8 Best Shotguns for Deer Hunting in 2026: Slug Guns, Pumps, and Semi-Autos

June 14, 2026June 13, 2026 by Nick Hall

Savage 220 bolt-action slug shotgun with AccuFit stock for deer hunting

The 8 best shotguns for deer hunting in 2026. Slug guns, pumps, and semi-autos with rifled barrels for whitetail in slug-only states.

Shotgun vs Rifle for Hunting: When to Use Each

May 18, 2026 by Nick Hall

Wood-stocked Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun on the left facing right and black synthetic-stocked Remington 700 SPS bolt-action rifle on the right facing left, with a chrome stylized military stencil VS letterform centered between their muzzles, on a weathered cedar gunsmith bench at autumn golden hour with maple and oak foliage on the left transitioning to an open field on the right

Shotgun vs rifle for hunting compared. When to use each, legal requirements, effective range, terrain considerations, and which states restrict rifles for deer.