Break Action Shotguns

Break Action shotguns have one chamber per barrel. In the old west, most were black powder weapons, and some were as large as 8 gauge - which would be too powerful with modern smokeless powder. These shotguns typically had external hammers that have to be manually cocked.

• Iver Johnson
• Model 1882
• Wells 1864

Lever Action Shotguns

Lever Action Shotguns are similar to lever action rifles, except that you have to open the breech first by lowering the loading lever in order to load them.

• 1887 Lever Action
• Martini Shotgun

Pump Action Shotguns

Pump Action Shotguns are common today, but they were uncommon until the very end of the 19th century.

• Hammerless 520
• M1897 Trench
• Model 10A
• Winchester 1897 Civilian Model
• Winchester 1912

Automatic Shotguns

The first automatic shotguns appear at the end of the 19th century.

• Auto-5
• Sjogren