If you’re looking to turn heads and rack up kills in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (BO7), shotguns are still one of the most lethal close-range weapons in the game. But picking the right shotgun and pairing it with the correct loadout can mean the difference between a frustrating match and a total domination spree. In this guide, we’ll break down the best shotgun loadouts that actually work, giving you actionable tips to shred your enemies while maximizing your efficiency in every engagement.
And if you’re looking to practice or test these loadouts without the pressure of live matchmaking, we’ll also cover why some players choose to buy BO7 bot lobbies for training purposes.
For players who want to refine their skills even further, there’s no substitute for focused practice. Many top gamers find that the fastest way to get comfortable with different shotgun loadouts is to buy COD BO7 lobby sessions, where you can experiment with weapons, attachments, and strategies in a controlled environment. This approach allows you to hone your reflexes, perfect your aim, and confidently enter real matches ready to dominate every close-quarters encounter.
Why Shotguns Still Matter in BO7
Shotguns in BO7 are perfect for players who thrive in close-quarter combat. Unlike assault rifles or SMGs, shotguns can kill an opponent in a single well-placed shot from short range, making them devastating in maps with tight corridors and buildings.
Advantages of using shotguns:
- One-shot potential at close range
- High mobility: Run-and-gun style suits aggressive players
- Perfect for objective play: Dominate Domination flags, Hardpoints, or Search and Destroy choke points
However, shotgun effectiveness depends heavily on your attachments, perks, and playstyle. Choosing the wrong setup can leave you struggling against even casual opponents.
Top Shotgun Loadouts That Actually Work
1. The Reaper Setup (Aggressive Push)
- Shotgun: Kastov-12 or HS2126
- Attachments:
- Barrel: Long Barrel for extra range
- Stock: No Stock for faster sprint-to-fire speed
- Optic: Reflex Sight for quick target acquisition
- Underbarrel: Foregrip for better recoil control
- Perks:
- Scavenger: Never run out of shells
- Ghost: Stay off enemy UAVs while pushing
- Fast Hands: Reload quickly in chaotic fights
Playstyle: This setup favors aggressive players who want to push into buildings and corridors, taking out multiple enemies before they even react.
2. The Close Quarters Specialist
- Shotgun: R9-0 or Origin-12
- Attachments:
- Ammunition: Dragon’s Breath or Slug rounds for maximum damage
- Laser: Tac Laser for hip-fire accuracy
- Grip: Ranger Foregrip for stability
- Stock: Agile Stock for movement speed
- Perks:
- E.O.D.: Survive explosives while holding tight spaces
- Tracker: Spot enemies approaching from behind
- Battle Hardened: Reduce stun and flash effects
Playstyle: Perfect for maps with tight corners, elevators, or interior objectives. You’ll dominate hallways and catch enemies off guard with rapid shots.
3. The Hybrid Shotgun Sniper
Yes, shotguns aren’t just for running around. Some setups let you engage slightly longer ranges while still being deadly up close.
- Shotgun: 725 or M4 Shotgun hybrid
- Attachments:
- Scope: Red Dot or Holographic
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel to increase effective range
- Stock: Tactical Stock for aiming stability
- Perk: Sleight of Hand (reload quickly)
Playstyle: This setup allows you to control choke points from a medium distance, forcing enemies to close in where you can dominate them.
Why Practice in Bot Lobbies Can Help
One common tip among top players is to practice these shotgun loadouts in bot lobbies before taking them into ranked matches. By setting up controlled environments, you can:
- Learn the effective range and recoil patterns of each shotgun
- Test different attachments and perk combinations
- Perfect your movement, flanking routes, and sprint-to-fire reflexes
If you’re new or want to speed up your practice, some players choose to buy BO7 bot lobbies, which provides instant access to custom matches filled with bots. This allows you to grind kills, perfect aim, and optimize your loadouts without the frustration of unpredictable human opponents.
Pro Tips for Shotgun Success
- Always know your map – Shotguns excel in tight spaces, so avoid long open fields.
- Use flanks – Surprise attacks from the side or behind maximize effectiveness.
- Combine perks and equipment – Tactical grenades, stun, or flash can make enemies easy targets.
- Train consistently – Using bot lobbies ensures muscle memory and reaction times improve faster.
Final Thoughts
Shotguns in BO7 remain one of the most rewarding weapons for aggressive, close-quarters players. With the right loadout, perks, and practice routines, you can dominate objective modes and have fun while doing it.
Remember: testing your loadouts in bot lobbies can dramatically shorten your learning curve and help you find the setup that perfectly suits your playstyle. Whether you prefer the rush of aggressive play or the strategic precision of a hybrid build, there’s a shotgun setup that will let you own every room and hallway in BO7.