semi-automatic shotgun

{{Short description|Repeating shotgun with a semi-automatic action}}

Image:Benelli m4 2.jpg semi-automatic shotgun]]

A semi-automatic shotgun is a repeating shotgun with a semi-automatic action, i.e. capable of automatically chambering a new shell after each firing, but requires individual trigger-pull to manually actuate each shot.{{Cite web |last=Martonik |first=Kurt |date=2023-06-19 |title=The Automatic Shotgun, or Autoloader, and How It Evolved |url=https://freerangeamerican.us/automatic-shotgun/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Free Range American |language=en-US}} Semi-automatic shotguns use gas operation, blowback, or recoil operation to cycle the action, eject the empty shell, and load another round.{{Cite web |last=Bourjaily |first=Phil |date=2023-05-09 |title=The Best Semi-Automatic Shotguns (2024 Review) |url=https://www.fieldandstream.com/gear/best-semi-automatic-shotguns/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Field & Stream |language=en-US}} The first semi-automatic shotgun was the Automatic-5 by Browning.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Joe Genzel, Alex |date=2022-11-29 |title=The Best Semi Auto Shotguns of 2023 |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-semi-auto-shotguns/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Outdoor Life |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=History of the Semiauto {{!}} Ducks Unlimited |url=https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-hunting-gear/history-of-the-semiauto |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=www.ducks.org |language=en}}

Many semi-automatic shotguns also provide an optional manual means of operation such as by pump action or a charging handle.