GTA Online
Heavy Shotgun GTA Online
GTA Online Wiki Team · Updated:
The Heavy Shotgun is a Weapons item in GTA Online, available from Ammu-Nation for $13,550, known for its combat effectiveness.
Reliable option suitable for most players.
The Heavy Shotgun costs $13,550 with 80/100 damage and 32/100 accuracy. Strong performer in most combat situations.
| Price | $13,550 |
|---|---|
| Category | Weapons |
"A powerful semi-automatic shotgun."
Editor's Verdict
Is the Heavy Shotgun Worth Buying in 2026?
Editor's Take
The Heavy Shotgun is a niche purchase at $13,550. For similar money, the Assault SMG ($12,550) provides more practical value in most gameplay scenarios. Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
Compared to the RPG, the Heavy Shotgun trades 20 damage points for a higher fire rate.
Best Uses for the Heavy Shotgun
Reliable damage output for missions and heist setups.
Useful in heist finales and prep missions.
Budget-friendly weapon for new players.
For Grinders
The Heavy Shotgun serves its purpose but isn't specifically optimized for grinding. Focus on income-generating assets first if you're still building your empire—businesses and passive income sources should take priority over utility purchases until you're earning $1M+ per play session.
For Beginners
Consider this a mid-game purchase. Beginners should focus on establishing income first, but the Heavy Shotgun makes a good goal to work toward. Spend time in contact missions to get comfortable with its fire rate and recoil before taking it into PvP encounters.
For Racers
While the Heavy Shotgun is a weapon, not a vehicle, its 80/100 damage rating makes it relevant in weaponized game modes like Deadline, Motor Wars, and Arena War. Higher fire rate weapons dominate these modes.
For PvP Players
The Heavy Shotgun is better suited for PvE missions than dedicated PvP. In player combat, higher-damage alternatives like the Special Carbine Mk II or Heavy Sniper Mk II will outperform it in most engagements.
For Collectors
Worth owning for collection completeness, though the Heavy Shotgun isn't particularly rare or prestigious among dedicated collectors. Nice to have in a themed garage, but not a priority purchase unless you're specifically building a weapons showcase collection.
Bottom line: Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
How Fast Is the Heavy Shotgun?
When NOT to Buy
- Not ideal for high-level PvP. The Heavy Shotgun is outperformed by higher-tier weapons in damage output and accuracy.
How It Compares
The Heavy Shotgun sits at the top of the Weapons tier; here is how it stacks up against its true rivals.
| Vehicle | Price | Top Speed | Rank | Class | HSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Shotgun | $13,550 | — | — | — | No |
| Heavy Sniper Mk II | $165,375 | — | — | — | No |
| Marksman Rifle Mk II | $149,000 | — | — | — | No |
| Combat MG Mk II | $119,000 | — | — | — | No |
| Special Carbine Mk II | $135,000 | — | — | — | No |
Heavy Sniper Mk II
An upgraded heavy sniper rifle with explosive rounds capability.
Marksman Rifle Mk II
A semi-automatic marksman rifle with excellent accuracy.
Combat MG Mk II
An upgraded combat machine gun with improved damage.
Special Carbine Mk II
An upgraded assault rifle with excellent accuracy.
How Do You Upgrade the Heavy Shotgun?
This weapon can be upgraded to MK II status at the Weapons Workshop, available in the MOC, Avenger, Terrorbyte, Kosatka, or Agency. MK II upgrades unlock new ammunition types (incendiary, armor-piercing, explosive), extended magazines, and improved optics. The upgrade cost is typically $100,000-$200,000 depending on the weapon. Special ammunition types dramatically change combat effectiveness: armor-piercing rounds are essential for PvP, while incendiary rounds excel against NPCs in missions.
Modifications Available
- Engine
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Suspension
- Armor
- Respray
- Wheels
- Liveries
Recommended Order
- 1MK II Conversion — Unlocks the Heavy Shotgun's full modification tree. This is always step one.
- 2Extended Magazine — More rounds before reloading gives the Heavy Shotgun a major edge in sustained firefights.
- 3Scope/Optics — Compensates for the Heavy Shotgun's base accuracy. Especially impactful at medium range.
Special Features
- Weapon can be customized at Ammu-Nation with attachments and skins.
- MK II upgrade available at the Weapons Workshop for enhanced performance.
Can You Get the Heavy Shotgun for Free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method has been documented for the Heavy Shotgun. The methods below are community observations and time-limited opportunities, not guaranteed acquisition paths.
- 1This weapon may drop from enemies during certain missions - check if you can pick it up permanently.
- 2Complete specific heist setups that provide access to this weapon in your weapon locker.
- 3Look for hidden weapon pickups around the map that refresh periodically.
Where to Find
Purchase from: 🔫 Ammu-Nation
- Available for purchase at any Ammu-Nation store in Los Santos, with the Pillbox Hill location being the most central.
- May drop from enemies during certain Contact Missions and Heists, allowing you to test it before committing to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Heavy Shotgun cost in GTA Online?
The Heavy Shotgun costs $13,550 in GTA Online.
What is the top speed of the Heavy Shotgun?
The Heavy Shotgun does not have a confirmed top speed figure from community testing at this time.
Is the Heavy Shotgun worth buying?
Yes. The Heavy Shotgun offers solid performance for its price of $13,550. Prioritize essential business properties before luxury purchases.
Can I get the Heavy Shotgun for free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method exists for the Heavy Shotgun. It has appeared during weekly GTA Online events, Lucky Wheel spins at the Diamond Casino, and as a Prize Ride at the LS Car Meet. Check Rockstar's Newswire for current promotions.
What is the sell price of the Heavy Shotgun?
The Heavy Shotgun sells for $8,130 at Los Santos Customs, which is 60% of the original purchase price. Upgrade investments are only partially recovered when selling.