Updated on 3rd Jan, 2022
If you are a beginner to use shotgun, then go for a gun with ease of use and durability. If you are confused of which one you should choose from various options available in the market, I have curated a list of 7 best shotgun for beginners in UK that would let you make an informed choice.
At the end of this article, I would also discuss the important factors that you should consider on how to choose the best shotgun for beginners.
Let’s start.
Best Shotgun For Beginners in UK 2022
#1. Benelli Ethos Semi-Automatic Shotgun

The Benelli ETHOS is an elegant semi-automatic shotgun. A shim kit enables the adjustment of drop and cast. The Benelli Ethos Semi-Auto Shotgun comes with 5 Crio choke tubes, a wrench, and a hard gun case.
Pros:
- Durable enough
- Easy to use
- Semi-automatic shotgun
- Affordable
- Operates cleaner
Cons:
- Becomes problematic to handle sometimes.
Best For:
Due to the durability the gun is best for beginners
#2. Beretta 12 gauge 1301 Tactical Gun

The 1301 Tactical has a compact 18.5″ barrel, Ghost ring sights and a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.
The integrated BLINK operating system, featuring a cross tube gas piston, allows the 1301 Tactical to cycle 36% faster than other shotguns on the market.
The 1301 Tactical semi-automatic shotgun, chambered in 12 gauge and features a 3″ chamber.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Convenient enough
- Designed according to a users comfort zone
Cons:
- The gas operation may not work sometimes.
Best For:
Right choice for beginners because it is convenient for using.
#3. Chiappa Triple Crown

The Chiappa Triple Crown is a unique, triple-barreled over/under shotgun. The shotgun is based on a traditional two-barrel design.
The two lower barrels are in a side-by-side configuration with the third barrel on top providing the shooter with a single barrel sight plane for aiming all three barrels. That helps you to shoot the target without any hassle.
Pros:
- Unique design
- Triple barreled
- Single barrel sight plane for aiming all three barrels.
Cons:
- Triple barreled becomes difficult at time to use.
Best For:
Due to the two-barrel system, the shooter finds it easier to shoot
Also read – Best scope for air rifle target shooting in UK
Best Budget Shotgun For Clay Shooting
#4. Lincoln Premier 20g Compact Shotgun

The Weatherby PA-08 Compact pump-action shotgun provides shooters with a classic design that can withstand heavy use in any weather or hunting grounds.
Pros:
- Can withstand heavy use
- Durable material
- 22inch barrel
- Classic design
Cons:
- The metal part may get rusted at times.
Best For:
This shotgun is best for its durability in any weather.
#5. Beretta A300 Outlander

The Beretta A300 Outlander autoloader features a Steelium barrel. It uses the proven Beretta self-cleaned gas piston system which is reliable with a wide range of loads from standard 2.75″ target loads to heavy 3″ magnums.
The wide range of load that the gun is able to take is the most interesting part.
Pros:
- Semi-auto performance
- Affordable price
- Target loads to heavy 3″ magnums
Cons:
- The gas piston system may not perform well.
Best For:
The wide range of load taking capability and the semi auto performance makes the gun worth for price.
Best Shotgun For Clay Pigeon Shooting
#6. Henry lever action .410G shotgun

The Henry 410G Lever-Action Shotgun is the compact model in the company’s lineup, providing an overall length of 40.5 inches. This compact model is worth it because of its easy handling.
The rifle features a standard cylinder-bore choke, along with fully adjustable rear sights and a bladed front sight.
Due to these adjustable rear sights, you can easily keep a track of your target or rather look at the things.
Pros:
- Strong and sturdy construction
- Adjustable sights
- Compact in design
- Perfect field companion for quick shots
Cons:
- A little longer in size.
Best For:
Adjustable rear sight that helps in seeing or keeping a track at things.
#7. Franchi Intensity Semi-auto Shotgun

Clean, reliable, and adjustment-free, the Inertia Driven system improves cycling speed, reliability, and the ability to cycle loads as light as 1-1/8 oz. up to 3-1/2″ magnums.
This system utilizes basic physics to deliver amazing reliability, employing nothing more than a bolt body, inertia spring, and rotating bolt head to quickly and consistently fire shot after shot for years.
Pros:
- Made of the highest quality materials
- Rotating bolt head.
- Reliable
- Adjustable
Cons:
- A bit expensive
Best For:
Increased speed of the machine, helps in faster shooting.
Things to consider while buying the best shotgun for beginners UK
Budget
While you think of buying a shotgun, try to fix your budget at a minimum range as along with the gun there will be many other expenses also. Hence buying an expensive gun will result in a loss rather making any profit for you.
Type of Gun
As soon as you select your budget line, now it’s time that you choose the type of gun you want. If you are thinking of participating in a shooting competition, you should go for a break action shotgun, because these are the safest to use.
If you want more reliable options, you should go for pump shotguns since they are strong and considered to be best for clay pigeon shooting or for clay shooting.
A 12 gauge shotgun has a range of 50 yards. You will have to choose your range depending on the use of the shotgun. If you are hunting, you will go for a shotgun with a range of 110 yards.
Weight
Most shotguns weigh between 6 and 8 pounds, and both the heavy and light versions are well balanced.
You will choose a shotgun depending on your ability to use it, as well as the recoil of the shotgun. A heavier shotgun will have lower recoil which will result in better grip and handling while firing.
Final Thought
We have further shortlisted 2 best shotguns out of the 7.
#1. Benelli Ethos Semi-Auto Shotgun
This legendary action features only three parts (bolt body, inertia spring, and rotating bolt head) and operates cleaner than gas-system guns.
#2. Lincoln Premier 20g Compact Shotgun
The classic design of the gun helps the shooters manage it well and also is durable enough to be carried out in any weather.