Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (143)
$538.19
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Home / Bear defense / Shotguns
Bear defense shotguns
A short 12-gauge loaded with slugs is the Alaska camp gun — simple, powerful and forgiving of cold, wet weather.
Look for an 18–20 inch barrel, sling mounts, good sights and a finish that resists corrosion if you'll be on salt water. Load heavy slugs, not bird or buck shot.
12-gauge defense shotguns in stock
All tactical shotguns →Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.7 (59)
$567.51
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (57)
$338.66
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 6
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (48)
$538.19
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 6
Ships to FFL
★ 5.0 (47)
$1966.49
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (30)
$575.56
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (26)
$526.69
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
★ 4.7 (23)
$2343.11
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 5.0 (22)
$675.04
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (22)
$641.11
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (21)
$580.16
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 8
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.8 (20)
$1263.85
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 7
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (18)
$684.24
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.8 (17)
$1263.85
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 7
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 5.0 (16)
$899.29
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 8
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.7 (16)
$491.04
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Maverick Arms
★ 4.6 (16)
$338.66
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (15)
$308.76
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.1 (15)
$777.96
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 8
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (14)
$737.71
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 6
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (14)
$999.91
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 7
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.7 (14)
$1149.99
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 7
Ships to FFL
★ 4.9 (13)
$2303.44
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (13)
$751.51
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 4
Common questions
What is the best shotgun for bear defense?
A reliable 12-gauge pump or semi-auto with a short barrel (about 18–20 inches), sling mounts and sights you can pick up fast. Pumps are the most common choice for camp and boat guns because they run with a wide range of loads.
What shotgun ammo is used for bear?
Heavy full-bore slugs designed for deep penetration, not buckshot or birdshot. Pattern-test and practice with the slugs you plan to carry.
Shotgun or handgun for bear country?
A 12-gauge slug hits much harder than any common handgun, but it has to be in your hands or on a sling. Many people keep a shotgun in camp or on the boat and carry a handgun when their hands need to be free.
Before you carry in bear country
- Practice with the loads you'll carry. Full-power bear loads recoil much harder than range ammunition. Shoot them enough to hit quickly under stress.
- Carry it where you can reach it. A chest holster keeps a handgun clear of a pack's hip belt and waders.
- Consider bear spray too. Many people in the field carry both; they solve different problems.
- Know the rules where you'll be. Carry rules differ on federal land, in parks and on private land — see our Alaska gun laws guide.
- If you do have to shoot. In Alaska, a bear killed in defense of life or property must be reported to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the hide and skull salvaged and surrendered. Check the current ADF&G rules.
Every firearm ships to a licensed FFL dealer for your background check. Handguns require buyers 21+. How shipping works