How to Choose the Best Shotgun Under $300 (Compared)

Hey there, fellow outdoorsmen and shooters! Jason Marsh here from Wholesale Hunter. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years running this shop, it’s that you don’t need to drop a month’s salary to get a reliable, hard-working firearm. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated home defense tool, a weekend clay buster, or a turkey gun that won't make your wallet cry, the sub-$300 market is surprisingly packed with quality.

A lot of guys think "cheap" means "junk." While that can be true in some industries, the world of shotguns has a few legends that have proven themselves in the mud, the rain, and the bedside drawer for decades: all while staying under that three-hundred-dollar mark. Today, I’m going to walk you through how to choose the right one for your needs and compare the heavy hitters in this budget bracket.

Defining Your Mission: Why Do You Need a Shotgun?

Before you start looking at finishes and barrel lengths, you’ve got to ask yourself: What am I actually doing with this gun? A shotgun is the Swiss Army knife of the firearm world, but a tool specialized for one job might be a headache for another.

Home Defense

If your goal is protecting your castle, you want maneuverability and capacity. You’re looking for an 18.5-inch barrel. Anything longer, and you’ll be bumping into doorframes and knocking over floor lamps in the middle of the night. You also want a simple manual of arms: something that works when your adrenaline is red-lining.

Hunting

Are you chasing squirrels, rabbits, or the elusive spring turkey? You’ll likely want a longer barrel (24 to 28 inches) for a better swing and a more consistent shot pattern. You’ll also want to make sure the gun can take interchangeable chokes so you can tighten or widen that spread depending on your target.

Range Fun and Clays

If you’re just hitting the back forty to blast some hand-thrown clays, almost any shotgun will work. However, comfort becomes a bigger factor here. A 12-gauge pump with a plastic buttplate will start to tenderize your shoulder after 50 rounds.

The Big Three: 12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, or .410?

Choosing your gauge is the next big step.

• 12 Gauge: The undisputed king. It has the most variety in ammo, from heavy-duty buckshot to light target loads. It’s got the most "stopping power," but it also kicks the hardest.
• 20 Gauge: Often overlooked, but it’s a fantastic choice. You get about 75-80% of the lead on target compared to a 12 gauge but with significantly less recoil. It’s perfect for younger shooters, smaller-framed adults, or anyone who doesn't want a sore shoulder the next morning.
• 410 Bore: Usually found in survival-style break-action guns. It’s light and has almost no recoil, but the ammo is surprisingly expensive and it requires much more precision to hit moving targets.

The Contenders: Best Shotguns Under $300

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ve rounded up the best options we see coming through the warehouse that consistently deliver the best bang for your buck.

1. The King of Value: Mossberg Maverick 88

If you ask any seasoned shooter for a budget recommendation, the Maverick 88 is going to be the first name out of their mouth. It is essentially the "blue-collar" version of the legendary Mossberg 500.

• Why it’s great: It shares many parts with the 500, meaning accessories are everywhere. It features dual extractors and twin action bars (which prevents the pump from binding up).
• The Trade-off: The safety is a cross-bolt style on the trigger guard rather than the tang safety found on the more expensive Mossbergs. The forend is also pinned, making it harder to swap out for aftermarket furniture.
• Best For: Everything. You can find "Combo" deals that include both a field barrel and a security barrel, making it the ultimate do-it-all shotgun.

2. The Tactical Bargain: Stevens 320

Owned by Savage Arms, the Stevens 320 is based on the proven Winchester 1300 design. It’s known for a very fast, smooth "rotary bolt" action.

• Why it’s great: You can often find these with "Ghost Ring" sights and a pistol grip for well under $250. That’s an incredible value for a dedicated home defense setup.
• The Trade-off: It’s an imported gun, so aftermarket support isn't quite as vast as the Mossberg, but out of the box, it’s a tank.
• Best For: Home security on a strict budget.

3. The Modern Workhorse: Stoeger P3000

Stoeger is part of the Benelli family, and that DNA shows in the P3000. This is a pump-action that feels a bit more refined than the Maverick or the Stevens.

• Why it’s great: It’s incredibly reliable and features a very simple internal design. It’s a favorite for guys who want a gun they can drag through a swamp and not worry about.
• The Trade-off: It can be a little "stiff" out of the box. I usually recommend a good cleaning and a "break-in" period with some high-quality shells to smooth everything out.
• Best For: Waterfowl and turkey hunting.

4. The Minimalist: Savage 301 (Single Shot)

Sometimes, you only need one shot. The Savage 301 is a break-action single-shot that is compact, lightweight, and almost impossible to break.

• Why it’s great: It’s dirt cheap (often under $180) and very safe for beginners because you have to manually cock the hammer.
• The Trade-off: You only get one shot. If you miss that turkey, he’s gone.
• Best For: A "truck gun," a beginner’s first hunting shotgun, or a survival kit.

Comparison at a Glance

Model	Action	Typical Price	Primary Use
Mossberg Maverick 88	Pump	$210 – $240	All-Purpose / Home Defense
Stevens 320	Pump	$200 – $230	Home Defense / Tactical
Stoeger P3000	Pump	$260 – $290	Hunting / Clays
Savage 301	Single Shot	$160 – $190	Hunting / Survival

Don't Forget the "Hidden" Costs

When you’re budgeting for a $300 shotgun, don’t forget that the gun is just the starting point. To actually use it effectively and safely, you need a few more things:

1. Ammo: You can't practice without it. We always have deals on bulk shotgun shells, but if you’re also carrying a sidearm for backup, don't forget to grab some cheap .38 special for those range days.
2. Cleaning Kit: Shotguns run dirty, especially if you’re using budget-friendly birdshot. A simple cleaning kit will keep your action smooth and prevent rust.
3. Storage: Even a budget gun deserves a good case to keep it from getting banged up in the truck.

Jason’s Pro Tip: The "Used" Market vs. New Budget Guns

A lot of guys ask me if they should buy a brand-new Maverick 88 or look for a used Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. It’s a great question. If you can find a used "old-school" 870 Wingmaster in good shape for $300, jump on it. However, the used market can be a minefield. You might end up with a gun that has a pitted barrel or a worn-out extractor.

With a new gun like the Maverick 88, you get a factory warranty and the peace of mind that nobody has "bubba’d" the internals before you got there. For a first-time buyer or someone who just wants a tool that works, new is usually the way to go.

Survival and Multi-Purpose Use

If you are looking at these shotguns through the lens of survival or "prepping," the pump action is your best friend. Why? Because they aren't picky. A semi-auto shotgun usually needs a specific "velocity" or "weight" of shell to cycle the action. A pump action like the Mossberg 500 series (which the Maverick 88 mimics) will eat anything you feed it: from light target loads to heavy slugs and even less-lethal rounds.

In a survival situation, versatility is life. Being able to hunt small game in the morning and defend a campsite at night with the same tool is why the shotgun remains the king of the homestead.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a shotgun under $300 doesn't mean you're compromising on safety or reliability. The models we've talked about today are some of the most vetted designs in firearm history.

If you want the most versatile option with the best parts support, go with the Maverick 88.
If you want a dedicated home defense setup with great sights out of the box, look at the Stevens 320.
And if you want a rugged, no-nonsense hunting partner, the Stoeger P3000 is hard to beat.

Whichever you choose, make sure you get out to the range and get some lead downrange. A $2,000 shotgun is useless if you don't know how to handle it, but a $250 Maverick in the hands of someone who practices is a formidable tool.

Stay safe out there, and as always, if you have questions about which setup is right for you, give us a shout or check out our latest shotgun inventory here.

Happy shooting!

: Jason Marsh
Owner, Wholesale Hunter