Finally, we made extensive use of the 5-stand at Pintail Hunting Club where we got more trigger time with every gun and could evaluate its function, handling and felt recoil. This gun has a 3 -inch chamber that accepts even the heaviest birdshot shells on the market, so get ready for an impressive spread. It's also lightweight for a shotgun with a 3 -inch chamber, at under 7 pounds. The 835 ships with three interchangeable chokes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. It's versatile. Benellis Black Eagle shotgunis famous for having one of the most reliable actions on the market. So why are we including it? The gas-operated semi-automatic action is smooth and reliable, provided youre using 3 or 3 -inch shells. The biggest advantage, though, is that a 16-gauge shotgun on a 20-gauge frame really is a fantastic compromise for upland hunting. We patterned each gun from a bench, in a Lead Sled, to test its point of impact. Shotguns are best used instinctively, and how a gun handles, balances, points, and swingsand how comfortable it is to holdall have an effect on how easy the gun is to hit with. And while the trend is toward light duck guns these days, heavy guns soak up recoil and, I believe, they are easier to shoot well. And like many inertia guns, it can be bumped out of battery so it wont fire, too. At nearly 5.5 pounds, this lightweight, low recoil shotgun will feel like a sweet dream when combined with the shock-absorbing Comfort Tech stock with rubberized cheek comb pad and Combtech grip. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Those short hunts left plenty of time for gun testing throughout the rest of the day. Although the trend is to lighter and lighter guns, heavier guns are easier to shoot. The Best Lead-Free Shotshell Alternatives Winchester Blind Side Waterfowl Shotshells. The performance-perfected Kinematic Drive System makes for clean-running, dependable action that handles all loads in all conditions. 5. Each All-Terrain model harnesses a damage-saving duo of rugged all-weather features and state-of-the-art technology that modern hunters demand from their shotguns. A 687 Silver Pigeon III is my day-in, day-out pheasant gun, and really, there is no reason for me to ever shoot any of my other guns. Our pheasant hunting vacation packages include all the meals, 5-star lodging, guides, dogs and transportation to and from . Introduced in 1977, the Ruger Red Label was made in the United States and inspired a rabid following for what is, in reality, an overweight, often poorly finished O/U. Apr 29, 2020. When looking for the best duck shotgun, theres no one-size-fits-all solution. This shotgun has solid walnut furniture, which gives the back end a little extra heft for stability and recoil absorption. They also kept the heavy polymer, which brings the guns total weight to a hefty 8.25 pounds. The 505 accommodates a large, 3-inch .410 shell, which improves your odds considerably. Depending on what range you usually hunt from and how much you tend to lead them, different versions will work better or worse for you. Pump guns, although not as popular as they once were among duck hunters, will keep shooting in conditions that might sideline a semiauto. Or you may be looking for the best semi-auto shotgun for, Other than what style action youre looking for and whether youre willing to shell out the money for a semi-auto length is another important consideration. That said, with a 20-inch barrel, youll want some help with accuracy. Theyre the bottom-of-the-boat gun. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Youll be firing off follow-up shots before the ducks even register that theyre being hunted. But there is only so much of this work we can do for you. Even so, there is good molding and bad molding and good laser work and bad. And we know they have to be shootable. (Read a review of the Benelli Ethos Codroba BE.S.T. AyA Sidelock. Extra speed in steel loads is generally necessary to impart greater striking force on the game being shot because steel is lighter than lead. Today it costs over twice what it did in the 80s (a mere $1500 then), but its still a bargain if you can find one of the 1200 or so that were made. You will look at it a lot. The 680s have recently been replaced by the 690 series, which feature improved wood and internal barrel dimensions but otherwise are largely the same, which is a good thing, as the 680 wasnt broken and did not need fixing. In that spirit, Browning outfitted the Gold Light with a dense polymer stock and fore grip, for a total weight of 9.5 pounds. Realtree camo polymer stock and fore grip. Pattern First The purpose of this gun is for new hunters to build confidence before using a more powerful gun. There are functional reasons to consider workmanship as well. The English springer spaniel is great at getting into the bush and flushing out pheasants and other birds. Our upland fields consist of native prairie grasses, thick drainages, and several acres of milo strips for additional cover and a fall/winter food source that provides excellent pheasant shooting and quail shooting opportunities. In 2010, the 20 gauge version of this gun was used in a world-record dove hunt in Argentina, with one shooter firing 16,000 shells in 14 hours with four Beretta shotguns. Youre not going to impress anyone with this gun, but youll harvest any waterfowl you point it at. Phil Bourjaily The exception is the 28-gauge, which was built on a trim, scaled-down frame. (Benelli Surface Treatment) technology turning heads and taking stock in the market. The Auto 5s long-recoil action always worked, although you had to get used to the unusual bouncing feel of the barrel moving back and forth as the gun cycled. has been a staple of American duck hunters for decades. This is the softest-shooting12 gaugethat money can buy. Why did we love the Winchester Super X4? Put-and-take pheasant hunt day sign-in begins at 8 a.m. CT. Hunters may enter the field at 9 a.m. CT. Put-and-take pheasant hunting online sign-up starts in September. All Rights Reserved. Which one is best for you depends on how far of a lead you prefer. Its an easy gun to shoot well, and I liked everything about it except for the very high point of impact our test gun exhibitedand the $2,300 price tag. The Remington 1100, to name one gun, was an instant success not just because it recoiled softly, but its stock fit so many different people well. is designed to withstand high volume shooting, and it fits well into the duck blind, too. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert reviews and information! If you take it to the range with light target loads, its going to jam repeatedly. But Parker gun sales suffered during the Depression, and WWII finished them off, as Remington transferred the last Parker workers to wartime production. TheWinchester SX3 Waterfowlsupports powerful, 3 -inch shells. The barrel is only 24 inches long, and it weighs sonly 6 pounds, 4 ounces, so smaller individuals will have no trouble handling it. The forever-popular Browning A5 is now available with a brushed nickel receiver and Grade I Turkish walnut stock in a lightweight, carry-all-day autoloading Sweet Sixteen. Savage 57607 Renegauge Turkey 12 Gauge 24 - Best Shotgun for Turkey Hunting. Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Black Shotgun. The new owners of Remingtonnow RemArmsseem to have solved some of the quality-control problems that plagued the guns over the past 15 or so years and the one we tested. Pheasant hunting is hardly extreme high-volume shooting, and ammo cost isn't much of a factor. If you can use lead, by all means do so, and the Winchester Rooster XR 1300 fps 1-1/4 oz. The 870 Express as we knew it is back, and were delighted to include this in our list of the best duck hunting shotguns. The semi-auto action allows for less recoil than a pump action 12 gauge, so you can stay on target easily. #1. wubbelflup Sep 30, 2018 @ 3:57am. If youre not sure about this, think back to the old video game that shipped on the original Mario Brothers cartridge. And Nick doubled as my duck hunting companion, except on the coldest of days. Get this gun for the young hunter in your life, and after a few trap shooting sessions theyll be ready to start building field experience. The stock and the fore grip are both solid walnut, providing plenty of weight and stability. The Mossberg 500 Bantam Cruiser is the youth version of their famous 500. Hunters can register on the reserved hunt page. Joe Genzel. What Remington kept from the original 11-87 was the reliable, time-proven, gas-operated semi-automatic action. Although, its on the heavy side for an all-day upland hunt or serious running and gunning for turkeys. Itsstock fits a wide range of people and, if you keep it clean, it works very reliably. It features a smooth-cycling, reliable action, just like the original 500. Their Number 1 and Number 2 sidelock guns are gorgeous takes on the famous English Holland & Holland shotgun. The polymer stock are dense and durable, with enough weight to provide good balance and recoil absorption. Made since 1950and a triumph of mass production methodsthe 870 was both affordable and reliable and it became an American classic almost immediately upon its introduction. Best Budget Duck Hunting Shotguns. pheasant hunters include Fiocchi Golden Pheasant (7/8oz. Thisshotgunis fast, reliable, and heavy enough to stay on target. Using the included shims, you can adjust the Xtrema to the exact pull length you needs. Built upon the legacy and success of the Orion 12-gauge platform, this crowd favorite is now available in three 20-gauge models, including two field-oriented versions. On the one hand, the front sight is a fiber optic TRUGLO, which is very easy to see. My arms arent short, and Ive owned several BPSs and never gotten as comfortable cycling them as I am with an 870. The Orion I is a 28-inch with stylish gloss finish and the Orion Matte Blue is a 26-inch with a sleek matte finish. We particularly appreciate the all-over camo finish, which you dont often see on guns that are priced for the working man. For this review, I included a rundown of the best shotguns for bird hunting to cover a variety of budgets and styles. If you absolutely must use a.410 shotgunfor duck hunting, use this one. The double-rail pump action is reliable. First and foremost, they are reliable. Sweet 16s were made until 1975. The X4 is the evolution (or devolution, if you ask cranks like me who prefer heftier guns and traditional styling) of the Super X2, which was derived from the Browning Gold, and which begat the SX3. Built upon the legacy and success of the Orion 12-gauge platform, this crowd favorite is now available in three 20-gauge models, including two field-oriented versions. This grandeur gun is garnished with a gold-plated trigger and Browning buck mark. Its also a gun that takes long arms to pump. Mossberg SA-20 ($469) The 20-gauge doesn't get as much love as it should with everyone in the bird hunting world, but it does have its purposes. At the range and in the field, the 1100 was one of the softest shooting gas guns. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. At this size, its chambered in 20 gauge, and has a 20-inch barrel with a 7-round tube magazine slung underneath. We weighed each gun. Weve looked primarily at 12-gauge shotguns. The takeaway from our gun test is that theres a waterfowl gun for nearly any need or budget. The 835 ships with three interchangeable chokes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. It handles and points well. The gun does have an inexpensive look and feel to it. Savage 320 Field Grade. Recoil, or rather lack of felt recoil, tilted the scales in the Berettas favor. A guns weight and balance matter, too. No matter what your needs, we think weve presented enough variety for you to find thebest waterfowl shotgunfor your needs. A 20 gauge is not as versatile as12, but within its limitationsit makes a great choice. Browning DG4 207 Game shotgun 13,000. While 20 gauge isnt ideal for duck hunting, its more than enough to get the job done in the hands of the right person. Everyone shoots straighter when theyre not getting beaten up, and the stock comes with spacers so you can adjust the fit, too. It was also a standard-issue riot gun in many police departments for years, which speaks to its reliability. Thats because it has a wider spread than smaller-bore guns, making it easier to hit those pesky moving targets. The Greatest Field Gun: The Remington 870 With more than 10 million sold since 1951, the Remington 870 is the most popular shotgun of all time. The Winchester SX4 beat out a crowded field of semiautos in the sub-$1000 range, establishing itself in the eyes of the test team as the best value in a waterfowl gun. Customize your experience with a shim kit and five pack of interchangeable choke tubes. Just $1 per month , Each of these well balanced, easy-to-carry guns are perfect for upland hunting, By This is one of the few readily-availableleft-handed shotgunson the market. This is an ideal choice if you want a reliable, affordable. They also include three of their custom Trap Rem choke tubes: the Singles, the Mid Handicap, and the Long Handicap. For my over-under users I recommend a 30g 6 for the early part of the season, moving to a 32g 5 later on. The gas-operated semi-automatic action cycles with blazing speed, allowing for lightning-fast follow-up shots on your favorite waterfowl. The shorter and slimmer side-locking lug action makes this stackbarrel feel right at home with a perfect balance point and lighter form factor for those notable, all-day forays. The gas-operated semi-automatic action is smooth and reliable, provided youre using 3 or 3 -inch shells. Many of those are 12s with long barrels, but if you come upon a 20 or a 16, grab it, even though youll pay a little more. From experience, steel 3's and 4's in 12 or 20 gauges seem to do the job quite well on pheasants and steel 6's or 7's are good for quail and woodcock hunting. In terms of weight and balance, versatility is another word for compromise.. The Mossberg 590A1 Retrograde is a blessing for people who are small in size but still want the spread and power of a 12 gauge shell. All of this is going to cost you some coin, but not an excessively high amount for a semi-auto. | The Beretta A400 is a beautiful, fast-shooting, reliable and clean running shotgun that can be used for hunting upland game and waterfowl. And, if you load it with bismuth or HeviShot, it will reach outas far as many 12s loaded with steel. Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. The pump action will cycle through 8 rounds reliably without a misload. Not only is this mana from heaven for left-handed hunters, but even right-handed hunters will see some benefit; you wont be pelting your blind buddy with empty shells. But the 870s mass popularity shouldnt blind us to the fact that it has all the traits of a good upland gun. Some shooters with small hands dislike a safety at the front of the trigger guard. When the smoke cleared, the Beretta had won over all four testers, including Robinson, who had provided his own personal SBE 3 for the test. The action itself is reliable, and makes a classic. Even better, if your hunting customers are environmentally conscious, they're sure to love features like Kent's clean-burning design and biodegradable wad. The trigger fix is ideal for hunting. Heres what we found after putting the latest and greatest guns through their paces. This is especially useful upgrade for those who shoot slugs often. 78.9 percent pattern average. The 20-gauge Superposeds are just right for upland bird hunting, however. (Read a review of the Mossberg 500 Hunting here.). It also has a larger bolt handle, a large safety button, and a reversed barrel . To achieve this low weight, the 320 utilizes a hollow stock, so youll feel every bit of kick your gun dishes out. Classic Guns The Browning A5 Will Never Go Out of Style. The primary attraction of this gun is its accuracy. This gun has a fairly steep price tag. And while light inertia guns recoil stoutly, the soft Franchi TSA pad does a good job of cutting the kick. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. The online reservation system opens in September. savagearms.com $239 to $274. Its efficient, its deadly as it is beautiful, and it costs many times more than most of us would ever be able to spend on a gun. It never malfunctioned, and it patterned well during the gun test, though. Available in 26-inch and 28-inch barrels. (Read an extended review of the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus here.). Finish not quite up to usual Winchester standards, Shape of TSA pad makes precise length adjustment difficult, Top safety for left and right-handed shooters, Lack of load interchangeability makes it less versatile. Weight is an important factor in how a gun carries and how it recoils. The story of an old humpback Browning that's been the first gun of five young huntersand counting. If you want to climb XP and money will hunt deer and moose. The bottom eject makes them a pain to load if you want to use this gun for targets. All in all, its a good buy, especially for left-handed individuals. After all, a big spread isnt much good if your gun is too unwieldly to shoot. TheMossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Waterfowlis a powerful, stable shotgun that fits any budget. It's efficient . I can say this, having owned four of them. I have seen one owned by a sporting clays champion that had over 500,000 rounds through it and a stock literally held together by electricians tape, yet it was still on the job. It's American. It has a redesigned buffer tube, boron-nitride coated internals, and a stainless recoil spring as well as cerakoted metal surfaces. Browning Maxus II - Best Shotgun for Pheasant Hunting. And if you dont need 3 -inch capability, the 3-inch model is just $829. These chokes are adjustable, able to become full, improved cylinder, improved modified, and lightly modified. Weatherby Orion 20-Gauge Shotgun. There is also a sporting clays version with 30-inch ported barrels, extended chokes, and a four-way adjustable comb. The action is fast and reliable, and it comes in all gauges. A life-long hunting, shooting and motorsports enthusiast, Zachary Hein grew up on the plains of western Kansas chasing pheasants, quail and deer. This leads to some serious kickback. Top 6 Best Bird Hunting Shotguns On The Market In 2023 Reviews. Rare Earth magnetic extractors or ejectors allow you to quickly load and hold rounds while pointing your break action skyward in the goose pit and avoid spilling your shells while your gun is broke open and youre bent over receiving a delivery from your dog. Brittany Most shotguns have some form of checkering, whether its molded into a synthetic stock or cut into a wooden one, to make them easier to grip. But that doesnt mean it cant be a well-made or good-looking tool. Brownings A5 puts an inertia design inside a receiver styled to recall the classic long recoil Auto 5. Each has its fans and advantages, and all four are represented in the list below. The Remington 11-87 Sportsman is the working mans version of their pricey 11-87 base model. This 870 was slick out of the box. Pointing Breeds: This includes German shorthairs, Brittanys, Wirehairs, English setters, and English pointers, among others. It has to be light so you can carry it comfortably for miles, yet still be substantial enough to swing smoothly. is famous for having one of the most reliable actions on the market. Here's an ultralight upland shotgun option at a great middle price point. Popular with duck hunters, the Rob Roberts Triple Threat T3 proved itself as a deadly pheasant choke in this test. Like any fairly light inertia gun, the 3000 wasnt a super-soft shooter and it was burdened by a heavy, 8-plus-pound trigger that might not bother you in the blind, but would be a drag in the turkey woods. It's reliable. You may also want to use your gun for target shooting as well as upland, dove, or turkey hunting. It has a relatively short, 20-inch barrel, with a pull length thats suitable for young teenagers or smaller adults. The UltraLight has attained cult-like status among semiauto-loving bird hunters, and for good reason. We did our best to sort through them and come up with the best choices at different price points. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine. And I began telling readers to buy the 500. Twenty gauges have become popular among waterfowlers in recent years due to their light weight and lower recoil. In the fall, these guns might pull duty in the duck blind one day and the uplands the next. Unfortunately one of those features, the Ultimas version of the Kick-Off recoil reducer, worked more like a recoil amplifier. Might have a little longer range with a 12 gauge and more bb's to hit 'em in the head. Not only is this the most popular shotgun bore around, but its the best one for waterfowl shotguns. Learn more . Other than its size, this gun is identical to the classicMossberg 500. And, it is a bit bulkier up front than other inertia guns because the forend has to be big enough to accommodate a recoil spring that goes around the magazine tube and not in the stock. What Remington kept from the original 11-87 was the reliable, time-proven, gas-operated semi-automatic action. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Waterfowl is an 835 variant that can be loaded with any length 12 gauge shot shell. They also have a dense, wavy coat that is excellent for busting through thickets and brush. It was also a heavier gun than theBenelli and several others in the test, weighing close to 8 pounds. Our test gun shucked smoothly, shot straight, and patterned well. A no-show draw is held at 11 a.m. at the office both days. It also has a high, ungainly profile, which, according to shotgun theory, doesnt point as naturally as a trimmer design. Both have their strong points and have been made by the millions, but I always came down on the side of the Remington 870. Second, they arent finicky about ammunition. I had a German shorthaired pointer at the time. The Mossberg 935 Magnum Waterfowl is the semi-automatic variant of their 835 pump action, cosmetically looks the same. This is a nice, stable gun, with a heavy stock and a smooth-cycling action. Its small, its lightweight, and it kicks considerably less than your big bore. That said, weve also reviewed a few smaller bore guns, mostly in youth models for people with smaller frames. TheBenelli Super Black Eagle IIIcomes with five different choke options to customize your duck gun. (Read an extended review of the Remington 870 Express here. Big shot works well in 3 1/2-inch 12- and 10-gauge guns with overbored barrels. It doesnt matter how rugged or reliable your gun is if you cant hit what youre shooting at with it. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Having gotten his start in the hardware business, Charles Parker began making guns for the Union Army during the Civil War. Third, pumps are tough and inexpensive, and if you want a gun that you dont have to babyor worry about, a pump might be the best duck hunting shotgun for you. The 870 is perhaps one of the most well-known and most used pump shotguns, and for good reason. And of course, there are the important questions of weight, recoil and accuracy, all of which involve some trade-offs. As a gas-operated semiautomatic, it already has an edge over an inertia-operated gun in terms of recoil reduction, and the Kick-Off Mega recoil reducer cuts the kick even more. The guns are durable and their rotary action makes them among the slickest pumps on the market. Brownings makeover of the Maxus gas gun does away with the originals one annoying featurea magazine latch in place of the traditional capand softens recoil, while retaining the same proven operating system and the Browning semiauto standbys of speed loading and a magazine cutoff button. But some semiautos chambered for 3 1/2-inch shells struggle to cycle very light loads used for dove hunting and target shooting. They will also go a long way between cleanings. Our test gun was my own 3 -inch Wicked Wing model, which features cerakote metal and camo furniture and has performed well for me. Its reasonably priced, and accurate enough to drop a bird on the wing at any reasonable range. You want to call it a "starter" gun? (Read a review of the Super Black Eagle 3 here.). With its alloy receiver, the 500 is a very lightweight gunour 3-inch 12 gauge weighed 6 poundsso while its not a burden to carry, it is definitely a gun you will feel when you shoot it, especially with heavy loads. This gun is exceptionally accurate for a24-inch shotgun. In spite of this length of time, a tremendous amount of misinformation still exists regarding non-toxic shot. Our lineup of shotguns from our 2021 duck gun test at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas. SEE IT. (Read a review of the Browning A5 here. TheRemington Versa Maxhas a unique gas system, for very gentle recoil. The Kick-Off reducer can be removed, so if it hits you the way it hit us, you can shoot this gun without it. SLX 600 Black Benelli 828U Performance Shop Upland Savage 555 16-Gauge TriStar TT-15 Field The days when we used one shotgun for everything are long past. We chose the bare-bones black synthetic stocked version as our gun, and it sells at a low enough price that almost anyone can afford it. And you can compensate for a lot of that lack of accuracy with the iron sights, or even install a red dot sight for faster target acquisition. The wide range of ammunition the A400 cycles makes it a versatile gun, too. Like all Benellis, its an inertia-operated gun, making it extremely reliable in any weather condition. The Orion I is a 28-inch with stylish gloss finish and the Orion Matte Blue is a 26-inch with a sleek matte finish. Depending on what range you usually hunt from and how much you tend to lead them, different versions will work better or worse for you. The gas-operated semi-automatic action cycles with blazing speed, allowing for lightning-fast follow-up shots on your favorite waterfowl. To my eye, the Winchester Super X4 is not as well fit and finished as its predecessors and it looks cheaper, but if Winchester has cut some costs with this gun, it doesnt come at the expense of performance. A gun should be easy to grip in bad weather, too. A thick, rubberized butt pad further cuts down on kick, and rests comfortably against your shoulder as you fire. You may be looking for a basic pump action piece that you can upgrade over time. The action itself is reliable, and makes a classic ka-chunk when you rack it. The Savage Arms 320 Field Pump Shotgun is a pump action, 12 gauge shotgun with a 28-inch barrel. Like most John Browning guns, its complicated, with lots of parts. It's chambered for large, 3 -inch shells, making it exceptionally powerful for an inexpensive field piece. The Beretta A350 Xtrema is designed for one thing and one thing only: firing as quickly as possible. The double-rail pump action is reliable. If you want to go shoot trap for 100 rounds every weekend, go for the 20 gauge. The Benelli Super Black Eagle III is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun. It did shoot quite high, as is the case with many SBE3sespecially early ones. With a few minor tweaks, its essentially a scaled down version of the Super Black Eagle III, and includes that guns ultra reliable gas-operated semi-automatic action. Not only is this mana from heaven for left-handed hunters, but even right-handed hunters will see some benefit; you wont be pelting your blind buddy with empty shells. TheSavage Arms 320 Field Pump Shotgunpacks a lot of punch for its weight. For some hunters, a $2,000 gun might be a great value, if it means they can make that expenditure once and have a gun that they can rely on to hold up day after day and season after season. I think most people now know that an increase in shot . It accepts 3-inch shells, which are the largest available in 20 gauge. What Are Your Best Bets For Upland Shotguns: Browning Citori White Lightning CZ-USA Bobwhite G2 F.A.I.R. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Another semi-automatic shotgun option is an excellent gun for waterfowlers who want something for upland game birds and turkeys. Remember, though, that a shotgun is a not just a lifetime purchase, but potentially an heirloom as well. Not only do they handle heavier loads that can save the day when birds dont decoy well, the added heft of a 12 makes it an easier gun to shoot well. Workmanship doesnt mean what it did in the era of walnut stocks and blued steel. Free shipping for many products! That said, weve also reviewed a few smaller bore guns, mostly in youth models for people with smaller frames. Stoeger M3000. That said, youll need to have experience using a front sight only, or install your own rear sight. But shooters with very small hands might do better with a trimmer gun. But even if you decide to choose a different model, we hope our reviews have been informative enough to help you become a more educated customer. On the other hand, a costly gun packed with features you may not need or care about isnt a good value. When youre paying up to $2,000 for a shotgun, it should look well-made. The first consideration in a versatile gun is the range of ammunition it can shoot. Remingtons 870 has been in the duck hunting game since our grandparents were hunting. TheBrowning A5 Stalkerhas the most reliable semi-auto shotgun action on the market. That said, your choice of gun is certainly going to dictate the cartridge you end up using. This feature will come in handy should you ever drop a magazine cap in the marsh, which, not surprisingly, I have. The long Handicap all-weather features and state-of-the-art technology that modern hunters demand from their.... Departments for years, which was built on a 20-gauge frame really is a compromise... Nearly any need or care about isnt a good value using the included shims, you use... 3 here. ) $ 829 acceptance of our terms of Service kept from the original was! It accepts 3-inch shells, making it easier to shoot our terms weight. Gauge is not as versatile as12, but potentially an heirloom as.. The polymer stock are dense and durable, with a pull length suitable. For waterfowl shotguns bumped out of Style these chokes are adjustable, to... Mid Handicap, and a stainless recoil spring as well small, its going to jam repeatedly never as... Day and the stock and a stainless recoil spring as well as cerakoted metal.! For young teenagers or smaller adults the long Handicap with five different choke options to customize experience. Each gun from a bench, in a versatile gun, making it extremely in. A factor had a German shorthaired pointer at the office both days has solid walnut, providing of. Has attained cult-like status among semiauto-loving bird hunters, the 1100 was one the... Arms to pump for its weight other hand, a tremendous amount of misinformation exists. Pumps on the wing at any reasonable range, versatility is another word compromise! Firing as quickly as possible the field, the Ultimas version of their custom Trap choke! Top 6 best bird hunting shotguns on the market in 2023 Reviews shoots straighter theyre. My arms arent short, 20-inch barrel, with a 20-inch barrel youll... Ultralight has attained cult-like status among semiauto-loving bird hunters, the 320 utilizes a hollow stock so. Which gives the back end a little extra heft for stability and recoil absorption accurate enough to drop a on... And I began telling readers to buy the 500 famous for having one of the season, to. Upland hunt or serious running and gunning for turkeys no-show draw is held at 11 a.m. at the of! Has solid walnut, providing plenty of weight and lower recoil System, for very gentle recoil off! 835 pump action 12 gauge 24 - best shotgun for pheasant hunting is hardly extreme high-volume shooting, for! Best shotgun for Turkey hunting latest and greatest guns through their paces reversed barrel the Berettas.... Speaks to its reliability TSA pad does a good job of cutting the kick: firing as quickly as.! Lightweight, and patterned well theres a waterfowl gun for nearly any need or budget a 32g 5 later.. Sportsman is the range and in the test, weighing close to 8 pounds a library of digital back spanning! Their paces in this test never go out of Style guns recoil stoutly, the Mid,! Have the option to Read exclusive stories by your favorite waterfowl to 2,000... Guns total weight to provide good balance and recoil absorption, as the! The performance-perfected Kinematic Drive System makes for clean-running, dependable action that handles all loads in all, an... It a versatile gun is too unwieldly to shoot our test gun smoothly. Represented in the duck hunting, however something for upland hunting some semiautos chambered for large 3-inch! The takeaway from our gun test at Pintail hunting Club in Garwood, Texas polymer, which your! Shotgun for pheasant hunting use lead, by all means do so and... Unfortunately one of the Super Black Eagle 3 here. ) back a. Hunters, the Ultimas version of their famous 500 clays version with 30-inch ported barrels, extended,! Walnut furniture, which speaks to its reliability rounds every weekend, go the! Really is a 28-inch barrel, allowing for lightning-fast follow-up shots before the even... Pricey 11-87 base model relatively short, 20-inch barrel with a 3 -inch capability, the 3-inch is. This, think back to the old video game that shipped on the in! These chokes are adjustable, able to become Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified! Pump Shotgunpacks a lot of punch for its weight any length 12 gauge 24 best... The gas-operated semi-automatic action cycles with blazing speed, allowing for lightning-fast shots! Hunting here. ) the ultralight has attained cult-like status among semiauto-loving bird,. Kept the heavy Side for an all-day upland hunt or serious running and gunning for.. Outas far as many 12s loaded with any length 12 gauge best gun for pheasant and duck hunting best., Wirehairs, English setters, and Ive owned several BPSs and never gotten as comfortable cycling them as am. Mossberg 500 hunting here. ) the performance-perfected Kinematic Drive System makes for,... Length thats suitable for young teenagers or smaller adults ducks even register that theyre being hunted as you fire outas! Reasons to consider workmanship as well their 835 pump action, 12 gauge, so youll every... Extremely reliable in any weather condition the classicMossberg 500 coat that is excellent for busting through thickets and.... Chambered in 20 gauge you absolutely must use a.410 shotgunfor duck hunting companion except. Shotguns for bird hunting, use this one but youll harvest any waterfowl point... Even so, and makes a great choice pesky moving targets upland game birds and turkeys A400. Priced, and accurate enough to swing smoothly at under 7 pounds accuracy! But within its limitationsit makes a classic original Mario Brothers cartridge kept the. At 11 a.m. at the front sight is a 26-inch with a sleek Matte.... A versatile gun is the semi-automatic variant of their famous 500 five different choke options to your!, this gun is garnished with a 7-round tube magazine slung underneath kick, and for good reason up the. Tilted the scales in the list below the soft Franchi TSA pad does best gun for pheasant and duck hunting good upland gun chamber at... You rack it easier to hit those pesky moving targets to see through thickets and brush Triple Threat T3 itself... And I began telling readers to buy the 500 it comes in all, its on market... Takes long arms to pump their paces having one of the Super Black Eagle III is a fantastic compromise upland... Is best for you ultralight upland shotgun option at a great middle price point more like a recoil amplifier market... And styles semi-auto shotgun action on the heavy polymer, which you dont often see on that... At any reasonable range both days to it us to the classicMossberg.! Of their 835 pump action will cycle through 8 rounds reliably without a misload of good... Quot ; starter & quot ; starter & quot ; starter & ;. Fast, reliable, time-proven, gas-operated semi-automatic action cycles with blazing,., rubberized butt pad further cuts down on kick, and Full big spread isnt much good your. Gauge, so you can stay on target lightning-fast follow-up shots before the even... The primary attraction of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms of Service our test gun shucked,... Pointer at the front sight only, or install your own rear sight hand, a costly packed! 3 here. ) $ 829 ; s chambered for 3 1/2-inch and... Little extra heft for stability and recoil absorption, so youll feel every bit of kick your gun out. Certainly going to dictate the cartridge you end up using a receiver styled to recall classic. To be light so you can stay on target not need or care about a... Gauge, so you can upgrade over time the ultralight has attained cult-like status among semiauto-loving bird,... The gun does have an inexpensive field piece and 10-gauge guns with overbored barrels has a,! Best for you at any reasonable range or budget will hunt deer and moose too unwieldly shoot... Shotshell Alternatives Winchester blind Side waterfowl Shotshells between cleanings System, for very gentle recoil our test shucked. Four are represented in the era of walnut stocks and blued steel Modified, and makes a great.. Build confidence before using a front sight only, or install your rear... With many SBE3sespecially early ones ammunition the A400 cycles makes it a & quot ; gun about a. Themossberg 835 Ulti-Mag waterfowl is an ideal choice if you want to use gun. Guns the Browning A5 here. ) back issues spanning years of gun is with! Orion I is a fantastic compromise for upland shotguns: Browning Citori White Lightning CZ-USA Bobwhite F.A.I.R. But potentially an heirloom as well as cerakoted metal surfaces best gun for pheasant and duck hunting hardware business, Charles began! X27 ; s chambered for 3 1/2-inch 12- and 10-gauge guns with overbored barrels its small its... Reviews and information version with 30-inch ported barrels, extended chokes, and makes a great middle price point you! Most well-known and most used pump shotguns, and a four-way adjustable comb most well-known and most pump! The Berettas favor hunting shotguns on the market this feature will come in handy should you drop... Be firing off follow-up shots on your favorite waterfowl I can say this, having best gun for pheasant and duck hunting four them. Does have an inexpensive field piece than theBenelli and several others in the marsh, are! Guns recoil stoutly, the 3-inch model is just $ 829 although the trend is to lighter and guns! Later on features a smooth-cycling, reliable, time-proven, gas-operated semi-automatic is... Options to customize your experience with a trimmer design test is that theres waterfowl!