How to Choose the Best Shotgun Under $300.00: Top Budget Picks Compared

Hey there, fellow shooters! Jason Marsh here, owner of Wholesale Hunter. If there is one thing I love more than a day at the range, it’s finding a piece of gear that punches way above its weight class without emptying your wallet.

Let’s be real: everything is getting more expensive lately. From the eggs in your fridge to the gas in your truck, inflation is a pain. But that shouldn't stop you from protecting your home or getting out into the woods. We get asked all the time, "Jason, can I actually get a reliable shotgun for less than three bills?"

The answer is a resounding yes.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the best shotgun under 300.00 options available today. Whether you need a home defense powerhouse, a turkey-thumping single shot, or just a "truck gun" that you don't mind getting a little scratched up, we've got you covered.

Why a Budget Shotgun?

Buying a budget-friendly firearm doesn’t mean you’re buying "cheap" in terms of quality. Many of the guns we’re going to talk about today are built on designs that have been around for decades. They use simple, proven actions that just work. Plus, when you save money on the firearm itself, you have more left over for the important stuff, like bulk ammunition and training.

At Wholesale Hunter, we want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. That’s why we offer free shipping on long guns, which is a huge savings when you’re looking at a $250 shotgun. Tack on our Sezzle payment options, and you can bring your new scattergun home for a fraction of the cost upfront.

The Top Contender: Maverick 88 Security

If you’ve done even five minutes of research on budget shotguns, you’ve seen the name Maverick 88. There’s a reason it’s the king of this category.

Manufactured by Mossberg in Eagle Pass, Texas, the Maverick 88 is essentially the "little brother" to the legendary Mossberg 500. It shares many of the same parts, including the barrel and the magazine tube. The primary differences are the trigger guard-mounted safety (instead of the tang safety) and the pinned forend.

Why it’s a winner:

• Reliability: It features dual extractors and twin-action bars. This prevents binding when you're pumping the action under stress.
• Aftermarket Support: Since it shares so much DNA with the Mossberg 500, you can find infinite stocks, heat shields, and rails for it.
• Price: You can usually find these in the $240 to $270 range, leaving plenty of room for a box of shells.

The 18.5-inch barrel on the Security model makes it incredibly maneuverable in tight hallways, making it arguably the best home defense shotgun for the money.

The Smooth Operator: Stevens 320

Next up is the Stevens 320 by Savage Arms. If the Maverick 88 is the rugged workhorse, the Stevens 320 is the smooth-handling underdog. This shotgun is based on the Winchester 1300 design, which was famous for its "Speed Pump" action.

When you rack the slide on a Stevens 320, you’ll notice it feels surprisingly slick right out of the box. Most models come standard with a pistol grip stock and ghost ring sights, features you usually have to pay extra for on other budget guns.

Key Features:

• Pistol Grip Stock: Offers great control and ergonomics for tactical applications.
• Rotary Bolt Design: Provides a strong lock-up and smooth cycling.
• Value: It often comes in at a lower price point than the Maverick, sometimes as low as $200.

If you prefer a more "tactical" feel with better sights for aiming slugs, the Stevens 320 is a fantastic choice that stays well under that $300 limit.

The Specialist: Savage 301 Single Shot

Sometimes, you don't need a pump action. If you’re looking for a dedicated turkey gun or a lightweight companion for hiking, the Savage 301 is a masterpiece of simplicity.

I’m a big fan of these for new shooters or for those who want a challenge. The 301 is a break-action single shot that is incredibly easy to operate and safe for beginners to learn the ropes.

We see a lot of folks looking for 410 slugs for sale to pair with this gun, especially for small game or target practice. The .410 version of the Savage 301 is a joy to shoot because the recoil is almost non-existent.

Why choose the Savage 301?

• Portability: It’s incredibly light and can be broken down quickly.
• Safety: It’s very easy to see if the gun is loaded or not.
• Optimized for Turkeys: The "Turkey" specific models come with an extra-full choke and a rail for mounting an optic.

The Budget Powerhouse: Citadel Warthog & G-Force

If you want a semi-auto experience on a pump-action budget, you have to look at the Turkish imports like the Citadel Warthog or the G-Force GF3.

Ten years ago, I might have been skeptical of budget imports, but the quality coming out of Turkey lately has been impressive. These guns are often modeled after the Benelli or Beretta systems and offer features like chrome-lined barrels and accessory rails.

The Citadel CDP-12 is another great pump option that often retails for under $200. It’s a "no-frills" truck gun. You can throw it in the back of the SUV, take it to the farm, and not worry if it gets a speck of dust on it. It’s built to be used and abused.

Don't Forget the Ammo and Accessories

Finding the best shotgun under 300.00 is only half the battle. A gun without ammo is just a very expensive club.

At Wholesale Hunter, we make it easy to stock up. We offer a 5% discount when you buy 10 or more boxes of the same ammo. Whether you need birdshot for the clay range or you’re hunting for 410 slugs for sale, buying in bulk is the way to go.

And hey, I know most of you aren't just shotgun owners. While you're browsing the site, check out our handgun ammunition. We’ve got some great deals on cheap 38 special for your revolvers.

Also, for the tactical fans out there, don't sleep on our kel-tec plr 16 accessories. We carry a huge variety of gear for all types of platforms, not just the budget-friendly shotguns we’re talking about today.

Why Shop with Wholesale Hunter?

I started this business because I wanted to provide high-quality gear at prices that make sense for regular people. We aren't a giant faceless corporation; we’re a team of shooters and hunters just like you.

When you buy your budget shotgun from us, you get:

1. Free Shipping on Long Guns: Most places will hit you with a $30-$50 shipping fee for a firearm. Not us. We want that money to stay in your pocket.
2. Sezzle Payments: If you want that Maverick 88 today but want to spread the cost out over four interest-free payments, Sezzle is your best friend.
3. Customer Rewards: Every purchase earns you points that you can use on future orders. It’s our way of saying thanks for being part of the Wholesale Hunter family.
4. Bulk Discounts: As mentioned, that 5% off 10+ boxes of ammo really adds up over time.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re still on the fence, here is my quick take:

• Get the Maverick 88 if you want the most reliable, "buy once, cry never" shotgun that will last for generations.
• Get the Stevens 320 if you want a smooth action and tactical sights right out of the box.
• Get the Savage 301 if you’re a minimalist hunter or want a great starter gun for a younger shooter.
• Get the Citadel or G-Force if you want maximum features for the absolute lowest price point.

No matter which way you go, you're getting a tool that will serve you well. A shotgun is the most versatile firearm you can own, and you don't have to spend a fortune to own a good one.

Ready to make your choice? Head over to our shotgun section and see what we have in stock today.

Stay safe out there, and happy shooting!

: Jason Marsh
Owner, Wholesale Hunter