How to Choose Your First Shotgun in the UK (2026 Guide)

Q: What is the best first shotgun for clay shooting in the UK?

A 12 bore over-under is the best choice for most beginners. The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon and Browning B525 are consistently popular, available second-hand between £600 and £1,000.

Q: Is a 20 bore suitable as a first shotgun?

A 20 bore is suitable if you are smaller-framed or recoil-sensitive, but most beginners benefit from starting with a 12 bore due to wider ammunition availability.

Q: Should I buy new or second-hand?

Second-hand from a reputable dealer is often the best value. Quality shotguns hold their value well, and you can get a proven performer at 50-70% of the new price.

Q: Can I legally buy a shotgun online?

You can agree to purchase online, but the physical transfer must take place face-to-face with certificate checks, or through a registered firearms dealer.

Q: What maintenance does a shotgun need?

Clean the barrels after every shooting session. Wipe down the action and external metalwork to prevent moisture damage. Store with silicone-treated gun socks.

Quick Answer

For most first-time shotgun buyers in the UK, an over-under 12 bore is generally the best choice, offering excellent versatility for both clay shooting and game. Side-by-sides are traditional for game, and semi-autos reduce recoil for high-volume use, but the over-under provides a balanced all-rounder that holds its value well. Always prioritise a professional gun fit before committing to a purchase.

# How to Choose Your First Shotgun in the UK: Over-Under, Side-by-Side, and Semi-Auto Compared ## Quick Answer For most UK beginners, an over-under shotgun in 12 bore is the best first choice. It is the most versatile action type, works for clay shooting and game, and holds its value well. Budget between £500 and £1,500 for a quality second-hand gun from a reputable dealer, and always get a professional gun fit before buying. Side-by-sides suit traditional game shooting, whilst semi-autos offer reduced recoil for high-volume days but are less popular at clay grounds. --- ## Why Does Your First Shotgun Choice Matter? Choosing your first shotgun is one of the most important decisions you will make as a new shooter. The right gun encourages good technique, builds confidence, and keeps you coming back to the range or field. The wrong gun can cause flinching, bruised shoulders, and frustration that drives people away from the sport entirely. UK shooters are fortunate to have a wide choice available, but that choice can feel overwhelming. Walk into any gun shop and you will see rows of over-unders, side-by-sides, semi-automatics, and pump-actions in various gauges, barrel lengths, and price points. This guide cuts through the confusion and helps you make a confident, informed decision. ## What Are the Main Shotgun Action Types? ### Over-Under (O/U) The over-under has two barrels stacked vertically and is the dominant choice for clay shooting in the UK. Around 80% of clay shooters use an over-under, and it is increasingly popular for game shooting too. **Advantages:** - Single sighting plane gives a clearer view of the target - Excellent balance and handling characteristics - Two choke options (one per barrel) for versatility - Strong resale value, especially from established makers - Accepted everywhere, for every discipline **Disadvantages:** - Higher entry price than pump-actions or semi-autos - Heavier than side-by-sides of equivalent gauge - Break-action design means reloading after two shots **Best for:** Clay shooting (sporting, trap, skeet), walked-up game, beginners wanting one gun that does everything. **Popular beginner choices:** Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon, Browning B525, Miroku MK38, Lanber Sporting. ### Side-by-Side (SxS) The traditional British game gun, with two barrels arranged horizontally. Side-by-sides have a long heritage in UK shooting and remain the preferred choice for many driven game shooters. **Advantages:** - Lighter weight makes them comfortable for long days in the field - Fast handling and instinctive pointing - Traditional aesthetics valued in game shooting circles - Wide sighting plane that some shooters prefer for crossing birds **Disadvantages:** - Wider sighting plane can obscure targets for some shooters - Less popular at clay grounds (though perfectly acceptable) - Good quality examples tend to be expensive - Fewer modern options compared to over-unders **Best for:** Driven game shooting, traditional rough shooting, shooters who value heritage and aesthetics. **Popular choices:** AYA No. 2, Beretta 486 Parallelo, second-hand British guns (Webley & Scott, AYA). ### Semi-Automatic Semi-automatics use the energy from each fired cartridge to cycle the action, eject the spent case, and load the next round. In the UK, semi-automatic shotguns are limited to a magazine capacity of two cartridges plus one in the chamber (three total) under shotgun certificate conditions. **Advantages:** - Reduced felt recoil due to gas or inertia-operated action absorbing energy - Three-shot capacity (two in magazine plus one in chamber) - Generally less expensive than equivalent quality over-unders - Excellent for high-volume shooting (pigeon decoying, wildfowling) **Disadvantages:** - Some clay grounds and game shoots prefer or require break-action guns - More moving parts means more potential for mechanical issues - Cleaning and maintenance is more involved - Lower resale value compared to quality over-unders **Best for:** Pigeon shooting, wildfowling, shooters who are recoil-sensitive, high-volume pest control. **Popular choices:** Beretta A400, Benelli M2, Browning Maxus, Winchester SX4. ### Pump-Action Pump-actions require the shooter to manually cycle the action between shots. They are reliable and affordable but less common in UK sporting use. **Advantages:** - Very reliable with virtually any ammunition - Lowest price point for a functional shotgun - Simple mechanism, easy to maintain **Disadvantages:** - Slower follow-up shots - Less accepted at formal shooting events - Manual cycling can disrupt your mount and swing - Limited appeal for resale **Best for:** Budget-conscious shooters, home use, rough shooting where a utilitarian approach is preferred. ## Which Gauge Should You Choose? ### 12 Bore The 12 bore (or 12 gauge) is the standard choice for most UK shooters and the clear recommendation for beginners. Ammunition is widely available, affordable, and offered in a huge variety of loads. Every shooting ground stocks 12 bore cartridges, and virtually every discipline caters for it. A 12 bore firing a standard 28-gram clay load produces manageable recoil for most adults. If recoil is a concern, lighter 21-gram or 24-gram loads are available and perfectly effective for clays. ### 20 Bore The 20 bore is lighter, produces less recoil, and is an excellent choice for smaller-framed shooters, younger shooters, or those who prioritise carrying comfort on long game days. However, ammunition is less widely available (though most good gun shops stock it), and some argue the reduced payload makes it less forgiving for beginners still developing their technique. ### Other Gauges - **16 bore** - A niche but loyal following. Ammunition is harder to find and more expensive - **28 bore** - Popular as a second gun for experienced shooters. Not recommended as a first gun - **.410** - Very challenging to shoot well. Not recommended for beginners despite the smaller size **Recommendation:** Start with a 12 bore unless you have a specific physical reason to choose a 20 bore. ## How Important Is Gun Fit? Gun fit is arguably more important than the make, model, or price of your shotgun. A £500 gun that fits you properly will outperform a £5,000 gun that does not. When a shotgun fits correctly: - The gun mounts naturally to your shoulder and cheek - Your eye aligns with the rib without conscious adjustment - The pattern centres where you are looking - Recoil is distributed evenly across your shoulder **What to check:** - **Length of pull** - The distance from the trigger to the centre of the buttpad. Too long and you will struggle to mount; too short and recoil becomes uncomfortable - **Drop at comb** - How far the comb sits below the rib line. This controls vertical point of impact - **Cast** - The offset of the stock to account for your master eye position - **Pitch** - The angle of the buttpad relative to the rib Most gun shops and shooting grounds offer gun fitting services, either free with purchase or for a modest fee. A professional fit before buying is strongly recommended and can save you hundreds of pounds in modifications later. ## New or Second-Hand? For first-time buyers, a quality second-hand shotgun often represents the best value. Shotguns from reputable makers hold their value well, and a pre-owned Beretta or Browning at £600-£800 will perform identically to a new one at £1,200-£1,500. **Buying second-hand from a dealer:** - The gun will have been checked and proofed - You get consumer protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Dealers can arrange gun fitting and advise on suitability - Part-exchange options may be available when you upgrade **Buying second-hand privately:** - Lower prices, but no warranty or consumer protection - Ensure the gun has valid proof marks for the ammunition you intend to use - Have the gun inspected by a gunsmith before committing - Both parties must hold valid certificates, and the transaction must be recorded **Buying new:** - Full manufacturer warranty - Widest choice of specifications - Higher initial cost but better resale on popular models ## What Should You Budget? | Budget Range | What You Can Expect | |---|---| | Under £300 | Basic pump-actions, older semi-autos. Functional but limited | | £300 to £600 | Good second-hand over-unders (Lanber, Bettinsoli, older Miroku) | | £600 to £1,000 | Quality second-hand Beretta 686, Browning B525, Miroku MK38 | | £1,000 to £1,500 | New entry-level Beretta or Browning, excellent second-hand options | | £1,500 to £3,000 | New mid-range guns with better wood, adjustable stocks | | £3,000+ | Premium and bespoke options | **Recommended first-gun budget:** £600 to £1,200 buys an excellent gun that will serve you for years. **Do not forget ancillaries:** Budget an additional £100-£200 for a gun slip, cleaning kit, ear protection, eye protection, and cartridge bag. ## Where Should You Buy? ### Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) The safest and most convenient option. UK gun dealers are licensed and regulated, must verify your certificate, and provide consumer protection. Most offer fitting services, will let you handle and mount guns before buying, and can order specific models. ### Auction Houses Specialist firearms auctions (Holts, Southams, Bonhams) offer excellent second-hand guns, often at competitive prices. However, you typically cannot handle the gun beforehand, and buyer's premiums of 20-25% apply on top of the hammer price. ### Private Sales Legal between certificate holders, but carry more risk. Both the seller and buyer must record the transaction and notify their respective police forces. There is no consumer protection on private sales. ## What About Chokes? Most modern shotguns come with interchangeable choke tubes. For beginners, multichoke guns are ideal because you can experiment with different constrictions as you develop your shooting. **Common choke recommendations for beginners:** | Discipline | Suggested Chokes | |---|---| | Sporting clays | 1/4 (Improved Cylinder) and 1/2 (Modified) | | Skeet | Skeet / Skeet or Cylinder / Skeet | | Trap (DTL) | 1/2 (Modified) and 3/4 (Improved Modified) | | Game shooting | 1/4 and 1/2 for most situations | Start with more open chokes and tighten as your skills develop. Tight chokes punish poor technique by giving you a smaller margin for error. ## Should You Try Before You Buy? Absolutely. Most shooting grounds offer "have a go" sessions or introductory lessons where you can try different guns. Many dealers will lend you a gun for a lesson so you can experience it before committing. **Before buying, try to:** - Shoot at least 50 cartridges with the gun (or one of the same model) - Mount the gun repeatedly to check comfort and natural fit - Shoot at different target presentations (crossing, driven, going away) - Ask an instructor or experienced shooter for their opinion on how the gun fits you ## What Legal Requirements Apply? To purchase a shotgun in the UK, you need a valid shotgun certificate issued by your local police force. The certificate allows you to possess shotguns with a non-detachable magazine capacity of no more than two cartridges (three total with one in the chamber). **Key legal points:** - You must be 18 or over to purchase a shotgun - You must store the gun in a secure gun cabinet, bolted to a wall or floor, when not in use - You must notify police within seven days of acquiring or disposing of a shotgun - Carrying a shotgun in a public place without reasonable excuse is an offence --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best first shotgun for clay shooting in the UK? A 12 bore over-under is the best choice for most beginners interested in clay shooting. The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon and Browning B525 are consistently popular recommendations, available widely on the second-hand market between £600 and £1,000. ### Can I use the same shotgun for clays and game shooting? Yes. A 12 bore over-under with 30-inch barrels and multichokes is versatile enough for both clay shooting and walked-up or driven game. Many shooters use one gun for everything, simply changing chokes to suit the discipline. ### Is a 20 bore suitable as a first shotgun? A 20 bore is suitable if you are smaller-framed, recoil-sensitive, or specifically advised to use one by an instructor. However, most beginners benefit from starting with a 12 bore due to wider ammunition availability and the more forgiving shot pattern. ### How much should I spend on my first shotgun? Budget between £600 and £1,200 for a quality over-under, either new or second-hand. This range includes excellent options from Beretta, Browning, and Miroku. You do not need to spend more for a gun that performs well. ### Do I need a gun fit before buying my first shotgun? A professional gun fit is strongly recommended. A properly fitted gun improves your shooting immediately and prevents bad habits caused by compensating for a poorly fitting stock. Most dealers offer this service free with a purchase. ### Should I buy new or second-hand? Second-hand from a reputable dealer is often the best value for a first gun. Quality shotguns hold their value well, and you can get a proven performer at 50-70% of the new price with years of reliable use ahead. ### Can I legally buy a shotgun online? You can agree to purchase a shotgun online, but the physical transfer must take place face-to-face with certificate checks, or through a registered firearms dealer. The gun cannot simply be posted to your home. ### What maintenance does a shotgun need? Clean the barrels after every shooting session using a cleaning rod, phosphor bronze brush, and oil. Wipe down the action and external metalwork to prevent moisture damage. Store in a gun cabinet with silicone-treated gun socks for long-term rust prevention. ### How long does a shotgun certificate take to process? Most police forces process shotgun certificate applications within 8 to 12 weeks, though some forces take longer. The statutory target in England and Wales is 8 weeks, but this is frequently exceeded. ### What is the difference between a Section 1 and Section 2 shotgun? A Section 2 shotgun has a non-detachable magazine holding no more than two cartridges and is held on a shotgun certificate. A Section 1 shotgun has a magazine capacity exceeding two cartridges, or has a barrel shorter than 24 inches, and requires a firearms certificate instead.

Quick Answer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best first shotgun for clay shooting in the UK?

Can I use the same shotgun for clays and game shooting?

Is a 20 bore suitable as a first shotgun?

How much should I spend on my first shotgun?

Do I need a gun fit before buying my first shotgun?

Should I buy new or second-hand?

Can I legally buy a shotgun online?

What maintenance does a shotgun need?

How long does a shotgun certificate take to process?

What is the difference between a Section 1 and Section 2 shotgun?

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