HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Also called ‘auto-loaders’, semi-autos operate by using either expanding gases from the barrel to drive a piston backward or by means of the shotgun's recoil. This type of shotgun is commonly used for hunting deer and turkey but it’s also a great choice for waterfowl hunters because of the quick, hands-free reloading. Although it depends on the manufacturer, some semi-autos will have less recoil. This can be a great advantage in the field because you’ll be able to quickly re-aim after taking a shot.