Just ONE Shotgun?

2026-07-16

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If you could own just ONE shotgun... what would it be?It's one of the oldest—and most debated—questions in the shooting sports.Should it be a 12-gauge or a 20? A semi-automatic or an over-and-under? Twenty-eight-inch barrels or thirty? How much should it weigh? Which features actually matter, and which are simply a matter of personal preference?In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan Doughty tackles that question from a different perspective. Rather than asking what shotgun an experienced collector would buy, he asks a more pra...

If you could own just ONE shotgun... what would it be?

It's one of the oldest—and most debated—questions in the shooting sports.

Should it be a 12-gauge or a 20? A semi-automatic or an over-and-under? Twenty-eight-inch barrels or thirty? How much should it weigh? Which features actually matter, and which are simply a matter of personal preference?

In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan Doughty tackles that question from a different perspective. Rather than asking what shotgun an experienced collector would buy, he asks a more practical question:

If you were buying your very first—and perhaps only—shotgun today, what should it be?

Drawing on decades of experience with fine shotguns, sporting clays, upland hunting, and conversations with gunmakers, guides, instructors, and lifelong wingshooters, Ryan builds his ideal all-around shotgun one characteristic at a time. From gauge and action type to barrel length, weight, choke tubes, and the features that truly matter, he explains not just what he recommends—but why.

Finally, he names the new production shotguns that would be at the top of his list across three different price ranges, from around $1,000 to $5,000.

Whether you're shopping for your first shotgun, helping a friend or family member get started, or simply enjoy discussing the finer points of shotgun design, this episode offers one thoughtful answer to a question every sportsman eventually asks.

What You'll Hear in This Episode: