When it comes to shotguns, most shooters immediately think of common gauges like 12 or 20. However, smaller gauges still have an important place in shooting sports and hunting circles. Two that often spark curiosity are the 24 gauge shotgun and the 28 gauge. While both are considered lighter, more niche options, they differ in availability, performance, and practicality.
If you’re trying to understand which gauge suits your needs—or whether either is right for you—this guide breaks down the key differences between a 24 gauge shotgun and a 28 gauge in simple, practical terms.
Understanding Shotgun Gauge Basics
Before comparing these two gauges, it helps to understand what “gauge” actually means. Shotgun gauge refers to the number of solid lead balls, each the diameter of the barrel, that equal one pound. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the bore.
This means:
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A 28 gauge has a larger bore than a 24 gauge.
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A 24 gauge shotgun is narrower and typically fires lighter loads.
Although the numerical difference seems small, it has a noticeable impact on shooting performance, ammunition availability, and real-world use.
What Is a 24 Gauge Shotgun?
The 24 gauge shotgun is one of the rarest commercially known shotgun gauges. It has historically existed in limited European and custom-made firearms but never achieved mainstream popularity in the United States or other major shooting markets.
Most 24 gauge shotguns were produced in small runs, often as specialty or experimental firearms. Because of this, they’re rarely seen in modern hunting camps or shooting ranges.
Key characteristics of a 24 gauge shotgun include:
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Extremely limited firearm availability
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Almost nonexistent modern ammunition production
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Lightweight handling due to a narrow bore
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Primarily of interest to collectors or enthusiasts
For most shooters, the 24 gauge remains more of a historical curiosity than a practical option.
Overview of the 28 Gauge Shotgun
The 28 gauge, by contrast, is well-established and respected. It’s popular among upland bird hunters, clay shooters, and those who value low recoil without sacrificing effectiveness.
Unlike the 24 gauge shotgun, the 28 gauge is:
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Widely manufactured
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Supported by major ammunition brands
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Available in modern semi-autos, over/unders, and side-by-sides
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Proven in hunting and sporting applications
The 28 gauge has earned a reputation for efficiency, often delivering excellent shot patterns with minimal recoil.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
This is where the difference between the two gauges becomes impossible to ignore.
24 Gauge Shotgun Ammunition
Finding ammunition for a 24 gauge shotgun is extremely difficult. Most major ammunition manufacturers do not produce 24 gauge shells at all. When ammunition does surface, it’s usually:
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Vintage or discontinued stock
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Custom-loaded
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Expensive and unreliable to source
Reloading is technically possible but requires custom components that are hard to find.
28 Gauge Ammunition
28 gauge ammunition, while more expensive than 12 or 20 gauge, is still readily available. Shooters can find:
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Target loads
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Upland hunting shells
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Specialty loads from multiple manufacturers
For anyone who plans to shoot regularly, the 28 gauge is far more practical.
Recoil and Shooting Comfort
One of the main reasons shooters consider smaller gauges is recoil reduction.
A 24 gauge shotgun, due to its lighter payload, would theoretically produce very low recoil. However, because most 24 gauge firearms are older and lighter, felt recoil can vary significantly depending on the gun’s design.
The 28 gauge offers a proven balance:
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Noticeably softer recoil than 20 gauge
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Comfortable for extended shooting sessions
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Ideal for smaller-framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil
In real-world conditions, the 28 gauge provides predictable, manageable recoil without the unpredictability of rare firearms.
Performance in the Field
Hunting Applications
A 24 gauge shotgun has limited documented hunting use. While it could theoretically handle small game or birds at close range, the lack of standardized loads makes performance inconsistent.
The 28 gauge excels in upland hunting. It’s commonly used for:
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Quail
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Dove
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Grouse
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Pheasant (with proper shot placement)
Its effective range and clean kills have been proven time and again.
Sporting and Target Shooting
The 24 gauge shotgun is virtually absent from competitive shooting. No major clay disciplines support it.
The 28 gauge, however, is featured in:
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Skeet competitions
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Sporting clays
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Sub-gauge shooting events
Its efficiency and pattern consistency make it a favorite among experienced shooters.
Firearm Availability and Customization
If you’re interested in purchasing a shotgun, availability matters.
A 24 gauge shotgun is extremely difficult to find. Most examples are:
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Custom builds
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Antique firearms
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Collector-grade pieces not meant for frequent use
Replacement parts, servicing, and modifications can be costly or impossible.
The 28 gauge offers modern convenience:
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New firearms from reputable manufacturers
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Warranty support
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Interchangeable chokes
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Aftermarket accessories
This alone makes the 28 gauge a far more realistic option.
Collector Value vs Practical Value
The appeal of a 24 gauge shotgun lies almost entirely in its rarity. Collectors may value it for:
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Historical interest
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Unique gauge classification
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Scarcity
However, rarity doesn’t equal usefulness. Many owners of 24 gauge shotguns rarely fire them.
The 28 gauge balances collectibility and usability. Well-made 28 gauge shotguns often hold their value while remaining practical shooting tools.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Because 24 gauge firearms are uncommon, shooters should always verify:
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Chamber dimensions
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Correct ammunition compatibility
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Proof markings on older guns
Using incorrect shells in a rare firearm can be dangerous.
With 28 gauge shotguns, standardized manufacturing and modern safety standards reduce risk, making them safer for everyday use.
Which One Should You Choose?
For most shooters, the answer is clear.
Choose a 24 gauge shotgun if:
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You are a collector
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You value historical or rare firearms
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You do not plan to shoot frequently
Choose a 28 gauge if:
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You want a lightweight, effective hunting shotgun
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You enjoy clay shooting
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You need readily available ammunition
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You want modern firearm support
The 28 gauge delivers nearly all the benefits shooters look for in a small-bore shotgun without the headaches associated with rare gauges.
Final Thoughts
While the 24 gauge shotgun remains an interesting footnote in shotgun history, it simply can’t compete with the practicality and proven performance of the 28 gauge. For shooters who want reliability, availability, and versatility, the 28 gauge stands far above its obscure counterpart.
If you’re exploring shotgun options or researching rare gauges out of curiosity, platforms like GunsAmerica can offer valuable insight into both collectible firearms and modern shotguns currently on the market.
