With hunting season close at hand and Labor Day behind us, we look at some of the current no-nonsense but affordable offerings on the shotgun market.
It used to be that you could pick up a sweet 12, 20 or 16 gauge (don’t scoff, that was the most popular chambering in the U.S. for decades) at your local hardware store, filling station and farm co-op for a little bit of folding money. Even though so much of that has changed, there are still several shotguns on today’s market that you can get– new– for less than $200, and they are just one click away.
Maverick 88
Made in Mossberg’s Texas facility, the Maverick 88 is styled after the company’s famous Model 500 series of pump-action guns and is often called “the working man’s shotgun.” Nonetheless, the Maverick still has dual extractors, twin action bars, positive steel to steel lockup, and an anti-jam elevator. Available in general-purpose, security, slug and combo variants, these guns interchange with regular Mossberg 500 barrels as well and start at $196.90, new (although we also have some used models in stock for even less). Best yet, it is American made.
SEE THE MAVERICK 88 AT GUNS.COM FROM $196.90
ATI MB3
While not offered in as many variants as the Maverick, American Tactical Imports’ China-made MB3 series caters more to those looking for a security or camp shotgun rather than a deer gun or wing shooter. With an 18.5-inch barrel, 4+1 12-gauge capacity and Picatinny rail, you still get a lot of bang for the buck as these guns start at $131.95, new.
SEE THE MB3 AT GUNS.COM FROM $131.95
Stevens 320
The Stevens 320 series of pump-action shotguns come in both a Field Grade series of 12 and 20-gauge models with full-length barrels as well as a more “tactical” looking Security variant with an 18.5-inch barrel and pistol grip stock. The good news is, both are under $200.
SEE THE STEVENS 320 AT GUNS.COM FROM $181.30
H&R Pardner
Using a steel receiver and chrome-plated bolt, the H&R Pardner is available in both 12 and 20 gauge and with both walnut and black synthetic furniture. Starting at $159.50, these 5+1 shell sliders have a lot to offer in at least five different models.
SEE THE H&R PARDNER AT GUNS.COM FROM $159.50
Iver Johnson PAS 12
Made by Armed in Turkey, the Iver Johnson PAS 12, like most of the guns on this list, is an imported shotgun. Sold in a defense format with an 18.5-inch barrel and medium length forend, it still comes with dual action bars and an extended bolt release latch. Available from $163.90.
SEE THE PAS 12 AT GUNS.COM FROM $163.90
Escort M87 Youth
Another Turkish import, Escort’s M87 Youth 20 runs a 22-inch barrel and shortened length of pull which is perfect for smaller statured users. Further, at just 5.4-pounds, it is light in the hand and to the shoulder. While new full-sized 12-gauge M87s run past our price point, the Youth model is currently just under it at $199.
SEE THE ESCORT 87 AT GUNS.COM FROM $199
Also…
Don’t look past used shotguns as, in many cases, guns that are still in excellent condition and showing signs of low use pop up on the second-hand market every day. Just looking through the Guns.com Vault, it is not hard to find great sub-$200 deals on a Russian-made Baikal, a vintage Stevens 67E with a corn-cob pump, a Stevens 94 break action .410, a classic Winchester 370 20-gauge Youth and even the occasional score on a pre-owned Mossberg 500 and Remington 870.
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