Shutterstock photo
July 28, 2025
By Barb Melloni
When it comes to hunting, a dependable shotgun shouldn’t cost a fortune. Whether you're heading into hunting season seeking out pheasants, whitetail or simply need a versatile all-around option, today’s market offers a variety of scatterguns that fit the bill without the high price tag. We’ve gathered a selection of impressive shotguns that perform well and are priced under $700. From trusted brands to hidden gems, these choices deliver performance, durability and value for hunters who want more for less.
Benelli Nova 3 Pump-Action Shotgun 12-Gauge Photo courtesy of Benelli The Benelli Nova 3 pump-action 12-gauge is well-suited for a wide range of hunting pursuits. Weighing in at 6.7 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to carry afield. When compared to the original Nova, it incorporates a shorter cycling stroke, along with a more reliable M4-style bolt face. Chambered for 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells, it handles everything from light birdshot to heavy magnum loads, making it a versatile choice for those hunting geese, mallards, wood ducks and other waterfowl. This shotgun’s Mossy Oak Realtree Max-7 synthetic stock protects from less-than-ideal conditions you’re sure to encounter, and the rubber recoil pad keeps your shoulder feeling nice and fresh throughout the hunt. MSRP: $629
Spandau S2 Semi-Auto Shotgun 20 Gauge Photo courtesy of Spandau Arms The Spandau S2 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun offers the perfect blend of value, reliability and versatility in a lightweight package that is easy on the wallet. The S2 is manufactured with an inertia-driven action for sure cycling, while its enlarged loading is tailored for fast reloads. The red fiber-optic front sight allows for quick target acquisition. At just over 6 pounds, this scattergun is light enough to carry afield from sunup to sundown, making it a solid choice for pursuing pheasants, quail or ruffed grouse. The textured grips on the Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic stock provide optimal control in damp conditions. Lastly, the S2 is compatible with Benelli-pattern chokes and extensions, adding to the flexible nature of this 20 gauge. MSRP: $619
Mossberg 500 Combo Field/Deer 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun Photo courtesy of Mossberg Shotguns have long proven themselves as quite the multi-purpose platform. Catering to those that hunt waterfowl, whitetail and everything in between, the Mossberg 500 Combo Field/Deer pump-action 12-gauge has been the favorite of hunters from coast to coast. Prized for its versatility and reliability, it includes two barrels—a 28-inch vent-ribbed field barrel with interchangeable Accu-Choke tubes for upland birds like pheasants and grouse, and a 24-inch fully rifled barrel perfect for whitetail deer in slug-only zones. Swapping barrels is quick and tool-free, making it an excellent choice for hunters who want one shotgun to cover multiple seasons without breaking the bank. MSRP: $658
Advertisement
Stoeger Condor Over/Under Shotgun 20 Gauge Photo courtesy of Stoeger Industries The Stoeger Condor Field Shotgun is a 20-gauge over/under featuring a classy A-grade satin walnut stock that isn’t afraid to get a little dirty in the field. With its 28-inch barrel, this shotgun weighs just under 7 pounds, which, when paired with a sling, is ideal for those long walks seeking out quail, ringnecks and grouse. The shotgun is chambered for 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch loads and ships with IC and Modified choke tubes. Additional choke tube options are available, including some that are extended, making it easy to customize your over-under to your unique hunting scenario by running two different chokes at the same time for shots both far and near. MSRP: $499
Winchester SXP Hybrid Pump-Action Shotgun 12 Gauge Photo courtesy of Winchester The Winchester SXP Hybrid pump-action shotgun could easily be referred to as the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to a hunting shotgun. Equipped with a Perma-Coat finish and composite stock, it is ready to be subjected to rain, grit, mud and whatever else Mother Nature throws your way. The dual-action bars with a rotary bolt combine with the chrome-plated chamber and bore to ensure smooth, dependable operation. A bright TRUGLO fiber-optic front sight aids in rapid target acquisition, whether it be on a mallard flying by or a white-tailed deer lurking amongst the trees. With a 28-inch barrel and weight just shy of 7 pounds, it is a versatile option you can trust all season long. MSRP: $429
TriStar Raptor II Semi-Auto Shotgun 20 Gauge Photo courtesy of Tristar Arms The TriStar Raptor II 20 gauge in Mossy Oak Country Roots camo is a field-ready semi-auto that’s perfectly suited for everything from mourning dove hunts to afternoons flushing pheasants. Its gas-operated action and oversized bolt release are equipped to handle a variety of 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch loads smoothly, while the chrome-lined barrel and chamber keep corrosion from setting in during damp conditions. Equipped with a 28-inch barrel, this shotgun swings naturally for winged targets flying by, while the fiber-optic front sight allows for quick target acquisition. Factory-included choke tubes allow you to best equip your gun for your particular hunting needs, while the built-in recoil pad keeps your shoulder comfortable during extended shooting sessions. MSRP: $599
Advertisement
Rossi SS Poly Tuffy Turkey Single Shot Shotgun in .410 Bore Photo courtesy of Rossi USA The Rossi SS Poly Tuffy Turkey is a break-action single-shot .410 bore shotgun with simplicity and practicality at the forefront of its design. Weighing just under 59 ounces while still retaining an impressive 26-inch barrel, it strikes a good balance between reach and maneuverability. This size is ideal for younger shooters, hunters navigating through tight brush or anyone seeking an ultra-light “truck gun.” The thumbhole/pistol grip stock fits nicely in the hands, allowing for optimal control with its compact footprint. This shotgun is equipped with a 3-inch chamber ready to accept your choice of 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shotshells. A simple gold bead sits atop the business end of the shotgun for a no-fuss approach to sights, while also permitting use of a red dot atop the built-in picatinny rail. Due to the features packed into this small yet mighty package, this gun has become a go-to for varmint control as well as small-game hunting. MSRP: $241
Weatherby Element II Synthetic Semi-Auto Shotgun 12 Gauge Photo courtesy of Weatherby The Weatherby Element II Synthetic is a semi-automatic shotgun optimized for use by those hunting waterfowl and upland game. Chambered in 12 gauge and sporting a 28-inch barrel, this gun is equipped with Weatherby’s inertia reloading system that is simple and robust while being easy to maintain, remaining cleaner throughout extended use afield. The charging handle and bolt release are oversized, making them easy to use even while wearing gloves. Additionally, the receiver is competition-cut, meaning faster reloads when your gun runs dry. Fit is customized via the adjustable stock shims; otherwise, the Element II is ready to go right out of the box, with your choice of chokes from the included Crio Plus choke system. MSRP: $669
Henry Garden Gun Smoothbore .22 Photo courtesy of Henry USA The Henry Garden Gun Smoothbore .22 is a lever-action shotgun created for ultra-close pest control without damaging your property. This gun is equipped with an 18.5-inch smoothbore barrel designed specifically for use with .22 LR shotshells. Weighing just 5.25 pounds and measuring 36.5 inches in length, it’s lightweight and compact enough to keep secured in a barn or shed for quick access should a varmint need to be dispatched. This critter-getter has a 15-round capacity, fully adjustable semi-buckhorn sights and an attractive black-ash stock. Should you wish to forgo the included iron sights, this gun is also equipped to accept your choice of optic mounted atop its 3/8-inch grooved receiver. MSRP: $491
CVA Scout Compact Realtree Timber .410 Bore Photo courtesy of CVA Firearms USA The CVA Scout Compact Realtree Timber .410 bore shotgun is a single-shot scattergun. With its 22-inch barrel and JEBS X-Full Turkey Choke, it's optimized out of the box for tight patterns and quick takedowns of those elusive spring toms. Weighing in at just 6 pounds and equipped with a 100 percent ambidextrous composite stock with an adjustable length of pull and CrushZone Recoil Pad, this shotgun is both comfortable and customizable for shooters behind the trigger—both young and young at heart. Its Realtree Timber camo finish blends naturally into woodland environments, while the DuraSight scope rail offers easy mounting options for your preferred optic. MSRP: $379
