Ukrainians are now stocking up on semiautomatic shotguns to take out Russian drones
In Zaporizhzhia, civilians are turning to semiautomatic shotguns as a defense against Russian FPV drones that have begun targeting the city’s outskirts. Gun dealer Volodymyr Sukhomlyn now sells 12‑ and 20‑gauge models, offering training to residents and soldiers alike. While shotguns can be effecti…
When the war began, the demand in Ukraine was for rifles and small arms. Today, a new threat has shifted that focus. Russian first‑person‑view (FPV) drones are buzzing over the southern outskirts of Zaporizhzhia, dropping bombs on civilian targets and forcing residents to look for a new line of defense. The response has been surprisingly simple: semiautomatic shotguns.
From Hunting to Homeland Defense
In pre‑war Ukraine, 12‑ and 20‑gauge shotguns were common in hunting duck, hares and foxes. The same firearms are now being repurposed to shoot down drones that can carry explosives or incendiary payloads. Volodymyr Sukhomlyn, a 46‑year‑old gun shop owner and father of three, has seen a dramatic shift in his inventory. "When the war first broke out, it was mainly rifles that people wanted," he told reporters. "Now it’s shotguns that are in demand. If you train properly, your chances of bringing an FPV down are quite high."
Sukhomlyn’s underground shooting range, located in a former Soviet industrial estate, has become a hub for civilians and soldiers seeking to practice. The range features a bullet‑ridden Lada hatchback for urban‑combat simulations and a wall displaying a recovered FPV drone, a trophy for those who have successfully shot one down.
The Growing Drone Threat
Zaporizhzhia, a city of 750,000 on the River Dnipro, is a key industrial center. Its capture would be a major victory for Russian forces, yet the nearest Russian troops are still about 20 miles southeast. In the meantime, the city is subjected to air attacks that include FPV drones, missiles and Iranian‑made shaheed drones—gasoline‑powered UAVs that emit a lawnmower‑like whine. Last week, a shaheed salvo landed a mile from a hotel, destroying a large shopping mall. The third mall to be hit in two months, the attacks have also targeted gas stations, coffee stands and private homes.
Because of the drone threat, outdoor rifle ranges are now closed. The city’s residents, from farmers to bus drivers, are purchasing shotguns and seeking training. "A lot of them are farmers, and some even keep one in their tractor or combine harvester when they’re out in the fields," Sukhomlyn explained. "More recently it’s been bus drivers and cabbies buying them, too—anyone who is out on the streets a lot."
Training and Tactics
Some Ukrainian shooting ranges have adopted computer‑simulated training courses, using VR headsets to replicate FPV attacks. Even with a shotgun, hitting a drone is not trivial. FPVs can weave, duck and travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph. A missed shot may detonate the payload, creating a secondary explosion. "You can bring one down with a shotgun, but it’s certainly not easy," said Pip, a U.S. military volunteer serving with Ukraine’s Armed Forces. He recounted being chased by an FPV while driving a vehicle on the battlefield, and how the drone ran out of battery and crashed.
Despite the challenges, many civilians report success. One local shot down an FPV, and the drone is now displayed in Sukhomlyn’s store as a trophy. The act of shooting down a drone is considered a significant achievement, comparable to hunting a prized game animal in the past.
What Happens Next?
The drone threat is expected to grow as Russian forces intensify their air campaign. Sukhomlyn anticipates that civilian demand for shotguns will rise, especially among those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities are exploring additional counter‑drone measures, including electronic jamming and increased patrols. The situation remains fluid, and civilians are advised to stay informed and prepared.
For now, the semiautomatic shotgun has found a new role in 21st‑century warfare, bridging the gap between traditional firearms and modern aerial threats.
Why it matters
The shift to shotgun use illustrates how civilians adapt to emerging threats, turning everyday weapons into tools for self‑protection against advanced drone attacks.
Key points
- FPV drones are targeting Zaporizhzhia’s outskirts, forcing civilians to seek new defenses.
- Semiautomatic 12‑ and 20‑gauge shotguns are now in high demand for drone interception.
- Gun dealer Volodymyr Sukhomlyn offers training and has a specialized underground range.
- Training includes VR simulations and urban combat scenarios.
- Success in shooting down drones is considered a significant civilian achievement.
- The drone threat is expected to intensify, prompting increased civilian preparedness.
Frequently asked questions
What types of drones are attacking Zaporizhzhia?
Russian FPV drones, missiles and Iranian‑made shaheed gasoline‑powered UAVs.
Can civilians legally purchase shotguns in Ukraine?
Yes, civilians can buy semiautomatic shotguns, though they must comply with local firearms regulations.
How effective are shotguns against drones?
Shotguns can be effective if the shooter is trained, but drones are fast and can evade, making success challenging.
