A shotgun is the one gun that does everything: ducks in October, grouse on the walk out, clays in July, and the thing by the door on the acreage. It is also the cheapest gun you can buy that does real work. Here is the best budget shotgun in Canada at each price point, pump and semi-auto, from $255 to $590, all non-restricted and in stock at CANFIREARM as of September 2026.
Pump or semi-auto?
A pump is cheaper, simpler and will eat any shell you feed it, including light target loads that a budget semi-auto might not cycle. A semi-auto kicks less and gives you a faster second shot on birds. Under $450, buy a pump. Over that, the semi-autos get good, and the inertia guns in particular stay clean and run for years with almost no maintenance.
For waterfowl you want a 3 inch chamber (most of these have one), a 26 or 28 inch barrel, and screw-in chokes so you can run a Modified for steel shot. For turkey, clays and the farm, an 18.5 to 20 inch barrel is handier.
Pumps
Husan HSP406 12 gauge, 28 inch, $254.88
The cheapest working shotgun we sell. Turkish made, synthetic stock, 28 inch barrel. It will not win any beauty contests and it will kill ducks. Husan HSP406 12ga.
đź›’ Buy the Husan HSP406 12 gauge, 28 inch, $254.88
Charles Daly 301 Tactical, 18.5 inch, $298.99
Short barrel, synthetic, 3 inch chamber, under $300. The 301 is the shotgun for the back of the truck and the barn. There is also a 28 inch wood field version at $306.88 for birds. Charles Daly 301 Tactical.
đź›’ Buy the Charles Daly 301 Tactical, 18.5 inch, $298.99
Charles Daly 305 3.5 inch, 26 inch, Mossy Oak, $399.88
The goose gun on a budget. A 3.5 inch chamber for the heavy steel loads, 26 inch barrel, camo. Charles Daly 305 3.5″.
đź›’ Buy the Charles Daly 305 3.5 inch, 26 inch, Mossy Oak, $399.88
Mossberg Maverick 88, 18.5 inch, folding stock, $424.88
The Maverick is the Mossberg 500’s cheaper cousin and it has the same reputation: it works. This one has an 18.5 inch cylinder bore barrel, 3 inch chamber, 5+1 capacity, 6 lb, and an ATI top-folding stock so it fits in a small safe. Mossberg Maverick 88.
đź›’ Buy the Mossberg Maverick 88, 18.5 inch, folding stock, $424.88
CZ 612 Home Defense, 18.5 inch, $438.88
CZ’s version of the same idea. Polymer stock, fixed cylinder choke, compact, and built to a higher standard than the price suggests. CZ 612 Home Defense.
đź›’ Buy the CZ 612 Home Defense, 18.5 inch, $438.88
Semi-autos
JTS FX19 inertia, 28 inch, $428.88
The cheapest semi-auto in the store and a surprisingly good one. Inertia driven, so the gas system you would have to clean does not exist, 28 inch barrel with a Modified Mobilchoke, 3 inch chamber, synthetic stock. Feed it 1 1/8 oz loads or heavier and it runs. JTS FX19 black, or camo at $458.88.
đź›’ Buy the JTS FX19 inertia, 28 inch, $428.88
Charles Daly 601 Field, 28 inch, $448.88
Gas operated, aluminum receiver, 4+1, 3 inch chamber, and it comes with three chokes and a fibre optic front bead. A complete duck gun for under $450. Charles Daly 601 Field.
đź›’ Buy the Charles Daly 601 Field, 28 inch, $448.88
Charles Daly CA612 M4 Tactical, 18.75 inch, $488.88
Gas semi-auto with a free-floating M-LOK handguard and a 3 inch chamber. The one to buy if you want a short semi-auto for the range and the farm. Charles Daly CA612 M4.
đź›’ Buy the Charles Daly CA612 M4 Tactical, 18.75 inch, $488.88
Girsan MC312 Inertia-X, 28 inch, $518.99
Girsan’s inertia gun has a following in Canada for a reason: it cycles a wide range of loads and stays clean. 28 inch barrel, 3 inch chamber, synthetic. The NEXT EVO version at $588.99 is the updated model. Girsan MC312 Inertia-X.
đź›’ Buy the Girsan MC312 Inertia-X, 28 inch, $518.99
Akdas AX-212T Tactical, 20 inch, $539.99
From the same Turkish maker as the Alcor rifle. A 20 inch semi-auto with a 7075 aluminum receiver, 4140 barrel, 3 inch chamber, 6+1 capacity, screw-in chokes, and a Picatinny rail with a rear sight. Rated for heavy magnum loads. Akdas AX-212T.
đź›’ Buy the Akdas AX-212T Tactical, 20 inch, $539.99
The bullpup option
If you want a shotgun not much longer than its own barrel, the Hatsan Escort BullTac pump is $368.88 and the semi-auto is $488.88, both 5+1 and sold non-restricted. They are odd to shoot at first and they are not for birds, but little else this compact is legal in Canada.
Ammo
Challenger target loads are $13.50 a box and our best selling shotgun shell for a reason. For ducks, Federal Speed-Shok 3 inch BB steel at $29.99. Steel through a Modified choke, never Full.
The short answer
- Cheapest that works: Husan HSP406, $254.88.
- Best pump under $450: Mossberg Maverick 88.
- Best semi-auto under $500: Charles Daly 601 Field for birds, CA612 M4 for everything else.
- Best semi-auto on the page: Girsan MC312 or Akdas AX-212T.
Prices current as of September 2026. Check each product page for live pricing and stock. A non-restricted PAL is required.