I do know I’m a little bit snooty in the case of shotguns. However darned if the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, a sub-$550 semi-auto shotgun, received me over and rapidly. Merely put, this is likely to be the most effective worth in shotguns right this moment, shoot possibly ever.
So earlier than I get into why I discover the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 so freaking good, here’s a little background about me. I like some goal capturing and was even a junior state champion skeet shooter method again within the 1900s. However right this moment, I principally shoot a few rounds of sporting clays a yr between chasing pheasants, grouse, and different upland birds behind my German shorthaired pointer.
I like the heck out of gorgeous shotguns. There’s one thing elegant a few good Browning over-under in 20 gauge whereas strolling throughout a rambling wheat subject in South Dakota. These walnut shares and complex scrollwork gleam and shine and value a lot. I like them and justify the fee with the enjoyment they convey.
However after testing this shotgun, I’d contend they received’t kill any extra birds than this reasonably priced and dependable ATA that simply joined my quiver. And in case you’re a hunter on a finances needing a primary, versatile shotgun or simply need to add a really good shooter to your arsenal, learn on. This ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 is a shooter.
In brief: The ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 is a wonderful semi-automatic shotgun that punches method above its value vary. With an inertia-driven reloading system, wonderful swing really feel and stability, good set off, and difficult camouflage coating, this gun will break targets and drop birds within the subject reliably and go away plenty of cash in your pocket.
Procuring round? Take a look at my information to the Greatest Shotguns for Any Finances.
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Mild -
Dependable inertia-driven semi-auto -
Change chokes with no instruments -
Factors and swings intuitively
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Lacks advantageous end of upper value shotguns
ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 Overview
Let’s discuss value as a result of, sizzling rattling, that is one reasonably priced shotgun! On the time of writing, the ATA NEO X Max-7 sells for $530 at Academy Sports activities. That, my pals, is just not a lot cash for a really nice-shooting 12-gauge shotgun. For those who’re new to searching and wish one shotgun for something, that is arduous to beat.
The ATA Arms NEOX runs on an inertia-driven semi-automatic system. For those who’re aware of the Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle, the similarities and dealing with are arduous to disregard. Provided that the SBE sells for round $2,000, the NEO X Max-7 immediately turns into very compelling.
The NEO X Max-7 is a really modern-feeling shotgun. It has a big bolt deal with and launch button and a large journal port, making it very simple to run with gloves on. The massive security catch is behind the set off guard, which isn’t my favourite place however is completely usable and protected.
The artificial inventory snaps rapidly and precisely to my cheek. The gun match me out of the field, though it comes with shims for adjustment. The vented, stepped rib barrel with a mid-bead and pink fiber optic entrance sight supplies an intuitive sight image.
I’ve examined the NEO X Max-7 shotgun for about 2 months up to now this fall. And I’ll admit I used to be hesitant at first. I’ve heard blended opinions of Turkish shotguns, so got here into this with a wholesome dose of skepticism.
After a few rounds of lure and a pair of weeks of upland chicken searching, that skepticism is gone. I’m not that practiced a lure shooter, however I managed an 18 on my first spherical with the ATA NEO X Max-7, having not shot a spherical of lure in at the least 2 years. So, I felt fairly assured that I may hit some birds with it after I bought into the sphere.
The subsequent check got here in Minnesota after I joined onX Hunt for a number of days of grouse searching. Let’s say my proportion wasn’t pretty much as good, however after a number of complete whiffs, I went three for 3 on my final day. I missed a rooster on a brief outing in Nebraska on my method dwelling. Then, I redeemed myself and dropped a pleasant rooster on my solely shot through the Colorado pheasant opener. The gun works and works effectively. The operator was questionable.
ATA Arms NEO X: A Versatile, Excessive-Worth Shotgun
That is an early evaluation for me. I’ve solely put a number of bins of shells by means of the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, and issues might change. I’ll replace the evaluation as I hunt and shoot extra with this shotgun over the approaching months and years.
However for now, I’m smitten with this shotgun. It’s gentle sufficient to comfortably carry it by means of lengthy days in grouse or pheasant cowl. It swings nice, resulting in correct capturing. And it comes up quick and simply.
It comes with 5 chokes — F, IM, M, IC, and SK. That is normally reserved for way more costly shotguns and brings enormous worth. I haven’t patterned it but, however I’ll replace this evaluation after I do earlier than turkey season.
It operates simply and reliably. I’ve had no jams or misfeeds, even with gentle goal rounds. Heavy searching rounds cycle quick and with authority. It’s value noting that the NEO X shoots 2¾” or 3″ rounds. It doesn’t shoot 3½” shells. This, to me, is completely advantageous.
I do have a 3½-inch Benelli Nova, and actually, I by no means shoot these cannon shells. If I want extra attain or energy, I simply shift to tungsten. With trendy ammo, many hunters are shifting to twenty gauge and even 28 gauge and .410. So, I don’t actually see a draw back to three″ chambers.
The camo on this mannequin seems to be good and blends in effectively with many sorts of vegetation. I’m impressed with the toughness of the camo coating, too. It exhibits no indicators of scratching or scuffing even after 3 days of plowing by means of thick aspens whereas grouse searching.
All in all, the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 reviewed with few downsides in comparison with vastly costlier shotguns. For those who’re in search of a 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun, to me, it’s a no brainer. No, you received’t impress anybody with the title.
However in case you simply need to hammer targets and birds on a finances, this can be a unbelievable shotgun. Seize one. Go drag it by means of the mud and aspens and cattails and report again. My guess is you’ll have one advantageous story of a shotgun that does the job and leaves plenty of cash within the financial institution for ammo, licenses, and gasoline. What’s to not like?