You can’t treat hunting in Canada as just a weekend hobby. Ask the enthusiasts and they’ll tell you that it’s a sport and a tradition, not just a way to connect with nature. They’ll also tell you that Canada’s vast forests and landscapes make it a perfect place to hunt. But the right gear is what makes all the difference, and in Canada, the center of attention is shotguns.

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Shotguns are among the most versatile firearms you can own. You have one gun with which you can chase ducks, pheasants, deer, and even shoot targets in the off-season. It’s also worth mentioning that shotguns are the first “real” firearms for most Canadian hunters. And it’s for a good reason. Shotguns are adaptable, effective, and straightforward to use.

Which Shotguns Are Worth Trying

And now that you’re set up appropriately, we’ll finally get to what brought you here in the first place: which shotguns are worth your attention.

Remington

Remington 870 Express

  • Type / Gauge: Pump-action, typically 12 or 20 gauge.
  • Best for: Waterfowl, upland game, turkey, and deer (with proper barrels).
  • Key features: Steel receiver, twin action bars, huge aftermarket support, multiple barrel lengths, and choke options.
  • Why it works: It’s powerful, reliable, and can be configured endlessly. The 870 is a proven, inexpensive force that tolerates Canadian weather and hard field use.
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Mossberg

Mossberg 500 / 590 series

  • Type / Gauge: Pump-action, with 12 and 20 gauge.
  • Best for: Hunting all-around, quickly changing roles for different animals (through barrel swaps), and heavy use scenarios.
  • Key features: Ambidextrous controls (so it’s comfortable for both left and right-handed hunters), many models have tool-free barrel changes, and its finishes are durable.
  • Why it works: Versatility is the Mossberg specialty. You can easily swap to a slug barrel or a camo field barrel, and you’ve covered most seasons with one gun.

Browning

Browning BPS

  • Type / Gauge: Pump-action, with 10, 12, 20 gauge options.
  • Best for: Waterfowl, mixed weather hunting, left-hand shooters.
  • Key features: Ambidextrous, top-notch safety, high-quality fit and finish.
  • Why it works: Because of bottom ejection, the action is cleaner in rain or snow. Also, its overall build quality makes this shotgun last for generations.

Winchester

Winchester SXP (Super X Pump)

  • Type / Gauge: Pump-action, with 12 and 20 gauge.
  • Best for: Upland, small game, and marsh work where cycling quickly matters.
  • Key features: Fast pump action, affordable price, many hunting camo finishes, and choke options.
  • Why it works: It cycles quickly and is budget-friendly. A smart choice for hunters who want speed without overspending.
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Beretta

Beretta A300 Outlander

  • Type / Gauge: Semi-automatic, with 12 gauge.
  • Best for: Waterfowl, turkey, and versatile field use where follow-up shots matter.
  • Key features: It is gas-operated, so it controls recoil, has reliable cycling across many loads, and is relatively lightweight.
  • Why it works: Its semi-automatic speed and softer recoil make long days in the blind less punishing. It’s a solid middle ground for many Canadian hunters.

Benelli

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3)

  • Type / Gauge: Semi-automatic, with 12 gauge (capable of 2¾”, 3”, and 3½” shells).
  • Best for: Serious waterfowlers and hunters who need magnum performance in brutal conditions.
  • Key features: Inertia-driven system that keeps running in cold and dirty environments, excellent ergonomics, magnum-capable cycling.
  • Why it works: It’s the premium option for hunters who spend many days in the blind. Most reliable when the weather and shells are unforgiving.

Where to Shop for Shotguns in Canada

Beyond the shotguns themselves, it’s important to find a reliable place to buy them. We offer you…

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Canfirearm: The Top Website for Hunting Gear in Canada 

If you’re serious about hunting gear in Canada, Canfirearm is the place you’ll want to check out first. You’ll ask why? It’s because Canfirearm:

  • Has a wide selection from classic Winchesters to premium Benellis (and of course, all the shotguns we listed can be found on their website).
  • Supplies accessories such as scopes, ammo, slings, cleaning kits, and all in one place, so you don’t have to jump from one website to another.
  • Has regular sales on both shotguns and gear that pop up frequently, making it easier to purchase the gun you want at a better price.
  • Is Canada-focused, so you don’t have to worry about cross-border headaches.
  • And most importantly, it is convenient, because, let’s be honest, sometimes the best way to start hunting is by lying down at home, researching the best types.

To put it simply, it is a one-stop shop for hunters and sports fans wishing to buy products from reliable businesses and leading manufacturers across the globe.

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Final Thoughts

Hunting in Canada is a sport that requires gear that can handle its unpredictable weather, tough terrain, and the wide variety of game. And shotguns can work their way through all of it. The above-listed powerful pumps have proven track records in Canadian fields and forests.

But first, it’s important to choose the right shotgun that matches your style of hunting. It depends on what you try to hunt for; whether you are new to the business or you are just trying out a new hobby. We’ve helped you with research, explaining the most important features of top shotguns. But it’s not all.

Having access to Canada's top retailers will bring you one step closer to making every hunt memorable and safe. 

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