GunsAmerica

Quick Look

Single shot shotguns date back to the 19th century, prized for simplicity and reliability. Their straightforward design offers ease of use, especially for beginners and hunters. Today, they remain popular for teaching firearm fundamentals and as affordable, dependable field guns.

Why It's a Top Choice

Reliable break-action mechanism with minimal maintenance
Lightweight and easy to carry in the field
Ideal for beginners and youth training
Inexpensive compared to repeaters or semi-autos
Accurate with less recoil in many models

Key Variants

H&R 1871 Pardner

Great for new shooters; basic, durable, and commonly used in hunter safety courses.

Chiappa Little Badger

Folding design makes it ideal for compact storage and survival situations.

Henry Single Shot Shotgun

Solid American-made craftsmanship with walnut furniture and steel frame appeal.

Savage 301

A budget-friendly turkey gun with specialized models in camo and even red dot-ready versions.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Single Shot Shotguns	Pump Shotgun	Semi-Auto Shotgun
MSRP	$150-$300	$300-$600	$500-$1,200
Capacity	1 round	4-7 rounds	3-5 rounds
Weight	5-6 lbs	6-8 lbs	7-9 lbs
Optics-Ready	Rare	Varies	Common in newer models
Notable Pro	Simplicity and reliability	Faster follow-ups	Low recoil and fast cycling
Notable Con	Single shot only	Heavier and mechanical complexity	More cleaning and cost

Best Use Cases

Youth or beginner training
Upland small game hunting
Survival kits and packs
Firearm safety instruction
Range practice on a budget

FAQs

What is a single shot shotgun best used for?

They're ideal for training, teaching firearm safety, and small game hunting due to reliability and low cost.

Can I hunt with a single shot shotgun?

Yes. Many hunters use them for deer, turkey, or upland birds with proper loads and range.

How does a single shot shotgun work?

It uses a break-action to load one shell directly into the chamber, then manually reloaded after firing.

SINGLE SHOT SHOTGUNS for Sale