Best shotgun in Hunt: Showdown 1896
The shotgun is king of close-quarters fights inside compounds: one good shot up close often ends the duel. But shotguns differ a lot — single-shot and pump, double-barrel and semi-auto, full-size and cut-down Shorty. Here's our top list and a full table with damage, range and time to the next shot.
🏆 Our top 7
- #1
Specter 1882
- $188
- 4 slots
- Damage 213
- Drop range 30 m
- Spread 25
A pump shotgun with the tightest spread among the pumps: it reaches a bit further and fires a quick follow-up. The all-round pick for pushing a compound.
Traits: BulletgrubberIron Eye
🧰 Open in builder - #2
Romero 77
- $66
- 4 slots
- Damage 220
- Drop range 30 m
- Spread 20
The cheapest full-size shotgun with one of the hardest hits in its class. Single-shot, so a miss is punished — but losing it doesn't hurt. A classic for new players and budget loadouts.
🧰 Open in builder - #3
Slate
- $313
- 4 slots
- Damage 207
- Drop range 25 m
- Spread 30
A pump with a 5+1 magazine: one more shell and a noticeably faster reload than the Specter. It costs more but keeps you fighting longer without pauses.
Traits: Iron Eye
🧰 Open in builder - #4
Rival 78
- $170
- 4 slots
- Damage 184
- Drop range 25 m
- Spread 45
A double-barrel: two shots almost back to back — a double tap that rarely leaves anyone standing. Then you reload, so take the fight first and up close.
🧰 Open in builder - #5
Auto-5
- $600
- 5 slots
- Damage 194
- Drop range 30 m
- Spread 35
A semi-auto shotgun: 4+1 shells with a very short cycle between shots. It takes 5 slots and costs as much as a sniper rifle — a pick for confident players with cash to spare.
🧰 Open in builder - #6
Terminus
- $168
- 4 slots
- Damage 207
- Drop range 25 m
- Spread 30
The pump with the largest magazine among full-size shotguns — 6+1 — and cheaper than the Slate. The cycle is slower, but there's enough ammo for a whole fight.
Traits: BulletgrubberIron EyeLevering
🧰 Open in builder - #7
Romero 77 Alamo
- $98
- 4 slots
- Damage 220
- Drop range 30 m
- Spread 20
A Romero with an added magazine: the same heavy hit, but 4+1 shells instead of one. The reload is long, yet for a budget shotgun it's a big step up.
🧰 Open in builder
📋 All 19 in this list
Click a header to sort. ★ — in our top list.
| Name | Cost | Slots | Damage | Drop range, m | Spread | Capacity | Cycle time, s | Reload, s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead 78 | — | 4 | 220 | 30 | 20 | 2 | 0.3 | 4.7 |
| Romero 77★#2 | $66 | 4 | 220 | 30 | 20 | 1 | 4 | 3.4 |
| Romero 77 Alamo★#7 | $98 | 4 | 220 | 30 | 20 | 4+1 | 2.8 | 14 |
| Romero 77 Talon | $76 | 4 | 220 | 30 | 20 | 1 | 4 | 3.4 |
| Romero 77 Hatchet | $56 | 2 | 214 | 20 | 25 | 1 | 4 | 3.7 |
| Romero 77 Shorty | $46 | 2 | 214 | 20 | 25 | 1 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Specter 1882★#1 | $188 | 4 | 213 | 30 | 25 | 4+1 | 1 | 14.8 |
| Slate★#3 | $313 | 4 | 207 | 25 | 30 | 5+1 | 1 | 9.6 |
| Slate Riposte | $323 | 4 | 207 | 25 | 30 | 5+1 | 1 | 9.6 |
| Terminus★#6 | $168 | 4 | 207 | 25 | 30 | 6+1 | 1.6 | 12.2 |
| Specter 1882 Bayonet | $198 | 4 | 204 | 25 | 35 | 4+1 | 1 | 14.8 |
| Auto-5★#5 | $600 | 5 | 194 | 30 | 35 | 4+1 | 0.6 | 10.7 |
| Terminus Shorty | $148 | 2 | 188 | 20 | 40 | 5+1 | 1.6 | 10.6 |
| Rival 78★#4 | $170 | 4 | 184 | 25 | 45 | 2 | 0.3 | 4.7 |
| Rival 78 Trauma | $180 | 4 | 184 | 25 | 45 | 2 | 0.3 | 4.7 |
| Specter 1882 Shorty | $164 | 2 | 178 | 20 | 45 | 3+1 | 1.2 | 11.1 |
| Rival 78 Mace | $155 | 2 | 158 | 20 | 55 | 2 | 0.3 | 4.7 |
| Rival 78 Shorty | $145 | 2 | 158 | 20 | 55 | 2 | 0.3 | 4.7 |
| Auto-4 Shorty | $300 | 3 | 154 | 20 | 64 | 3+1 | 0.6 | 9.7 |
❓ FAQ
Which shotgun is best for a beginner?
The Romero 77: cheap, powerful and forgiving up close. Once you're comfortable, move to a pump like the Specter 1882 or Slate to get a second shot without reloading.
What is a Shorty and is it worth it?
A Shorty is a cut-down variant that takes 2–3 slots: shorter range and wider spread, but it frees up slots for another gun. A good close-range second weapon; every Shorty is in the table.
Which ammo should I use in a shotgun?
It depends on the job: Slug to reach further, Flechette for extra bleeding, Dragon Breath to set targets on fire, Penny Shot for a wider spread. Compatibility differs between shotguns — check the ammo block on each weapon page and the Ammo section.
More lists
🪓 Melee💰 Under $100🧭 For beginners🐺 Solo🎯 Snipers👁 Iron sights⚡ Close range🎒 Secondary🔫 Pistols🤠 Dual wield🤫 Silent All top picks →
Stats: showdown.com.ua catalog based on huntshowdown.wiki.gg, CC BY-SA 4.0 · texts and picks — showdown.com.ua