Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 26, 2026

Semi-automatic shotgun

A semi-automatic shotgun is a repeating shotgun with a semi-automatic action, i.e. capable of automatically chambering a new shell after each firing, but requires individual trigger-pull to manually actuate each shot. Semi-automatic shotguns use gas operation, blowback, or recoil operation to cycle the action, eject the empty shell, and load another round. The first semi-automatic shotgun was the Automatic-5 by Browning.

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Jul 26, 2026
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Benelli M1014 semi-automatic shotgun source ↗

A semi-automatic shotgun is a repeating shotgun with a semi-automatic action, i.e. capable of automatically chambering a new shell after each firing, but requires individual trigger-pull to manually actuate each shot.1 Semi-automatic shotguns use gas operation, blowback, or recoil operation to cycle the action, eject the empty shell, and load another round.2 The first semi-automatic shotgun was the Automatic-5 by Browning.314

Many semi-automatic shotguns also provide an optional manual means of operation such as by pump action or a charging handle.

Examples

Notable semi-automatic shotguns include:

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Martonik, Kurt (2023-06-19). "The Automatic Shotgun, or Autoloader, and How It Evolved". Free Range American. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  2. Bourjaily, Phil (2023-05-09). "The Best Semi-Automatic Shotguns (2024 Review)". Field & Stream. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  3. Robinson, Joe Genzel, Alex (2022-11-29). "The Best Semi Auto Shotguns of 2023". Outdoor Life. Retrieved 2024-02-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. "History of the Semiauto | Ducks Unlimited". www.ducks.org. Retrieved 2025-03-04.