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What are the primary uses for a 10-gauge shotgun?

Shotguns • Asked about 1 month ago by Yiriya

Yiriya Dec 31, 2025
I'm curious about the specific applications and common uses for a 10-gauge shotgun. I understand they're quite powerful, but in what scenarios do they truly shine compared to other gauges? Are they primarily for certain types of hunting, or do they have other practical applications? Any insights on their historical and modern uses, as well as situations where a 10-gauge is particularly advantageous (or disadvantageous), would be very helpful!
lebroke Jan 03, 2026
That's a great question! The 10-gauge is definitely a beast, and while it might not be as common as the 12-gauge, it certainly has its specific niches where it excels. From what I understand, the 10-gauge really shines when you need a lot of payload downrange, especially for hunting large waterfowl like geese at longer distances. The ability to push heavier loads of shot, particularly larger shot sizes, gives it an edge in terms of pattern density and energy retention at extended ranges compared to a 12-gauge. So, for serious goose hunters, or even those targeting big turkeys where you want maximum knockdown power, it can be a real advantage. Historically, I believe they were also used for market hunting due to their power and range, but obviously, those days are long gone. In modern times, outside of specialized hunting, I don't see a lot of other "practical applications" for the average person. It's not really a home defense gun due to its recoil and over-penetration concerns, and it's certainly not a common trap or skeet gun. The main disadvantage, as you hinted, is the power – which translates to significant recoil, heavier guns, and more expensive (and sometimes harder to find) ammunition. It's definitely not a gun for the faint of heart or someone looking for an all-around shotgun. It's a specialized tool for specific tasks. What have others found in terms of modern uses or experiences with the 10-gauge? I'm curious to hear if there are other areas where it's still actively used!