Tag: waterfowl hunting

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