In recent decades, the semi-automatic shotgun has become more and more popular as manufacturers have developed both gas- and recoil-operated mechanisms that are more reliable and versatile, allowing the guns to cycle a wide range of today’s available shotshells. For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs. Check out eight of the latest and greatest below:
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 | 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
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
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