For generations, the shotgun has been an integral component of the lives of Canadian firearm owners; it was a trusted tool for hunting, pest control, and sport shooting. But with today’s evolving laws, it’s often hard to choose a gun that meets your needs while at the same time complying with the regulations.
The recent prohibitions target certain firearm types, which might suggest your options are now limited. However, this is not entirely true. The Canadian market is still home to an excellent selection of powerful, reliable, and perfectly legal shotguns.
In this article, we’ll explore the top models available today, from budget-friendly pump-actions to premium semi-automatics, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs, your wallet, and the law.
Top Shotguns for Sale in Canada
Let’s explore some of the most reliable shotguns in the Canadian market, available now at Canfirearm.com.
CHARLES DALY 301
Charles Daly 301 is a classic pump-action 12-gauge shotgun that comes with traditional wood furniture and a 28-inch blued barrel.
- Operates with a simple and dependable pump-action mechanism for cycling shells.
- It is chambered for powerful 12-gauge shells, with the flexibility to accept cartridges up to 3 inches in length.
- Provides a standard capacity of 4 rounds in the magazine tube plus one in the chamber.
- Features a 28-inch barrel with a traditional blued finish.
- It is equipped with a wood stock and a matching forend.
- Uses a straightforward and consistent single-action trigger system.
- It is Non-Restricted, so it’s suitable for general hunting and sport shooting.
Charles Daly MH12
Charles Daly MH12 is a high-capacity, tactical double-barrel pump-action shotgun that’s great for modern applications with its M4-style stock and accessory rails.
- Employs a double-barrel pump-action system fed by dual magazine tubes.
- Offers 10+2 round capacity.
- It is equipped with an M4-style collapsible stock that features an adjustable comb.
- Includes both top and side rail mounts for attaching optics, lights, lasers, and other tactical accessories.
- Comes with a short 14-inch barrel with a durable black finish.
- It is chambered for 12 gauge and can cycle powerful 3-inch (76mm) magnum shells.
- Comes with a set of functional flip-up sights.
- It is Non-Restricted, which makes it widely accessible for sport shooting.
Charles Daly 601 Tactical Semi-Auto
It is a lightweight, versatile, and affordable semi-automatic 12-gauge tactical shotgun that features a pistol grip stock and a ghost ring sight system.
- Operates on a semi-automatic action for rapid follow-up shots and reliable cycling.
- It is built on a receiver machined from solid aluminum alloy, creating a lightweight (6.8 lbs) yet exceptionally durable firearm.
- It is chambered to reliably feed and fire both 2.75″ and 3″ 12-gauge shells.
- It is equipped with a durable synthetic stock and forend and features an ergonomic pistol grip.
- Comes standard with a precise ghost ring rear sight and includes an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
- Features an 18.5″ barrel and includes multiple choke tubes (IC, M) as well as a specialized breacher choke.
- It is classified as Non-Restricted, so it’s accessible for general hunting and sport shooting purposes.
AKDAS UBS
It is a versatile 12-gauge pump-action weapon system that can function as both an under-barrel shotgun for a primary rifle and as a standalone firearm.
- It is chambered for 12-gauge 70mm (2.75″) shells, it operates with a pump action, and holds a capacity of 3+1 rounds.
- It can be mounted directly under an infantry rifle using a Picatinny rail or configured as a standalone weapon with its included adjustable telescopic stock set.
- Offers tactical flexibility by accommodating a wide array of 12-gauge 70mm ammunition, including lethal options (slugs, buckshot) and non-lethal rounds (rubber, plastic).
- Excels in close-quarters combat and is noted as being more effective than infantry rifles for engaging small drones and UAVs due to the spread of pellet cartridges.
- Features a high-quality steel barrel, chrome-plated on both the inside and outside for superior abrasion resistance.
- Allows personnel to maintain fire pressure and engage threats even when the magazine of their primary rifle is empty.
- It is engineered for minimal weight impact, weighing only 2.07 kg (4.55 lbs) in its under-barrel configuration and 3.06 kg (6.73 lbs) as a standalone firearm.
Girsan 12 GA
Girsan MC312 12 GA is an affordable inertia-driven semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun that’s a reliable choice for hunting, sport, or defense.
- Features a clean-running and reliable inertia-driven semi-automatic action, famously endurance-tested up to 10,000 rounds without parts failure.
- Marketed as a go-to “every-day or truck-gun” that’s great for hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
- It is built with a rugged and lightweight polymer stock and forend.
- It is equipped with a 28-inch field barrel and offers a 5+1 shell capacity.
- Comes standard with a high-visibility front sight for quick aiming and includes a Picatinny rail on the receiver for easily mounting scopes, red dots, or other accessories.
Summing Up
Canada’s firearm laws may seem complex at first sight, but as our guide has shown, your options are far from limited. You have a fantastic selection of legal and reliable shotguns for every purpose and price point. Whether for sport, hunting, or tactical applications, there is always a model that’s right for you.
Whether a firearm is “the best” or “the worst” is a very personal decision. It is dictated by your specific needs, be it a long day in the duck blind, a competitive match at the range, or the simple pride of ownership.
It doesn’t matter which gun you choose; please always exercise maximum caution with it. Always check the official websites to ensure your gun meets the most recent regulations and laws. You want something to enjoy, not to cause trouble for you or for your loved ones.
