So you think that grandpa’s old double barrel will save you against a small group of zombies, much less a large hoarde? THINK AGAIN!! You’re going to need a real COMBAT SHOTGUN to do the job. In this article, we’ll examine a few different types of combat shotguns that are available to the civilian market, and some aftermarket accessories that will push them to the NTH degree of zombie splattering scatter guns.


Combat shotguns are a class of weapons that are often underrated. Yes, some do have limited ammo capacity, and can be slower to reload, but that does not negate their effectiveness for certain situations.

The SAIGA 12:
The Saiga-12 is a 12-gauge combat shotgun available in a wide range of configurations, visually patterned after the Kalashnikov series of assault rifles. Like the Kalashnikov rifle variants, it is a rotating bolt, gas-operated gun that feeds from a box magazine. All Saiga-12 configurations are recognizable as Kalashnikov-pattern guns by the large lever-safety on the right side of the receiver, the optic mounting rail on the left side of the receiver and the large top-mounted dust cover held in place by the rear of the recoil spring assembly. The looser clearances offered in an AK style design result in high reliability—an enormous boon on a semi-automatic shotgun, as this class of weapon had previously tended towards unreliability. The Saiga-12 is manufactured by the arms division of Izhmash, in Russia.
Here are some videos of the Saiga 12 in action: Video 1 Video 2 Video 3 (Video 3 is 45 min long and compares the Saiga 12 to the KSG and Remington 870.) The Saiga 12 has magazines from 5-30 rounds. The Saiga 12 is the top choice of ZAC for its raw destructive power, speed in reloading, and volume of fire.

Semi Auto Shotguns (Non magazine fed, Any maker)

Auto loaders, powered by recoil or gas are popular in hunting and competition shooting the world over. Ranging in capacity from 5-12 rounds(with tube extensions). Available in almost all sporting goods stores, pawn shops, and gun stores, these weapons can be a lethal and effective weapon. The downside to this class of shotgun is that they often malfunction during feeding/ejection. Capable of the destruction of the Saiga, just not as quickly. You can buy speed loaders, but you must be very practiced with them. (No videos, everyone has seen these in action on TV)
Popular models include:
FN SLP Mark 1
Remington Model 1100 Tac 4
Mossberg Model 930 SPX

Pump Shotguns (any maker)

Powered by physically actuating a pump mechanism, these shotguns rarely malfunction unless there is a problem with the brass on the cartridge. With a capacity usually in the 8+1 range, they’re capable of being fired almost as fast as a semi-auto in the right hands. This class of shotgun has been popular in combat for over 100 years due to its rugged reliability and versatility.
Popular models include:
Remington 870
Mossberg 500

Double Barrel Shotguns

No… just… No…
Considering the reload time between every two rounds, this is next to useless unless you have no other options. The first time you see any other type of shotgun, check that it functions, and ditch the relic.

There is a legitimate use for a shotgun, and generally its for some secondary purpose. For small groups of zombies, a shotgun in the right hands can be as effective as any rifle or pistol.

Recommended accessories:
Some sort of sights other than a normal bead sight (ghost ring, red dot, etc.)
Speed loaders (practice, practice, practice)
Large capaciity magazines (12+)

YOU’RE NOT EVER, EVER, EVER GOING TO GET YOUR HANDS ON AN AA-12, SO DON’T EVEN MENTION IT IN THE COMMENTS. IF I EVEN SEE IT, YOUR COMMENT WILL BE DELETED. IF YOU WANT A FULL AUTO SHOTGUN, BUY A SLIDEFIRE STOCK FOR A SAIGA-12.