Among today’s firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Today’s new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category. From break-action designs with a third barrel to modernized semi-automatics that provide more reliable operation than ever before, it’s a good time to be a shotgun fan.
Check out 18 of the latest and greatest new shotguns on the market today.
American Tactical | Cavalry 3B
Tasteful scrollwork on the receiver, checkering on the wrist and fore-end and internal chokes with Stevens 555 threading add up to a break-action shotgun purpose-built for skeet and clays—with an extra barrel thrown in for good measure.
▶ Green fiber-optic front sight
▶ Steel-shot rated
▶ Five chokes included (F, IM, M, IC, C)
▶ Clockwise firing rotation
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3.5-inch chamber
Capacity: 3 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 35.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $889
(800) 290-0065 americantactical.us

Benelli | M4 EXT
The Benelli M4 semi-automatic tactical shotgun is downright legendary, but why not improve it anyway? This M4 EXT incorporates the most commonly requested factory upgrades, including increased capacity, a five-position adjustable stock and an enlarged bolt release, while retaining the lauded Benelli ARGO operating system.
▶ Picatinny rail
▶ Black synthetic, Multi-cam, FDE, and Titanium Cerakote color options
▶ Modified choke tube included
▶ QD sling mount in stock
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 34.9 to 39.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $2,599
(301) 283-6981 benelliusa.com

Benelli | Montefeltro Silver Featherweight
The Montefeltro semi-automatic shotgun has maintained an excellent reputation among upland hunters and clay shooters, but new configurations are helping to fit shooters of all shapes and sizes. The Montefeltro is lightweight for fast swings and all-day carry, but retains the elegant touches (e.g., a gold-accented trigger) one tends to expect in a Benelli.
▶ AA-Grade weather- resistant satin walnut
▶ Inertia-driven system
▶ Extended Crio chokes (IC, M, F) included
▶ Micro-Cell recoil pad
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Overall Length: 49 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 9 ounces
MSRP: $2,299
(301) 283-6981 benelliusa.com

Benelli | Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.
This shotgun is the enhanced, flagship version of the Super Black Eagle line, updated with Advanced Impact (A.I.)—a patented barrel and choke system—and including new sub-gauge options and operational tweaks. The A.I. system utilizes a redesigned bore profile paired with longer, cryogenically treated choke tubes, reportedly delivering improved pellet density and uniformity.
▶ Inertia-driven
▶ Larger cylinder-style bolt handle and enlarged bolt release
▶ ComforTech 3 recoil reduction
▶ Magnum-capable
Specifications
Gauge: 20; 3.5-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Overall Length: 49.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 9 ounces
MSRP: $2,849
(301) 283-6981 benelliusa.com

Beretta | 688 Performance XTrap
Purpose-built for today’s competitive clay shooter, this 688 wears a sleek laminated stock and fore-end that give it a modern, refined look. The B-Fast adjustable stock ensures a custom fit for greater comfort and significantly reduced felt recoil.
▶ Ambidextrous palm swell
▶ Steelium barrels
▶ Optima-Choke HP
▶ Medium-height, fixed rib
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 30 inches
Overall Length: 46 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $3,874
(800) 545-9567 berettausa.com

Beretta | AX800 Suprema
This all-new platform is a highly engineered waterfowl shotgun. At its core is the B-LINK Pro gas system, which Beretta claims runs 36 percent faster and 46 percent cleaner than any of its gas-operated semi-autos and can reliably cycle any load. It is available in a variety of lengths and finishes, including Mossy Oak, Optifade and Realtree camo patterns.
▶ Steelium Pro barrels
▶ Kick-Off Pro stock
▶ Buffer recoil pad
▶ B-Lok magazine cap
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3.5-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 47.6 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(800) 545-9567 berettausa.com

Browning | A5 Camo 20 Gauge
This lightweight, recoil-operated semi-automatic features a smaller frame than 12-gauge models, allowing the 20 Gauge to stay slim and easy to handle. It includes all the features that have made the A5 immensely popular, including the combination of a Vector Pro lengthened forcing cone, a back-bored barrel and the Invector-DS choke tube system.
▶ Fiber-optic front sight
▶ Shim-adjustable stock
▶ Vertical, textured grip
▶ Inflex II recoil pad
Specifications
Gauge: 20; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 47.25 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $2,279
(800) 333-3288 browning.com

Dickinson Arms | EQ25
A Turkish tour-de-force, this balanced over-under gun is built for competition. It has an adjustable comb in its beautiful, Grade 4 Turkish walnut stock, and multiple options for length-of-pull with its synthetic buttplate.
▶ Fiber-optic front bead
▶ Extended competition chokes
▶ Checkered gripping surfaces
▶ Raised, vented rib
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 43 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $4,995
(805) 978-8565 dickinsonarms.com

EAA | Balikli Blue Label O/U
This affordable, field-ready, over-under shotgun is built for smooth swing-through shots on birds. It features a classic checkered walnut stock and fore-end, a beautifully engraved pheasant motif aluminum receiver, a vent rib, fiber-optic front sight, extractor and manual safety.
▶ Five Mobil choke tubes
▶ Pheasant receiver engravings
▶ Back-bored barrel
▶ Rubber recoil pad
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Overall Length: 45 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $479
(321) 639-4842 eaacorp.com

Iver Johnson | IJ1000T-SN
If a .410-bore revolving shotgun summons an image of a 19th-century firearm, have a look at the IJ1000T-SN; it’s almost futuristic. Dressed for tactical applications, it features a satin nickel finish on metal parts and a liberal use of polymer that should lend durability. A wealth of Picatinny rail sections make it easy to accessorize.
▶ Picatinny rail section
▶ Double-action trigger
▶ Flip-up sights
▶ Pistol-grip stock
Specifications
Gauge: .410 bore; 3-inch chamber
Cylinder capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP:$676
(321) 636-3377 iverjohnsonarms.com

KelTec | KS7 Gen 2
The second generation of KelTec’s single-tube, bullpup shotgun has an upgraded fore-end to improve loading and ejection, in addition to replacing the carry-handle sight with a section of Picatinny rail.
▶ Top rail for optics and/or sights
▶ Crossbolt safety
▶ Molded pistol grip
▶ Picatinny rail/M-Lok slots for accessories
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 26.1 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $699
(800) 515-9983 keltecweapons.com

Mossberg | 990 SPX Magpul
Mossberg has added a Magpul SGA stock to the 990 semi-automatic tactical shotgun, making it even better. Both ergonomic and tough, the SGA is lightweight and provides a comfortable grip angle. Additionally, the optic-ready 990 SPX is also offered in a short-barreled (14.75-inch) variant. All NFA rules apply, but with $0 tax.
▶ SPX fore-end
▶ Ghost-ring rear sight
▶ Fiber-optic front sight
▶ Accu-Choke (Cylinder bore
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 37.25 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $1,309
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com

Mossberg | Maverick SA Shotgun
Promising excellent performance without the high price, Mossberg’s Maverick SA shotgun can be had in handsome walnut or hard-use synthetic. Both variants have an adjustable length-of-pull and are designed to get the job done in the field, season after season.
▶ Accu-Choke (Field Set)
▶ Red fiber-optic bead
▶ Polished, blued surface
▶ Deluxe recoil pad
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Overall Length: 48.75 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $693
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com

Rock Island Armory | PK-12 Pak Out Long
At just 37.5 inches long unfolded (and only 26 inches when folded) PK-12 Pak Out features an innovative folding receiver mechanism and a spring-assisted pump. The Pak Out offers everything you expect from a durable pump-action shotgun in a design that’s easy to store and transport.
▶ Polymer pistol grip
▶ Picatinny optics rail
▶ Rubber recoil pad
▶ Silver-finished front sight blade
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 26 to 37.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $650
(775) 537-1444 armscor.com

Ruger | Red Label III
Back by popular demand, this third-generation Ruger shotgun is built by the highly skilled craftsmen at Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company. The Red Label III marks a new era in Ruger shotguns and could be the ideal sporting shotgun for upland, skeet, sporting clays and waterfowling.
▶ Hand-fitted locking system
▶ Blued barrel finish
▶ Ventilated sighting rib
▶ Five Tru-Choke choke tubes
Specifications
Gauge: 20; 3-inch chambers
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 30 inches
Overall Length: 47.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $3,299
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com

Stoeger | V7000 Over/Under
Stoeger’s first over/under shotgun offers an AA-grade, satin-walnut stock with a choice of a black- or silver-alloy receiver. Extended IC, M and F chokes are included, along with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
▶ Automatic safety
▶ Color-coded barrel selector
▶ Red fiber-optic front sight
▶ Automatic ejectors
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Overall Length: 45.4 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $949
(800) 264-4962 stoegerindustries.com

TriStar | Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock
Designed with light weight and mobility in mind, the Upland Hunter is nimble getting through the woods, but should be rock solid when setting up in your spot. It’s touted to swing well and have a crisp trigger. TriStar lauds its consistent patterns and reliable performance. Included are five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes.
▶ Engraved receiver
▶ Chrome-lined chamber and bore
▶ Single selective trigger
▶ Fiber-optic sights
Specifications
Gauge: 20; 3-inch chamber
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 44.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $879
(816) 421-1400 tristararms.com

Winchester | SXP High Grade Upland Field
The latest version of the venerable SXP platform promises both luxury and ruggedness. The chrome-plated bore and chamber resist corrosion and make cleaning easier, while a rigid pair of action bars ensures that the pump gun cycles reliably, quickly and smoothly.
▶ Engraved aluminum-alloy receiver
▶ TruGlo fiber-optic sight
▶ Ships with three Invector-Plus choke tubes
▶ Inflex recoil pad
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 46.75 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $559
(800) 333-3288 winchesterguns.com
Read the full article here
