Sports Shotgun Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Product Type (Over-and-Under Shotguns, Side-by-Side Shotguns, Semi-Automatic Shotguns, Pump-Action Shotguns), By Application (Trap Shooting, Skeet Shooting, Sporting Clays, Hunting & Recreational Shooting), By Gauge Type (12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, 28 Gauge, .410 Bore), By End User (Professional / Competitive Shooters, Recreational Shooters & Hunters) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Sports Shotgun Market size was valued at US$ 240.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 347.1 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 5.4% for 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Sports Shotgun Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% in future.

The market refers to the global industry focused on the manufacturing, distribution, and sales of shotguns specifically designed for competitive and recreational shooting sports. This includes firearms optimized for activities such as clay pigeon shooting, trap, skeet, and sporting clays. The market encompasses various shotgun types over-and-under, side-by-side, and semi-automatic models engineered for precision, durability, performance, and compliance with sports shooting regulations.

The market is witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing participation in shooting sports, rising popularity of competitive events, and expanding interest in recreational shooting across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The market benefits from advancements in firearm engineering, lightweight materials, and customization options that enhance user performance. Additionally, growing investments in shooting clubs, training facilities, and international championships continue to support market expansion. However, the industry is influenced by regulatory environments and licensing requirements, which vary across regions.

Key Developments

• In 2025, New shotgun models debuted at major industry events, with notable reveals at the 2025 SHOT Show spotlighting advanced field and competition shotguns from key manufacturers like Browning and others.
• In March 2025, Benelli launched updates to its Super Black Eagle line, introducing the SBE AI variant with new design features aimed at waterfowl and turkey hunters, expanding its flagship shotgun offerings.

Sports Shotgun Market Segmentation

Based on the product type

• Over-and-Under Shotguns
• Side-by-Side Shotguns
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns
• Pump-Action Shotguns

The over-and-under shotguns are anticipated to lead the sports shotgun market, driven primarily by their superior performance and reliability in competitive shooting disciplines. The single most influential driver behind this dominance is their widespread preference among professional and semi-professional shooters in trap, skeet, and sporting clays competitions. Over-and-under shotguns offer enhanced balance, consistent shot alignment, and the ability to use two different chokes, providing greater versatility and precision during competition. Their mechanical simplicity also results in higher durability, easier maintenance, and improved safety compared to semi-automatic and pump-action alternatives. In addition, shooting federations and competition formats often favor or standardize over-and-under models, reinforcing their adoption at professional events. The strong association of these shotguns with premium craftsmanship, customization options, and long service life further supports demand among enthusiasts willing to invest in high-quality equipment. As participation in organized shooting sports continues to grow, performance-driven preference remains the key driver positioning over-and-under shotguns as the leading product segment in the global sports shotgun market.

Based on the application

• Trap Shooting
• Skeet Shooting
• Sporting Clays
• Hunting & Recreational Shooting

The sporting clays are anticipated to lead the sports shotgun market, driven primarily by their broad appeal and versatility among shooting enthusiasts. The single most influential driver behind this leadership is the dynamic and varied nature of sporting clays, which closely simulates real hunting scenarios and attracts both recreational shooters and competitive participants. Unlike trap and skeet, sporting clays offer diverse target presentations, course layouts, and shooting angles, increasing participation and repeat engagement. This versatility encourages frequent equipment upgrades and sustained demand for high-performance shotguns, particularly over-and-under and semi-automatic models. Sporting clays are also widely accessible, with growing numbers of shooting ranges and clubs offering dedicated courses, especially in North America and Europe. Additionally, the social and experiential aspect of sporting clays events enhances participation across age groups and skill levels. As shooting sports continue to evolve toward immersive and inclusive formats, the popularity and adaptability of sporting clays remain the key driver positioning this segment as the leading application in the global sports shotgun market.

Based on the gauge type

• 12 Gauge
• 20 Gauge
• 28 Gauge
• .410 Bore

The 12-gauge shotguns are anticipated to dominate the sports shotgun market, driven primarily by their unmatched versatility across shooting disciplines. The single most influential driver behind this dominance is the 12-gauge’s ability to deliver consistent performance in trap, skeet, sporting clays, and hunting applications. This gauge offers a wide range of ammunition options, superior shot patterns, and effective target coverage, making it suitable for both competitive shooters and recreational users. Additionally, most shooting competitions and clubs standardize around 12-gauge formats, reinforcing its widespread adoption. Manufacturers also prioritize 12-gauge models, providing extensive customization options, accessories, and price ranges that appeal to beginners and professionals alike. Its proven reliability, availability of components, and strong resale value further support sustained demand. As shooters continue to seek a single, adaptable solution for multiple applications, the versatility-driven preference for 12-gauge shotguns remains the key driver positioning this segment as the leading gauge type in the global sports shotgun market.

Based on the end user

• Professional/Competitive Shooters
• Recreational Shooters & Hunters

The recreational shooters and hunters are anticipated to lead the sports shotgun market, driven primarily by their significantly larger participation base. The single most influential driver behind this dominance is the widespread popularity of shooting sports and hunting as leisure and outdoor activities. Recreational users engage in shooting across multiple formats, including sporting clays, informal trap and skeet, and seasonal hunting, resulting in higher overall equipment demand compared to professional shooters. This segment also shows strong replacement and upgrade cycles, as users seek improved comfort, performance, and reliability over time. Additionally, growing interest in outdoor recreation, shooting clubs, and range-based activities has expanded participation among new and returning enthusiasts. Manufacturers and retailers actively target this group with a broad range of price points and product offerings, further supporting volume growth. As leisure-driven shooting continues to attract a broad demographic, participation scale remains the key driver positioning recreational shooters and hunters as the leading end-user segment in the global sports shotgun market.