Shotgun Experts Love the Remington 870 & So Will You

Some weapons reach such a level of popularity that they become iconic. The Remington 870 is one of those firearms. Many people who own one commend the 870’s place in their arsenal – going so far to say they could not imagine not having this staple in their collection. Not only have they found a place in homes across the country, but they are the shotguns typically used for movies and theatre. But don’t let the acting fool you: these firearms are the real deal and are often used for tactical purposes by the boys in blue. Private citizens, Hollywood, and service personnel all love the Remington 870, and you will to.

The Weapon

First, let’s take a look at some of the specs on the 870. It’s a 12 Gauge, pump action shotgun with a 3” chamber and an 18” cylinder barrel. This specific Remington 870 Express features a matte black finish and synthetic stock with positive checkering. There is a vented recoil pad and twin action bars. It weighs in at just over seven pounds.

Plain and simple, this is the most common pump shotgun for sale in the States. One of the biggest reasons for this is because it comes in a variety of designs. There is essentially a good, a great, and an amazing model available. The better the model, the more money you will have to shell out for one.

The other option is to pick out what accessories you want after you purchase one of the Remington shotguns for sale. Remington firearms can be outfitted with countless upgrades and modifications. Sights, grips, lights – pretty much anything you can think of for a shotgun, you can get for a Remington 870.

Accuracy

Though most shotguns have about the same accuracy abilities, the Remington 870 for sale is on par, if not better than its rivals. Depending on barrel length, you won’t see much variation, but there are some differences that can change your accuracy. Sights are the most important. On most standard models of the 870, the sights are pretty basic. That doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade to help augment your weapon’s capabilities, but when you first get a new one, the sights are not going to be much more than a ball at the end of the barrel and a grooved channel. As with most shotguns, your spread is going to be wider the further you get past ten yards.

Reliability

There is no denying that the 870’s trusted dependability creates much of the love for this weapon. After all; hunters, homeowners, and law enforcement all trust it to get their specific job done. Though all of its components might not be the factory pinnacles in performance, when they all come together they create a weapon that is considered to be one of the most reliable firearms around. One positive outcome from its popularity is that if the rare occasion arises that you find yourself in need of a part for your 870, it is relatively easy to find a replacement. It is a 12 gauge that is going to have some kick and moving parts that are going to take some heat; but as with all weapons, parts will eventually wear down. Don’t let that discourage you from picking up one of the most trusted shotguns around.

Remington 870 at GrabAGun

Ultimately, you are getting a lot of value for your dollar with this shotgun. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for semi-automatic shotguns for sale or tactical shotguns, the 870 express can be the pump-action shotgun you are looking for. If you are already a proud owner of one and just want to upgrade to a newer model, there are still plenty to choose from. The Remington 870 Express is a great place to start your search, and GrabAGun.com has all you need to make your next Remington purchase the right one. So go ahead and grab one – you will always love owning an Remington 870.

Legal Lengths of Shotguns and Rifles in the United States

Many people might go down to their local gun store or a neighborhood gun show and assume that each and every weapon there is ready to be taken home. Whether it be bolt action rifles or a lever action shotgun, you think that you can fill out some paperwork and take it home with you.

But not so fast. If you buy a secondhand weapon, you can run into the issue of purchasing a weapon that has been modified to standards that don’t adhere to those of the United States government. Before you go out searching for rifles and shotguns for sale, let’s take a look at one of the most important things you need to know before making any firearm purchase: What gun lengths are legal and what gun lengths are illegal in the U.S.

Understanding Legal Shotgun Length Limits

There are many things to keep in mind and understand before purchasing a shotgun or rifle in order to ensure it complies with the legal firearm length limits in the United States. Other areas around the world have different regulations than the U.S., and sometimes what is acceptable or unacceptable there is not the same here. This includes both the overall firearm lengths and rifle and shotgun barrel lengths.

A major reason that these length regulations are in place is to help classify the type of firearm. By enforcing and standardizing these measurements, each weapon can fall into a certain category. Most often this is used to make the distinction between short-barreled shotguns (SBS) and short-barreled rifles (SBR). The law has regulated that a shotgun barrel length must be at least 18 inches, while the entire gun length must be at least 26 inches.

How to Measure Gun Barrel Length

A specific measurement procedure must be used to define the actual barrel length. Barrel measurements are taken by closing the bolt and running a tape measure down the barrel to the face of the closed bolt. If you are unsure of where the closed bolt is, you can run a rod down the barrel until it stops, make a mark on the rod, and then measure the rod once you pull it back out of the barrel. The ATF uses micrometers to measure the length of the barrel.

Many factory length barrels start at 18½ inches to make sure that they meet these regulations on their shotguns. Keep in mind that when you purchase a new weapon and it says 22-inch barrel, there is a possibility that it is only a 21½-inch barrel, because manufacturers round up. For rifles, that number decreases to only a 16-inch barrel. The length of the weapon must still be at least 26 inches. This becomes a little tricky for rifles that can fold the stock in. If the weapon can be fired while the stock is folded, then the length of the weapon when folded must be at least 26”. If the weapon becomes incapable of firing once the stock is folded, then the weapon can be less than 26” and still classified as a rifle.

As a side note, to check if a barrel has been shortened, simply take a dime and see if it will fit down the barrel. If the choke is still there, the dime will catch at the end of the barrel. If the choke has been sawed off, the dime will be able to continue down the barrel unimpeded. For those of you wanting to perform modifications, it’s a good idea to keep your shotgun barrels to at least 18 ½ inches to give yourself a little leeway.

If you do decide to shorten your weapon, be aware that you will need to register it as an SBS or SBR, which comes with a $200 tax stamp. So if you have a weapon that is only worth about $100-$150, you are going to pay that additional cost just to make it legal. If you don’t do that, you can encounter legal complications that could result in plenty of time and headache.

When you want to find some of the best lever action rifles or semi-automatic rifles, your best bet is to search for firearms online. GrabAGun.com offers many brands that come manufactured to U.S. standards so you won’t have to question whether or not a weapon purchased secondhand will cost you more money to make it legally compliant.

A Mossberg 500 is a great example of a high-quality tactical pump-action shotgun that meets all U.S. gun length regulations. Grab A Gun offers have many rifles and shotguns that can accommodate a variety of uses, whether it be home defense, hunting, or sport shooting. We also offer a wide variety of shotgun parts and accessories to help outfit your Mossberg the way you want so you don’t need to try your hand at home weapon modification.

GrabAGun.com gives you all of the information you need, so you can be certain about exactly what you are buying. So when you want to purchase your next rifle or shotgun, keep these standards in mind, and buy from a trusted gun retailer.

The Best American-Made Gun Companies

The red, white, and blue have branded many of the household names in the gun industry. The weapons our police forces and servicemen use typically carry one of their logos. Guns made in America can be found on every shooting range, out in the field, or for home defense.

Rifles, shotguns, and handguns are all made somewhere; more often than not, when you purchase a new firearm you are joining the ranks of those who buy American guns. Some firearms — such as many American flag AR models, even proudly boast Old Glory in their designs. Gun sales have exceeded the previous years’ sales every year since 2010 and the demand for U.S. weapons has only increased.

Gun Brands In America

So what are a few of the gun brands that are made here in America? That’s a good question – and one that is easily answered. Though there are more than just these companies that manufacture arms in the U.S., these are the five most famous American-made firearms companies today.

Ruger Firearms

The largest company on this list is Ruger. Ruger produces over 1.1 million firearms in the U.S. per year. Of those, they offer over 400 different variations of more than 30 different weapons. The majority of their sales are in handguns, though they do boast high numbers in rifles. Since their beginning in 1949, Ruger has always crafted dependable and identifiable firearms.

Remington Arms Gun

This Madison, North Carolina company has grown into an international hunting and sports shooting behemoth. As the oldest gun manufacturer in the United States, Remington hasn’t kept their trademark an American secret. Though some of the companies on this list boast more sales domestically than Remington guns, Remington has the edge on the global market reaching nearly $1 billion in annual sales. Remington is well-known for their rifles and shotguns, and they also produce quality handguns for their clientele.

Smith & Wesson

Another well-known producer of firearms that was homegrown here in the United States is Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson guns have been in the hands of Americans since 1852. The western frontier’s rugged outlaw lifestyle necessitated many Americans to carry their firearms during those days. S&W also played a vital role in the American Civil War, which helped propel the brand into the giant it is today. They boast over a half a billion dollars in sales around the world and continue to be a popular brand of USA-made guns.

Glock Gun

This iconic handgun can be found all over the globe, though nearly two-thirds of its sales take place on US soil. Glock guns are a cultural icon carried by police, armed forces, and the fodder of rap artists and action movies galore. There’s no denying that millions of other Americans love the Glock too. Glock started to perfect its polymer guns in the 1980s after its founder Gaston Glock turned his 18 years of working with polymers towards developing firearms. The company has since become the leading handgun manufacturer in the United States, with approximately 700,000 new weapons made each year.

SIG Sauer

Another staple of American-made guns is SIG Sauer. SIG Sauer guns originated in the 1850s from a combination of Swiss and German engineering styles. SIG flourished in America due to its simple design and effective accuracy. Today, SIG Sauer remains efficient and practical in its design and manufacturing of over 650,000 weapons annually. It continues to be a large supplier of the Swiss army, though they moved their base of operations to the USA after the turn of the century. Though currently American-made, SIG Sauer continues to use its Swiss and German roots to remain a global arms powerhouse, with nearly half a billion dollars in revenue each year.

Buy a Gun From GrabAGun

Firearms have a rich and diverse history in America. There are millions of proud gun owners that might not have even realized they were supporting domestic products. On the range, out in the field, or in the line of duty; American-made weapons are getting the job done.

Are you one of the of millions of people who use American-made firearms? Check out your arsenal. See how many of your weapons are manufactured in the USA. If you need to add a few, GrabAGun has many American-made guns ready to bolster your weapons closet. Looking for a specific brand? Click here to see all of the brands we carry!

The Best Tactical Shotgun Accessories

The shotgun has been a staple of arsenals since its inception. Whether if it is used for home defense, hunting, or another function, the shotgun always finds a way into gun owner’s homes. Though it is capable of many feats on its own, a shotgun can be improved to elevate its functionality to new heights.

Whether you are in the market for shotguns for sale or are looking to upgrade an existing firearm, there are some upgrades to your firearm that you will want to look for. This doesn’t mean that your firearm is inferior or cannot be used without accessories. It’s just if you can optimize it, why wouldn’t you? All of us want to improve the efficiency of our firearms, and accessories can take them to the next level. They can improve carrying capacity, make them easier to carry, and improve accuracy. If you have ever wanted to take your skills and firearm to the next level, then you will want to check out these four essential shotgun accessories you should have:

Tactical Shotgun Accessories

Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier Remington 8-12ga

Tactical shotguns require unique upgrades. Sidesaddles are an ideal way to keep additional ammo close and easily accessible. One of the biggest issues with nearly every shotgun is its magazine capacity. When you carry the magazines on the firearm with a side saddle, you alleviate some of that problem. With the Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier, you get a rugged and reliable tactical shotgun accessory. It also fits onto the Remington 870.

Truglo Long Bead Front Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight

Another issue many shotgun owners have is sight: not only the ability to see, but also to have an accurate idea of what they are aiming at. Target identification allows for safer use of the shotgun and better accuracy (though this is not always what shotguns are thought of when used).

The Truglo Long Bead Front Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight is one of the industry-leading bead replacements. For this shotgun accessory, the sight is red, with a fiber of 0.078” in diameter and 0.5” in length. Made out of metal and painted solid black, it fits on a Ruger or Winchester.

Grovtec USA GTAC77 Buttstock Cartridge Shell Holder

Similar to the Sidesaddle, a stock carrier can give your shotgun the additional storage it needs in situations where you find yourself needing more ammo for sale. The Grovtec USA GTAC77 is a camouflaged version of a buttstock shell holder designed to carry five additional rounds. The buttstock carrier wraps securely around the shotgun’s stock rather than screwing into the firearm like the sidesaddle.

Many people have a preference between how the additional storage is secured to the firearm due to either the screws coming out of the sidesaddle, or the Velcro coming loose on the buttstock carrier. Owning both can give you two options that will sure to have one work for your needs.

Crickett 800 Shotgun Sling

One of the best accessories for a shotgun is a sling. There are one-point, two-point, and three-point slings; but arguably the ideal for shotguns is the two-point sling. For many purposes, the one-point sling is not practical. Climbing, moving through rugged terrain, or just having to move quickly can all be problematic. The three-point sling is also too complicated for many shotgun owners. Because of this, most owners tend to lean towards the two-point sling as the favorite. The Crickett 800 sling comes in black leather embossed with the Crickett name. Its two-point design makes it a favorite for many to add to their list of shotgun accessories.

Advantages for Accessorized Shotguns

When you combine all of these choices with your current firearm, you will notice plenty of advantages. Your ability to hold more rounds closer to your shotgun can help you in situations when your average shell carrying capacity just won’t do. The two-point sling will help carry your shotgun in several situations you might find yourself in that other slings couldn’t do. Everyone will agree that having the added sights on a shotgun might not seem necessary at first. However, once they try them they will never know how they fired a shotgun without laser sights.

Tactical Shotguns at GrabAGun

If you are looking to buy guns online, GrabAGun can help you find each of these extremely useful and helpful accessories. They are trying to help improve the quality of the tactical shotgun you carry as well as make the person carrying it a higher caliber of marksman as well. If you are interested in a tactical shotgun, make sure you read our blog post on the Beretta 1301 Tactical. Enjoy your new accessories, stay safe, and continue to look for ways to improve your firearm.

A Quick Guide to Hunting Guns

If you are interested in the popular sport of hunting, then you’ll want to learn all you can to find the hunting firearm that’s best suited to your needs. If you’ve spent any time at all vetting hunting guns for sale, you’ve likely discovered that there are many different types available.

All these options can be overwhelming. But ultimately, the hunting firearm that is best suited to your needs will depend on a handful of factors. First, you’ll want to consider the type or types of prey you’ll be hunting. From there, you can narrow your search based on the size of the gun, the speed and energy of the shot, and the level of accuracy required to be successful in your hunting quests.

Evaluating Different Types of Hunting Firearms

Hunters love the thrill of their pastime. They also love the firearms they use while on a hunt. There are plenty of different firearms that can be optimized while hunting. Though, some are better for certain situations than others.

From rifles to shotguns to handguns, there is a place for each depending on where and what you are hunting. A closer look at these three firearms will help determine which gun is right for you in your hunting environment. Below are a few pointers about the main types of hunting guns people regularly use.

Hunting Rifles

Perhaps the staple of all hunting firearms, rifles are powerful and easy to reload. They are all built based off of the same design, and are versatile by nature, with barrels that can accommodate different calibers of ammunition. There are also different types of rifles, including semi-automatic rifles and lever action rifles.

That makes rifles very accessible to hunters of a variety of different game animals. They can be used for faster prey like deer, feral hogs, and boars. Hunters of exotic game (such as rhinos, tigers, and leopards) as well as those hunting larger North American game (elk and bears) are also avid rifle users. But rifles are also well-suited to hunting smaller prey like rabbits, foxes, and coyotes. The rifle is an adaptable firearm that can be used in many hunting situations. GrabAGun has a many different brands of rifles for sale including Ruger, Remington, Mossberg, and Winchester.

Hunting Shotguns 

Shotguns are also a versatile hunting firearm due to the variety of shells they can use. They can be loaded with ammo that is better for fowl or other birds, or they can be loaded with rounds that are better suited for larger animals. Shotguns are generally pump action firearms, but are also available as more tactical lever-action shotguns or semi-automatic shotguns.

Hunting Handguns 

While handguns aren’t always a hunter’s firearm of choice, there are some handguns for sale that come in a variety of sizes and calibers, making them versatile enough for hunting. One thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for a handgun is that most have a limited range accuracy, and are not ideal for ranged shooting. The amount of recoil and kick you are able to handle will also dictate which handgun you will be able to accurately shoot.

Which Firearms Work Best for Different Sizes of Game?

Now that you have a better understanding of the most common firearms used in hunting, we can cover which firearms you should take with you based on what type of animal you are trying to hunt. This will be a basic overview, as the range of firearms available for your needs could fill books.

Smaller Animals

For hunting smaller prey such as rabbits, squirrels, and other tiny creatures; you’ll need a firearm that will not completely destroy them when it makes contact. Smaller caliber rifles are the most common gun used for this game. A .22 caliber cartridge is the ideal shell you want to use. Be careful when you choose your bullet, though. Some are designed for quick expansion and are only intended for use on varmints (animals you do not intend to eat and that are a nuisance). For animals slightly larger than these, you will want to use a more powerful caliber.

Medium-sized Animals

Hunting medium-sized animals — those that range from 51 to 300 pounds — requires more energy from the firearm and bullet. At impact, the bullet should be at least 800 ft. lbs. Bullet sizes range from .24 to .40 caliber, depending on the size of the animal.

Larger Animals (Big Game)

Big game animals range from 301-1,000 pounds in weight. If you are a big game hunter, you are after animals like elk, musk ox, wildebeest, zebra, kudu, and moose. Because of their size, you will need premium bullets in order to achieve the right amount of impact for a successful and ethical shot. The range you should target if you’re hunting big game is .27 to .375 caliber.

Shop at GrabAGun

While the information provided here is a great place to start, there is a lot more to being a skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible hunter. Picking out the right gear is an absolute must and GrabAGun is the right place to find everything you need.

Guns: Everything You Need to Know

Since its invention, the gun has been a staple of human society. Its use has changed the course of history. Guns have also undergone some major changes since the Chinese first developed gunpowder in the 9th century. Though there is centuries of information on firearms, that does not mean you can learn everything you need to know about guns. Whether you are an experienced gun owner, looking for guns for sale online, or just want to gain some more information about firearms in general; there is something that everyone can learn.

Types of Guns

The evolution and progression of the gun has led to many subcategories of firearms. Arms has a broad range that fit under that definition, and so does firearms. Here are some of the most common:

Rifle

These firearms are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They have a barrel with a helical groove cut into the wall.

Shotgun

These firearms are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They discharge ammunition that is filled with small spherical pellets (shot) or solid projectiles known as slugs.

Musket

These are a large-caliber firearm that is muzzle-loading. These heavy smoothbore firearms are fired from the shoulder and were carried by infantrymen.

Handgun

These are firearms that can be held in one hand; most notably, the pistol or revolver.

Artillery

These are firearms that can fire distances much greater than the typical range and power of shoulder or hand-fired guns. These are just a few of the most commonly seen firearms. There is still a wide variety of subcategories that comprise the entire spectrum of firearms.

Ammo

Ammo is the material that is fired from a gun. When dealing with a firearm, this term generally refers to shot, shrapnel, bullets, shells, cartridges, or slugs. It comes in a variety of different sizes for fit different calibers of firearms. Ammo can also come designed for specific purposes, including non-lethal and target, to name a couple. Commonly known as rounds, ammunition is held within magazines or loaded directly into the barrel of a gun before firing.

Firearm Accessories

For all the different varieties of firearms, there are equally as many accessories made for them. Scopes, rails, grips, suppressors – the list is nearly endless. They can improve firearms performance, increase ammunition carry capacity, or provide an aesthetic difference.

Magazines

For firearms that can fire multiple shots in succession, the ammunition must be stored on the firearm so that it can be reloaded instantly. Most are detachable so that they can be reloaded. The main function of the magazine is to move cartridges into a position from which they can be loaded into the chamber of the firearm.

Scope, Optics, & Mounts

Improving shooting accuracy is something that every marksmen needs or wants to do. An ideal way to do this is through the use of scopes, optics, and mounts commonly known as sights. These accessories assist with the aiming of a firearm, aligning a firearm, and viewing objects from a distance. Some also project a target or aiming point to show a detailed image of where your shot will make contact.

Gun Uses

Hunting

A pastime, a coming of age, and a way of putting food on the table; hunting is one of the major activities than involves the use of a firearm. Though it is not necessary to use a firearm – many hunters use bows or traps – they are commonly associated with the hunting world. Rifles are made to take down animals from as large as a rhino to as small as a squirrel. There is a vast difference between the two firearms, in large part because what will take down a rhino would obliterate a squirrel and what would successfully kill a squirrel would not do much damage to a rhino. Hunting firearms are as diverse as the animals that are our prey.

Range and Sport Shooting

Recreational shooting is one of the greatest pastimes for avid gun enthusiasts. There are numerous international competitions that showcase an individual or team’s ability in marksmanship. From skeet or target shooting to competitions, range, and sport shooting; they feature a wide variety of firearms fired under countless situations.

Self Defense

Firearms have been used for defense since their inception. Being able to protect your country, state, community, and home is the basis for the second amendment and the right of every individual. Self-defense firearms can be handguns, shotguns, rifles, and a myriad of other firearms. Being comfortable using your firearm against invaders is the first step to securing the self-defense firearm that is right for you. There is arguably no better reason to buy a gun than for self-protection.

Handling Guns Safely

The old saying “a gun is not a toy” is true on so many levels. Proper handling and safety of a firearm is imperative to the livelihood of the owner of the firearm and the people they come in contact with. Following gun laws and regulations is important for every responsible gun owner. Adhering to the standards of safety for your firearm will ensure a safer environment for everyone.

Cleaning Guns

Maintaining your firearm is crucial for is functionality and durability. When a firearm is dirty or clogged, it can cause misfires or backfires that can result in injury or fatality. Routinely clean your firearm to make sure it is working at optimal performance.

While this is a good start for getting you informed on everything you need to know about guns, you will be learning about firearms for the rest of your life. Keep reading, researching, and shooting. Get your gun for sale, ammo for sale, and any accessories at GrabaGun today!

Double Barrel Shotguns

Double Barrel Shotguns

There are two types of double barrel shotguns: side by side shotguns and over-under shotguns. Double barrel shotguns once used two triggers that allowed for each barrel to be discharged. In time, the single selective trigger (SST) that allowed it to alternate between the two barrels when firing. Today’s double barrel shotguns are typically the most costly shotguns you can purchase among guns for sale.

Today, the over-under shotgun is used for sports such as trap, clays and skeet, and waterfowl hunting. The choke design of double barrel shotguns allows the shot group to converge at a particular range, usually the maximum distance. Each barrel can be individually set for distance at the point of convergence. This means one barrel can be set to fire at a closer range, while the other barrel can shoot a further distance.

Hammerless shotguns were in use in Europe in the early 19th century. By the 1930s the over-under design started to replace the side by side shotgun in the U. S. due to the high cost of side by sides.

The over-under shotgun is typically finely crafted with a sleek design, it may be embellished with engravings, premium wooden stocks and other cosmetic extras. This is the reason they typically cost more among guns for sale. The over-under shotgun generally features less recoil than other types of shotguns, partially due to its greater weight.

Break open action, also called breech-loading, is the most common for over-under shotguns. The opening of the action can also be used to cock the shotgun.

Side by Side Shotguns

Side by Side shotguns are typically more expensive. Finer craftsmanship typically results in higher prices. Recoil is typically greater in the Side by Side than other types of shotguns. Today’s side by side uses a single selective trigger that alternately fires both barrels. Both barrels can’t be fired at once, as the single trigger has to be pulled twice to fire both barrels.

Some side by side shotguns utilize an inertial system. In an inertial system the recoil of firing the first barrel toggles the trigger to the next barrel. This system will function best with the heavier shotshells, as using lighter shot with lower recoil does not reliably toggle the inertial trigger resulting in an occasional failure to fire of the second shot, requiring a manual selection of the second barrel to fire.

The production of side by side shotguns eventually priced themselves right out of production. In recent years a few companies have returned them to production, but their price remains beyond most shooters means or desire to pay for guns for sale. Especially when other more modern shotguns among guns for sale can be purchased for considerably less.

The double barrel shotgun that remains popular due America’s fascination with the old west is stage coach guns. In good condition, these historic guns are highly desired.

Get the best double barrel shotguns for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop side by side shotguns, over-under shotguns, and shotgun ammo.

Shotguns For Sale

Versatility has its advantages, and if you will be purchasing a new shotgun, you may want to consider looking into the new Mossberg 500 or other new versatile shotguns for sale.

Slugs, Buckshot and Birdshot

There are dedicated hunters who use shotguns with slugs for deer hunting as well as hunting bird and other small game. Slugs do a great deal of trauma, and the heavier and faster they are the more damage they inflict. The rules for the use of slugs are actually simple. A Sabot slug is only used in a shotgun with a rifled barrel. Common slugs may be used in smooth bore shotguns.

The slug looks rather innocuous at first glance, but don’t discount the damage it inflicts. I like to use a comparison of the 30-06 vs. a common 12 gauge shotgun slug. A typical 30-06 cartridge can weigh 150 grains. Yet the lightest 12 gauge shotgun slug weighs about 383 grains. That is more than twice the weight of the powerful and deadly 30-06. It also provides heavier recoil.

Slugs will penetrate car doors and windshields. It lacks the range of a rifle, but for its range and purpose, it does the job extremely well.

If you plan to hunt with a slug, keep the following in mind when purchasing guns for sale. A rifled shotgun will deliver decent accuracy with a Sabot slug. Plan to use it only for slugs though, as using birdshot or buckshot in a rifled barrel will typically deliver poor patterns even at a close range. If you plan to use buckshot and bird shot, select a smooth bore barrel for accuracy. As for using slugs in smooth bore shotguns, select common (not Sabot) slugs. A slug used in a smooth bore shotgun will lack the range and accuracy of a rifled barrel, but with practice you will manage fairly well.

Buckshot is used for hunting and home defense. However, it is a myth that you don’t need to aim a shotgun. In a close range shooting, shot does not spread as soon as you may expect, and you will need to aim. As with any firearm, shotgun users need to consider anything behind or beside the assailant before they fire, your own family members may be at risk of catching the shot.

Tactical shotguns are popular for home defense. The shorter length makes it easier to maneuver in the tight confines of a home. Those with a pistol grip are difficult to aim, and shooting from the hip with any accuracy is difficult even with a lot of practice. Select a model with a buttstock when shopping for guns for sale.

Using Choke Tubes

Choke tubes force the spread into a smaller diameter. Choke size varies from cylinder bore (the same size as the barrel diameter), to extra full (an extreme constriction of the barrel diameter).

Shot with a lot of spread loses effectiveness as it travels from the shooter. A choke tube will decrease the size of the spread, and lengthen the range, thereby increasing hits to the target.

If you plan to use slugs, select a shotgun from among guns for sale with either a fixed cylinder bore choke or a threaded barrel and install cylinder bore or skeet choke tubes.

A number of today’s shotguns have operating systems to reduce recoil. For the guns that don’t, the best way to reduce recoil is to select a lighter shot. Gas piston operating systems really do reduce felt recoil, improving comfort and accuracy. The disadvantage is eventually it will need repair, and this typically means sending it to the manufacturer. In my opinion gas systems are well worth the eventual inconvenience. You can always use your older weapon as a backup while you await its return. I recommend the gas piston systems among today’s guns for sale, it enables you to have more time doing what you love.

GrabAGun offers a large selection of shotguns for sale from numerous manufacturers such as, Beretta, Browning, Mossberg, and Winchester.

Get the best shotguns for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop shotguns, 12 gauge ammo, and gun accessories.

Shotguns 101: Info On Shotguns For Sale

guns for sale

Buying your first shotgun? When you’re shopping for a shotgun for hunting, clays, skeet shooting, home protection, or competition matches; GrabAGun has the shotgun you seek. We offer a large selection of quality brands of shotguns, as well as other guns for sale. This guide will assist first time buyers in understanding the basics of shotguns.

Shotgun Types

Single Shot Shotguns

Single shot shotguns are typically the least expensive but only hold one shell at a time. To fire again, you must to open the breach and insert a new shell. Despite the inconvenience, they are a functional tool for many tasks. For a beginner, a single action is a good selection as it provides ample practice with loading and unloading and time to learn to aim. Single-shot shotguns are very affordable and reliable. They are one of the two most common of guns for sale purchased for beginners.

Pump-Action Shotguns

Pump-action shotguns are the most common and most are of low cost and high reliability. After each shot, you must pump the forend to eject the spent shell and load another from the magazine tube into the chamber.

Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Semi-auto shotguns enable you to fire a round by simply pulling the trigger. An increasing number of models and brands now feature the latest technology for increased comfort, accuracy, and reliability. The advantages of the advanced technology are helping semi-automatics rise in popularity among guns for sale.

Double Barrel Shotguns

Double barrel shotguns come in two varieties: over-under (O/U) and side-by-side. Over-Under shotguns have one barrel above the other and the side-byside shotguns have the barrels horizontally.

Shotgun Barrels

Barrel length affects the handling capabilities of the shotgun and the ability to aim the shotgun accurately. Longer barrels swing more smoothly and are more accurate with a longer range. Shorter barrels are both easier to maneuver in restricted spaces and are quicker to point; they are considered better for combat or home protection, and are used by law enforcement in tactical form. A shorter barrel will produce more flash and noise.

Chokes

A choke tube is mounted at the end of the barrel and provides the function of constricting the diameter of the muzzle to create a tighter shot pattern. It maintains a dense enough pattern to engage your target. There are many sizes of chokes, including those that are adjustable for different patterns without having to change the choke. The choke size determines how wide the pellet spread will be. Wider patterns allow for greater aim error, but it limits the range.

Chokes are fixed or screw-in. Fixed chokes are part of the barrel design and require a gunsmith to change or remove. Screw-in choke insert into the end of a threaded barrel and allows for the use of different sizes of chokes.

Selecting Ammunition

Generally, shotguns are able to shoot two types of ammunition: large single pellets called “slugs” that create a large area of damage and shells full of smaller pellets called shot. These are useful for hitting small/moving targets.

Shot Size

Higher shot numbers indicate smaller size shot. For example, #9 shot birdshot is much smaller than #4. This applies to all categories of shot. Shotshells are available in either high-base (AKA high-brass) or low-base loadings. The high-base shells have more powder and are thus more powerful – use them when you need something extra. Shotshells come in various lengths. A shotgun can shoot shells shorter than its chamber (which will be marked on the barrel), but not longer. The longer the shell, the higher the recoil will be.

Bore Size

Bore size is the shotguns gauge and affects recoil. The smaller the gauge the greater the recoil as in 12 gauge. The higher the bore the less recoil will be as in 16, 20, 28 gauge, or .410 gauge shotguns. Most people of small stature lacking great strength can handle a 20 gauge or smaller

Ammo Based on Purpose

For small game or clay targets, purchase small shot like # 9 to 4. If you hunt larger game, such as ducks or geese, purchase the larger #5 shot up to #2 shot. For prey and game, such as coyotes or deer, use buckshot or slugs. Keep in mind sabot slugs are only for rifled barrels and use rifled slugs for smooth barrels.

Shotguns For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun offers a large selection of shotguns as well as a full range of other guns for sale, shotgun parts and accessories, and hunting supplies. Shop our site and, if you fail to find a specific model of guns for sale that you seek, give us a call. If you are needing some help or inspiration on our various models of shotguns, check out this blog post on our best shotguns for sale!

Side-By-Side Shotguns For Sale

gun-sales-side-by-side-shotguns

Side by side shotguns (S x S) have always had a loyal following, but for quite some time the price for a good side-by-side has been prohibitive for many. Today, the side-by-side shotgun is making a comeback and manufacturers are responding by offering the S X S among their shotguns for sale. You may wonder why purchase an obsolete gun, until you realize the S x S has advantages you will not receive in the pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns.

Why Side-By-Side?

First of all, the side by side shotgun for sale is so simple that a first time shooter can learn to use it in less than a minute. It is easier to operate than any pump action or semi-automatic shotgun. This alone offers a healthy market of young and inexperienced shooters among gun sales.

Second, the SxS lacks any action. This makes it shorter, lighter, and easier to operate. These are the features stimulating the growing popularity of the SxS as a home defense weapon. It is much easier to move through the tight halls and furniture packed rooms of the home. Its small size and maneuverability is a plus when hunting in dense vegetation and forests. Whether for home defense or hunting, the SXS has its place with a growing number of fans selecting it versus the popular semi-auto shotgun.

Third, side by side’s the break action enables you to use non-standard shells that don’t cycle very well in other shotguns. If the shell will fit and close it is very likely to fire. With two separate barrels and triggers on the side by side, you are able to use a mixed load. For example, you can use buckshot in one and birdshot in the other. This adds an additional benefit for hunters.

Side-By-Side Ammo

It is very rare for a SxS to jam a shell. That is a big plus in any experienced shooters view. Due to the SXS’s simplicity, on the rare occasions a jam has occurred, it is a 1-2 second fix. Reliability and its simplicity provide a strong factor fueling the SXS’s guns sales.

Short shells is a frequently used ammo in home defense. The short shells provide a light recoil that is ideal for youth and novices lacking experience, or those who can’t use a weapon with heavy recoil. Novices typically love the S X S, as the light recoil helps them to gain accuracy, as well as enables them to keep practicing without fatigue. No one wants to shoot a gun where they consistently miss due to heavy recoil and fatigue.

Disadvantages of The SXS

The primary disadvantage of the SxS is its limited ammunition, as it only provides 2 shots before you must reload. That is actually good for novices, it gives them more experience in loading. The other disadvantage is you must leave it unloaded in a home with children due to safety issues. For the right person, the SXS has plenty of advantages. It is easy to use, dependable, effective, and an awful lot of fun to shoot. It also provides a comfortable session on the range.

Buy Guns Online at GrabAGun

Shop GrabAGun for an extensive selection of side by side shotguns for sale, as well as other guns for sale. Offering a tremendous variety of brands with pricing to fit any budget, you will find our prices to be the best available. Shop with GrabAGun for all of your needs!