready-for-action firearm that waterfowl hunters trust. It features a Griptonite stock with rubberized pistol grip and forend inserts as well as a Realtree Max-5 camo pattern. Take this into the field and know that you’ve got a reliable firearm in your hands.

Takeaways:

Both a stylish and highly functional firearm
Griptonite stock and rubberized pistol grip ensure constant comfort
Inertia operated action for reliability

Check out the collection of Weatherby shotguns from GrabAGun

CZ 1012

A trend among semi-automatic hunting shotguns is a gas-inertia operating system, and the CZ 1012 is no different. It utilizes a gas-less spring-based inertia system. This leads to increased consistency, fewer cleaning requirements, and the ability to fire a variety of shells. For duck hunting, this means shooters can cycle more shots with less chance of failure. And with this operating system, follow-up shots can be set up faster, with more accuracy. It also features a mossy oak bottomland finish for excellent camouflage with no shiny surfaces. The CZ 1012 is a high-quality firearm from a brand that knows what they are doing. If you are searching for a dependable duck hunting shotgun, this is it! GrabAGun has all the shotguns for sale that you could need, including the incredible CZ 1012.

Takeaways:

Utilizes a gas-inertia operating system
Cycle a variety of shells effortlessly
Increased consistency

Take a look through GrabAGun’s collection of CZ shotguns for sale here

Pros and Cons of Pump-Action Shotguns

Just like anything, there are pros and cons that need to be weighed when considering a pump-action shotgun. Tactical shotguns are generally a better fit for more experienced shooters, but that doesn’t mean a new hunter can’t use one. As always, make sure to examine the pros and cons of a pump-action shotgun before you make your purchase.

Pros

Rugged and Reliable: Pump-action shotguns are built to be rugged and reliable. A well-constructed shotgun will be able to work in all conditions, including those cold and muggy days during peak duck hunting season.
Versatile: At first glance it may not seem to be, but tactical shotguns like the pump-action style are incredibly versatile. They generally sport a modular design, meaning it’s easy to update or upgrade this firearm to meet your needs.
Powerful: There is no denying the power that comes with a pump-action shotgun. It doesn’t matter if you are shooting lead or tungsten ammo, the results can be deadly, which is exactly what duck hunters need.
Affordable: Good quality, basic pump shotguns are generally less expensive than a brand-name striker-fired pistol or even a hunting rifle.

Cons

Limited Rounds: With a pump-action shotgun, you generally only get a handful of shots to work with—as opposed to, say, a semi-automatic hunting rifle. This can make for a frustrating duck hunting experience if you aren’t a strong shot with this style of firearm.
Slower Rate of Fire: Because the operator must manually cycle the weapon, follow-up shots often take longer than semi-automatic or even break-open shotguns. This is especially true for inexperienced shooters and can mean many missed opportunities.
Limited Range: Probably the biggest complaint of any shotgun is the limited range. Most shells used will only have a 50-yard distance to clear. When compared with tactical rifles or other hunting shotguns, this is a serious limitation, especially when ducks can easily clear several yards with ease.
Not for the Inexperienced: For as good as a pump shotgun is, it’s simply not the best option for new hunters. Many are guilty of short-stroking, meaning, they aren’t working the slide through its entire cycle. This can result in jamming, misfeeds, and other issues.

Top 3 Pump-Action Shotguns for Sale

If you are an experienced duck hunter, then the pump-action shotgun may be more your speed. This firearm is powerful, reliable, and trusted by millions. Here are a few favorite shotguns for sale that can be found at GrabAGun for affordable rates and flat-rate shipping.

CZ 612 Field

This is a workhorse shotgun that performs when you need it most. Not only is it affordable, but it’s reliable in all conditions. The CZ 612 Field features a walnut stock, matte blued finish, and 28-inch barrel. Shooters love CZ shotguns because of how well they perform in all situations. The design allows shooters to cycle 2 ¾ and 3-inch shells with ease. It also comes with 3 chokes so you can easily customize your experience. This is especially helpful for duck hunters who may need multiple chokes to deal with flight patterns, changing locations, and other factors that come with duck hunting.

Takeaways:

Workhorse shotgun
Affordable
Comes with 3 additional chokes for easy customization

Check out GrabAGun’s selection of CZ pump-action shotguns for sale here

Mossberg 835 Turkey / Waterfowl

For a shotgun that is specifically designed for waterfowl hunting, look no further than the Mossberg 835 Turkey / Waterfowl. Designed to be used in all conditions, without fail, this shotgun manages even the most punishing magnum loads with better shot patterns and reduced felt recoil. This is achieved through an overbored and ported barrel which results in quicker follow-up shots, less muzzle jump, and cleaner shots. Where most tactical shotguns can have a serious kickback, this mitigates it well. Certain models also come with an X-Factor Ported Ulti-Full turkey tube and Accu-Mag set, so you’ll never miss a shot.

Takeaways:

Designed specifically for waterfowl hunting
Overbored and ported barrel helps to reduce felt recoil
Faster follow-up shots, reduced muzzle jump, and cleaner shots
Accu-Mag set included

Browse Mossberg pump-action shotguns for sale from GrabaGun here

Browning BPS Field

The Browning BPS Field is one of the most prolific and reliable shotguns in the world. Browning is a brand that hunters trust for everything from their hunting shotgun to their camo. The Browning BPS Field is a versatile and dependable pump-action shotgun manufactured specifically for waterfowl hunting. It’s great for shooters of all experiences and designed to last a lifetime. It comes equipped with a rugged, machined steel receiver and steel internal components. The twin steel action bars ensure long-lasting, bind-free, pump-action performance for many years to come. It’s a solid shotgun that is not only great for duck hunting, but user-friendly, high-quality, and affordable. What more could you want?

Takeaways:

One of the most prolific and reliable shotguns in the world
Designed for waterfowl hunting
Good for new and experienced shooters
Features twin steel action bars for long-lasting shooting

Take a look through the Browning pump-action shotguns from GrabAGun

Shotguns For Sale

While there are many options to choose from, the right firearm for your next duck hunt will come down to several things—your budget, your experience level, and where you’ll be hunting are just a few things to consider. Always make sure to check your local laws regarding permits, season openings and closings, bag limits, etc. Once you have all that, and you’re looking for shotguns for sale online, check out GrabAGun for some of the best prices online! We have 12-gauge, 20-gauge shotguns, semi-automatic shotguns, pump-action shotguns, and so much more for you to pick from.

—Kellie Krevosky

Elk Hunting: Bow versus Rifle

October 21, 2021 | 0 Comments

There is a long-standing debate as to the best weapon of choice for elk hunting: the bow or the rifle. When you’re face to face with a 700-pound bull, you want to trust whatever weapon is at your side to get the job done. This is why we’ve compiled the top advantages and disadvantages of using a bow versus a rifle for elk hunting. We know there are plenty of crossbows and rifles for sale out there, and this list will help you choose what is best for your next hunt.

Elk Bowhunting

Elk bowhunting is a challenging sport that requires a high skill level and countless hours of training. It takes not only time but also patience to perfect your archery skills to takedown a full-size, adult bull. Once you’re comfortable with a bow, however, elk hunting becomes an exhilarating test of skill and knowledge. After all, when you get the shot right, a bow’s take-down power is incomparable.

Browse GrabAGun’s huge archery selection here!

Advantages of Bowhunting

Elk bowhunting seasons are usually quite a bit longer as compared to rifle hunting seasons. Bowhunting requires a high level of skill, so the season can afford to be longer while still maintaining a healthy elk population.
Depending on your location, you might have more opportunities to practice before your hunt. All you need is a private location, such as a backyard, with 50 yards or more of space. This is much easier than heading to the nearest gun range.
You have more opportunities for elk encounters when bowhunting. Many archery seasons align with elk’s breeding season, also known as the rut. Not only does this occur before the rifle season, but you’ll also be hunting when elks—especially large bulls—are at their most active.

Disadvantages of Bowhunting

There is no room for error and inaccuracies could lead to unethical practices. For example, a miscalculated shot with your bow might hit your target, but instead of a clean kill, you could leave a long-lasting wound. This defeats the purpose of a quick, one-shot takedown.
The range for bows is around 40 yards. This means you’ll have to get pretty close to your target for a successful, effective shot.
It is difficult to fire a bow while sitting or lying down. In order to fire effectively, you must keep a still and steady upper body when aiming and releasing your shot. This can be tiring, especially after walking miles tracking herds.

Elk Hunting with a Rifle

There’s nothing quite like scanning the horizon in hopes of finding an elk herd. The challenge of finding those worn-out, post-rut bulls is even more exciting. This is exactly what you get when experiencing elk hunting with a rifle. Hunters spend months perfecting their gear, searching for that perfect rifle for sale to add to their collection, just to take part in this experience.

Advantages of Rifle Hunting

It is less physically demanding to hunt elk with a rifle as compared to bowhunting. You can fire your rifle while sitting, standing, or even lying down. Further, you can take pressure off your body by utilizing the ground to steady yourself and your weapon.
Your range automatically increases with a rifle—by several hundred yards. Your rifle’s scope enables you to scan large areas of land at greater distances without moving a muscle. Additionally, you can take your shots from much farther away, which negates the need to spend extra time and energy tracking for a close-range shot.
Although precision and accuracy are important, a misfire or accidental shot is still more likely to take down a full-size elk as compared to misfiring a bow. Further, it is easier to take a quick follow-up shot to correct any mistakes for a clean, ethical takedown.

Disadvantages of Rifle Hunting

Hunting elk with a rifle might seem easier, and while it is great for beginners, it still takes time and consistency to perfect your shot. Shooting a rifle is not always an easy task, so it is important to spend time at the range before your hunt.
It is more popular to hunt elk with a rifle, so you will be at a disadvantage with crowds. Additionally, the season for hunting elk with a rifle is shorter than with a bow, which means you might not have as many opportunities to bring home your prized bull.
Although your range increases when shooting with a rifle, you don’t get to experience being up close and personal with the animals and environment. Hunting elk with rifles is a long-range experience.

Find your next hunting rifle at GrabAGun!

What will your weapon be?

At the end of the day, a weapon is only as good as the hunter. While there are definitely advantages to both bow and rifle hunting, each has unique qualities that are fit for different shooters. It is important to find what hunting method is best suited for you—your price range, hunting style, location, and top preferences. To make the most of your hunt, spend quality time with your weapon of choice, learning its quirks and capabilities before you bring it into the wilderness. Then, check out your state’s laws concerning tagging limits, season duration, and more.

Reliability and durability are key components whether you use a bow or hunting rifle, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice high-quality weapons for low prices. That’s why GrabAGun gives shooters the best gun deals out there. Between our rugged crossbows, hunting accessories, and heavy-duty hunting rifles for sale, you’ll be able to find your next hunting companion for an unbeatable price. That way you can face your next elk hunt, ready and prepared to bring home a prize like never before.

—Melissa Quist