Shotguns in 2025 — Why the Shotgun Still Matters

In our second blog post I want to talk about shotguns in 2025.

Shotguns hold a special place in my heart some of my best memories growing up were carrying a shotgun through the fields hunting. This post covers my feelings and opinions on the world of shotguns in 2025: why they remain relevant, how they’re used today, and what to consider if you’re thinking about getting one.

Why shotguns are here to stay

Shotguns are incredibly versatile. They come in many gauges, configurations, and roles: single-shot, double-barrel, pump, semi-auto, and even configurations classed legally as firearms rather than strictly pistols or shotguns. From hunting small and large game to home defense, sport shooting (trap, skeet, sporting clays, 3-Gun), and even new uses like counter-drone measures, the shotgun is far from obsolete.

Ammunition and versatility

A shotgun’s flexibility comes from its ammo variety and interchangeable barrels/chokes. Common load types:

• Birdshot — many small pellets for birds and clay targets.
• Buckshot — fewer, larger pellets for big game and defense.
• Slug — a single large projectile for long-range or tough targets.
• Specialty rounds — (examples) slung buck for rigging, fléchette darts, flash-bang style rounds, or less-lethal rubber or wooden baton loads.

What is a choke?

A choke is a tapered constriction at the muzzle that controls shot spread. Tighter chokes produce denser patterns for longer range; more open chokes give wider patterns for close targets. Most modern shotguns use interchangeable choke tubes so you can quickly adapt to different hunting or shooting needs.

Practical example from the field: early in pheasant season birds are close and inexperienced you’ll use more open chokes and lighter loads. Later, when birds break farther, you tighten the choke and step up the load (high-brass) to reach them. Barrel length matters too: 26″–28″ barrels are common for bird guns, while 20″–22″ barrels are typical for turkey.

Shotguns in combat and modern conflict

Americans have long favored shotguns for close-quarters fighting. In World War I, the shotgun’s effectiveness was so notable Germany formally protested under the 1907 Hague Convention the U.S. ignored the complaint and continued using them.

More recently, shotguns have proven useful in urban and CQB (close-quarters battle) settings. The Benelli M4 and similar systems saw adoption by special forces for room clearing and raid scenarios because of decisive stopping power and ease of use in tight spaces.

In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, shotguns have also appeared reportedly used against small surveillance and attack drones. Hunting-length barrels and longer magazine tubes (similar to 3-Gun setups) seem common, likely driven by supply and availability. From a practical standpoint, longer barrels and extended tubes allow for better patterning and more rounds on target potentially advantageous when engaging small, fast targets like drones.

Testing and experimentation

I’d like to do some range testing: pattern different shells and chokes at multiple distances to measure engagement speed and effectiveness. Static patterning, follow-up shot times, and reload efficiency would give practical data on what setups work best for specific roles (hunting, defense, drone interdiction).

If you haven’t tried a shotgun — do it

Shotguns are fun, effective, and flexible. If you have questions, ask us we’d love to help you get started. Before buying, reach out: opinions vary and what’s right for one shooter may not fit another.

Closing: a tool worth having

A shotgun is a multi-role tool great for hunting, survival, defense, and even select combat scenarios. It doesn’t replace long-range precision rifles, but it fills many roles extremely well. As threats evolve (including drone warfare), the shotgun is an adaptable tool you shouldn’t overlook.

Interested in trying a shotgun or learning patterning and choke choices? Book a range session with us or send your questions we’ll help you pick the right shotgun and loads for your needs.

-John