Req 2A-i — Selecting a Shotgun
Choosing a shotgun is not about buying the most expensive model—it is about matching the gun to the shooter and the intended use. Here are the factors that matter.
Intended Use
What will you do with the shotgun? The answer shapes every other decision.
- Trap, skeet, or sporting clays: An over-under or semi-automatic in 12 gauge with a 28"–32" barrel is standard. Longer barrels swing more smoothly on moving targets.
- Upland bird hunting: A lighter 12 or 20 gauge with a 26"–28" barrel. You will carry it for miles, so weight matters.
- Waterfowl hunting: A 12 gauge (sometimes 10) with a longer barrel and the ability to accept steel or non-toxic shot. Many waterfowl hunters prefer pump-actions or semi-automatics for their ability to fire multiple shots.
- Home defense: A 12 or 20 gauge pump-action with an 18"–20" barrel is the most common choice. Not a primary consideration for this merit badge, but worth noting.
Fit
Fit is the single most important factor for shotgun accuracy. Unlike a rifle, you do not aim a shotgun with sights aligned to your eye—you point it. If the gun fits your body, your eye naturally looks straight down the rib (the flat strip on top of the barrel) when you mount the stock to your cheek and shoulder.
Key fit dimensions:
- Length of pull: The distance from the trigger to the center of the buttpad. Too long, and you cannot mount the gun smoothly. Too short, and your thumb hits your nose during recoil.
- Drop at comb: How far below the rib the top of the stock sits. This controls where your eye aligns relative to the barrel.
- Cast: Whether the stock is offset slightly to the left or right to align with the shooter’s dominant eye.
Many youth shotguns have adjustable stocks or shorter lengths of pull designed for younger shooters. A gun that fits you now may not fit you in two years as you grow.
Gauge
Covered in detail in Req 2A-d. The 12 gauge is the most versatile. The 20 gauge is a common choice for younger or smaller-framed shooters.
Action Type
Covered in Req 2A-a. Break-actions are the simplest and safest for beginners. Pump-actions are reliable and affordable. Semi-automatics reduce felt recoil but are more complex.
Weight and Balance
A heavier gun absorbs more recoil but is harder to carry. A lighter gun is easier to carry but kicks harder. Balance—where the gun’s weight is centered—affects how smoothly it swings on a moving target. A well-balanced gun pivots naturally at the hands.
Budget
Shotguns range from under $200 for a basic single-shot to many thousands for competition over-unders. For a Scout starting out, a used pump-action or single-shot in good condition is an excellent and affordable choice. Do not let budget pressure push you toward a gun that does not fit or is unreliable.
The Counselor Conversation
Your counselor wants a thoughtful discussion, not a shopping list. Be ready to explain how you would match a shotgun to a specific purpose and shooter, and why fit matters more than brand or price.