Shotguns in Rainbow 6 Siege have a significant role in your team’s success while playing ranked.

With guns frequently being nerfed or buffed, it’s important to learn which wall blaster will give you the most bang for your buckshot. In this list we will review only the most powerful shotguns in the game and why you should be using them.

7) SG-CQB (Twitch, Lion, Doc, and Rook)

The SG-CQB is a slow pump-action shotgun that delivers a high damage output with a slower rate of fire. This firearm is the signature shotgun of the GIGN and is usable on both defense and offense. Unless you plan on utilizing a GIGN operator’s ACOG friendly gun, the SG-CQB should be your next choice for your primary weapon.

SG-CQB showing off its vertical grip and low recoil

Shotgun Stats:

• Operation: Pump Action
• Damage:
  • 53(x8) (Between 0-5 Meters)
  • 26(x8) (12+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 85 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 7 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• Powerful shotgun with high damage per pellet making it a one shot kill in close quarters
• Has vertical grip attachment that helps control recoil
• Decent sized magazine so you won’t have to reload mid firefight

What’s Bad About It:

• Slower fire rate means you have to be accurate or else your opponent could finish you off before your second or third shot

Watch the SG-CQB in Action

6) M1014 (Thermite, Castle, and Pulse)

Don't forget to equip the laser sight when using the M1014

The M1014 is a well-rounded semi-automatic shotgun that it utilized by most of the FBI operators. This shotgun is effective as a close combat weapon after exothermic charging through barricades and is perfect for blasting away enemies through walls with the help of Pulse’s Heartbeat Sensor.

Shotgun Stats:

• Operation: Semi-Automatic
• Damage:
  • 32(x8) (Between 0-6 Meters)
  • 29(x8) (Between 8-10 Meters)
  • 15(x8) (15+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 200 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 8 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• Fair sized magazine capacity
• Decent fire rate for a semi-automatic shotgun
• The shotgun is still effective at medium range due to its low damage drop off

What’s Bad About It:

• Due to the weapon being semi-automatic, controlling the recoil when quickly firing can be tricky

Watch the M1014 in Action

5) M590A1 (Sledge, Thatcher, Smoke, Mute, and Warden)

Medium ranged combat isn't a problem for the M590A1

The M590A1 is the go-to shotgun for all members of the SAS and the new operator Warden. This shotgun is a great choice for both attacking and defending and is lethal at close and medium range. This shotgun should always be in your primary slot while playing either Sledge or Smoke.

Shotgun Stats:

Operation: Pump-Action

• Damage:
  • 48(x8) (Between 0-8 Meters)
  • 20(x8) (13+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 85 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 8 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• High damage output at close and medium range
• Multiple operators have access to this shotgun, giving you more opportunities to master its playstyle
• Overall the kickback and recoil are very controllable

What’s Bad About It:

• Like the SG-CQC, the fire is on the slower end of the spectrum. Your enemies may be able to kill you before you can take another shot if you’ve missed your first or second shot

Watch the M590AI in Action

4) M870 (Jager and Bandit)

No need to look down the sights when your enemy is 3 meters in front of you

The M870 is hands down the most powerful pump-action shotgun in the game. This shotgun is most effective in very close quarters which is no problem for Jager and Bandit since they both are 3 speeds. But fear not, the M870 is still powerful weapon even at medium ranged combat.

Shotgun Stats:

• Operation: Pump-Action
• Damage:
  • 60(x8) (Between 0-3 Meters)
  • 20(x8) (12+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 100 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 7 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• Extremely high damage per pellet at close range
• Has a higher fire rate than most pump-action shotguns
• The most powerful pump-action shotgun the game has to offer

What’s Bad About It:

• The magazine size is decently small compared to how fast the gun fire. You may burn through your mag quicker than you may have hoped

Watch the M870 in Action

3) SASG-12 (Finka, Kapkan, and Tachanka)

Be sure to take advantage of the SASG-12's high fire rate

The SASG-12 is a very fun shotgun use, especially if you are playing as Finka. Using Finka’s adrenaline surge gives you the extra burst of energy and accuracy you need to rush unsuspecting defenders.

Shotgun Stats:

• Operation: Semi-Automatic
• Damage:
  • 49(x8) (Between 0-2 Meters)
  • 14(x8) (15+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 330 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 11 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• The most powerful semi-automatic shotgun at close range
• High capacity magazine means you’ll be able to take out multiple enemies before having to reload
• The suppressor attachment allows you to sneak up on your enemies by breaking through unbarricaded walls
• Super-fast fire rate lets you spam the trigger with little regard to your aim, especially while utilizing the vertical grip attachment

What’s Bad About It:

• The damage drop-off makes this shotgun a lot less effective at medium range

Watch the SASIG-12 in Action

2) TCSG12 (Kaid)

This TCSG12 was built for distance

The TCSG12 is the runner up as best shotgun in Rainbow6 Siege. With only one operator with access to this shotgun, the TCSG12 is a hot commodity and should always be used while playing Kaid. With the build of an M16 and the access to an ACOG sight, this shotgun plays like a DMR and it a headshot machine.

Shotgun Stats:

• Operation: Semi-Automatic
• Damage:
  • 84 (Between 0-19 Meters)
  • 40 (21+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 450 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 11 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• Extremely high damage output, even at long range and is the only shotgun that can use the ACOG sight
• Should be used like a rifle, but due to its low slug spread, but maximizes the potential for headshots
• Unlike other slug shotguns in the game, the TCSG12 has a much larger clip making it very deadly

What’s Bad About It:

• Has a relatively high recoil, but the vertical grip helps control it

Watch the TCSG12 in Action

1) FO-12 (Ela)

Close range, medieum range, long range, it does it all

The FO-12 is without a doubt the most powerful and OP shotgun in the entire game. This shotgun’s super quick fire rate, high capacity magazine, and slight damage drop off makes it a monster at close to medium range. If you love playing with a shotgun, you need to experience the FO-12. 

Shotgun Stats:

• Operation: Semi-Automatic
• Damage:
  • 35(x8) (Between 0-6 Meters)
  • 24(x8) (Between 12-18 Meters)
  • 12(x8) (21+ Meters)
• Rate of Fire: 400 Rounds Per Minute
• Magazine Size: 11 Rounds

What’s Good About It:

• Comparable to the SASG-12, but significantly more effective at medium to long range. The barrel extension attachment makes it even more effective at longer distances
• Has one of the fastest fire rates of all semi-automatic shotguns. The vertical grip helps you stay on target
• Large magazine capacity lets you shoot and tear apart multiple enemies without having to reload as frequently
• Clip magazine lets you reload faster than other shotguns

What’s Bad About It:

• It may be difficult to aim effectively if you spam the trigger too quickly

Watch the FO-12 in Action

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