Finest Shotguns for Fowl Searching of 2024

Upland fowl hunters are blessed with prolonged seasons, liberal bag-limits, and countless alternatives to chase all kinds of species throughout each state. Regardless of the pursuit, one piece of kit stays a necessity for upland hunters — a dependable shotgun.

Whether or not you fancy your favourite upland scattergun as a murals or a instrument of the commerce, its meant goal stays the identical. For this assessment, I included a rundown of the very best shotguns for fowl searching to cowl a wide range of budgets and kinds.

How We Picked the Finest Shotguns for Fowl Searching

Asking somebody to choose their favourite gun is just like asking somebody their favourite breed of fowl canine; on the finish of the day, it’s all subjective. Having spent the previous 20 years chasing upland birds throughout the nation we all know what does and doesn’t work. However this record additionally frequently evolves. For this assessment, we drew on private experiences in addition to experiences of different veteran hunters. There have been a whole bunch of days spent afield that helped us arrive at these picks. We additionally chosen weapons from Out of doors Life’s 2023 assessment of the finest shotguns which have been examined on the vary by a workforce of skilled shooters. We did our greatest to incorporate shotguns for each motion and value level so that everybody, regardless of their funds or type, may discover a gun that most closely fits them.

Finest Shotguns for Fowl Searching: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest Total

Browning Gran Lightning

See It

Key Options

• Break-action O/U
• Gauge: 12, 20, 28, .410
• End: Blued
• Weight: 8 kilos (12-gauge)

Professionals

• Nicely balanced
• Simply interchangeable chokes
• Comfy rounded pistol grip and forearm

Cons

• Steep price ticket
• The 12-gauge is a heavy area gun

The Gran Lightning Citori is as visually hanging as it’s lethal within the area, incomes finest choose for its efficiency and upland aesthetics. Browning’s lineup of Citori shotguns has reigned supreme for over and below fanatics for many years. I not too long ago had the chance to take the Gran Lightning Citori on a standard, southern bobwhite quail hunt the place it shortly gained my utmost respect as one of many best shotguns that I’ve had the pleasure to shoulder. The Gran Lightning that I hunted with was just a little 28-gauge and boy did it wreak havoc on buzzing coveys of quail. For almost all of upland searching, particularly when searching over pointers, it’s robust to beat the 28-gauge’s knock-down energy mixed with its virtually non-existent recoil.

The Gran Lightning incorporates a gorgeous oil completed grade V/VI walnut lightning type inventory with a high-polish blued barrel and engraved receiver. It’s a kind of shotguns that’s virtually too fairly to take to the hills, however that’s precisely the place it belongs. It additionally sports activities a rounded pistol grip and forearm for a constant and traditional really feel when shouldered. —C.H.

Finest 20-Gauge Over/Below: Weatherby Orion I

Key Options

• Break-action O/U
• Gauge: 20
• Weight: 6.2 kilos
• Barrel Size: 26 and 28 inches

Professionals

• 3-inch chamber
• Light-weight
• Extremely comfy to shoot

Cons

• Solely is available in 28-inch barrel size for 20-gauge

Weatherby’s Orion I 20-gauge over and below supplies upland fanatics a dependable stacked barrel choice at a fraction of the price of many others available on the market. Whereas Weatherby is most well-known for his or her cutting-edge centerfire rifles, their line of shotguns shouldn’t be neglected. The Orion I 20-gauge isn’t flashy, however don’t let that idiot you. This shotgun has been put by way of the ringer by many who swear by its match and reliability. The slimmed receiver mixed with the outsized forearm is each comfy to hold and straightforward to shoot. If you’re out there for a workhorse 20 over and below that received’t break the financial institution, the Orion I needs to be on the high of your record. —C.H.

Finest Gentle Over/Below: Beretta Ultraleggero

Finest Gentle Over/Below

Beretta Ultraleggero

See It

Key Options

• 26- and 28-inch barrels
• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Weight: 6.4 kilos 

Professionals

• Extremely mild
• Fairly walnut inventory
• 50/50 sample

Cons

• Plastic inserts 
• A bit expensive at $3,000

Beretta’s Ultraleggero (Italian for “ultralight”) carries like a 20-gauge and smashes birds from the sky like a 12 gauge. I do know that most likely appears like advertising converse, but it surely’s true. At simply 6.4 kilos the gun is just a few ounces heavier than the 20 gauge Weatherby Orion which we’ve chosen as our favourite O/U subgauge. Loaded up with 3-inch shells, this gun is a late-season rooster slayer. 

Beretta achieved this by modifying and skeletonizing their 690 motion and using plastic inserts. They eliminated wooden from the inventory, chosen a skinny recoil pad, and skipped the facet ribs between the barrels. Minimalist and non-traditional can be correct descriptors for this shotgun. 

The gun carried out properly within the area and on the take a look at vary. It wasn’t onerous to mount or whippy to swing throughout our 2023 Shotgun Check. We additionally discovered that it threw a 50/50 sample which is reassuring for upland hunters.

Later I took the Ultraleggero sharptail grouse searching in North Dakota and it was a dream to hold by way of the hills. A 12-gauge O/U shotgun that’s this mild guarantees to hammer your shoulder if you spark off a spherical, and we actually skilled stout recoil whereas testing the gun on the clays vary. Nevertheless, I didn’t discover harsh recoil whereas taking pictures in a searching situation. I shot 3-inch, 1 ⅜-ounce, No. 5 Federal Hevi Bismuth hundreds at sharptails and within the pleasure of the second, I didn’t really feel punishing recoil in any respect. —A.R.

Finest Price range Aspect-by-Aspect

Tristar Bristol SxS

See It

Key Options

• Break-action side-by-side
• Gauge: 12, 16, 20, 28, .410
• Single selective set off
• Weight: 5.24 kilos (28-gauge)

Professionals

• A number of gauges to select from
• Potential to interchange chokes
• Traditional appear and feel at a fraction of the price

Cons

• Some would possibly favor a standard double set off

Aspect-by-side shotgun aficionados are a particular breed, taking their love and fascination of those shotguns to excessive ranges, my very own father included. Figuring out the worth tags for a lot of classic side-by-sides, I by no means indulged of their mystique. It wasn’t till not too long ago that I found there are numerous reasonably priced choices for brand new side-by-sides which can be visually interesting work horses within the area, and most significantly, extraordinarily reasonably priced. Enter entrance and heart stage Tristar’s Bristol.

Once I first bought my fingers on a 28-gauge Bristol side-by-side, I used to be impressed. The wood-to-metal match was passable (the Turkish walnut English inventory is nothing fancy however actually clear), and the case-colored receiver added a traditional, rustic contact. One other advantage of a brand new side-by-side is the power to interchange chokes when wanted. The Bristol side-by-side comes customary with 5 Beretta type chokes (skeet, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full). With a price ticket beneath $1,200, it is a good shotgun to interrupt into the extensive world of side-by-side shotguns. —C.H.

Finest Aspect-by-Aspect: CZ Bobwhite G2 Challenge Upland

Finest Aspect-by-Aspect

CZ Bobwhite G2 Challenge Upland

See It

Key Options

• Break-action side-by-side
• Gauge: 12, 20, and 28
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Weight: 6.2 kilos (28-gauge)

Professionals

• Double set off
• Case-colored receiver
• Comfy straight English inventory

Cons

•  $1,700 is costly for a Turkish-made SxS

CZ, in collaboration with Challenge Upland, designed the Bobwhite G2 Challenge Upland shotgun. This contemporary side-by-side is constructed on probably the greatest shotguns for fowl searching–CZ’s traditional Bobwhite body–with some upgraded lavish particulars that add each character and enchantment. It incorporates the traditional Bobwhite body and reliability with upgraded furnishings and particulars.

The Bobwhite G2 Challenge Upland side-by-side options a good looking straight-English inventory created from choose grade Turkish walnut, encased with a decoratively engraved case coloured receiver. Aspect-by-side purists may also breathe simple with the standard double set off and case coloured handbook tang security preserved on this fashionable play on a CZ’s traditional side-by-side. A clever man as soon as wrote, “Life is just too quick to shoot an unsightly gun.” I couldn’t agree extra. And by chance, this gun’s efficiency matches its appears. —C.H.

Finest Pump: Remington 870 FieldMaster

Finest Pump

Remington 870 FieldMaster

See It

Key Options

• Motion: Pump
• Gauge: 12 or 20
• Weight: 7.5 kilos (12-gauge)
• Higher steel end than discontinued Specific mannequin

Professionals

• Unmatched reliability
• Simple to breakdown and clear
• Rust resistant end

Cons

•  No shims or spacers for inventory adjustment

With over 11 million shotguns bought since its introduction in 1950, the Remington 870 is the best-selling shotgun of all-time. The 870 FieldMaster internally mirrors the Wingmaster mannequin however externally incorporates a rugged corrosion resistant end on the barrel and receiver to fight the abuse hunters put their shotguns by way of. Additionally, as of this yr, the FieldMaster formally changed the 870 Specific. If a pump-action scattergun is your most well-liked shotgun of selection, it’s robust to miss the flexibility and dependability of the Remington 870. It’s not flashy, however nobody will argue that it’ll get the job executed. —C.H.

Finest Semi-Auto

Browning Maxus II Hunter

See It

Key Options

• Motion: Semi-Auto (Fuel)
• Gauge: 12
• Barrel Size: 26 and 28 inches
• Weight: 7 kilos

Professionals

• Dependable Energy Drive Fuel System
• Adjustable LOP, forged, and drop with adjustable shims
• Fiber-optic entrance sight

Cons

• Solely accessible in 12-gauge

The Browning Maxus II Hunter is a dependable semi-auto shotgun made for upland fowl hunters who need greater than two photographs. Browning hit a homerun once they launched the unique Browning Maxus over a decade in the past. The Energy Drive Fuel System proved its value within the unique Maxus and continues to be the driving drive within the Maxus II. This gun additionally incorporates a number of beauty modifications in addition to a inventory redesign, which makes shouldering it comfy and straightforward. And the Inflex recoil pad eliminates plenty of the recoil, which you’ll need with a 12-gauge, and makes for fast comply with up photographs. And whereas some purists would possibly shudder at this feature, the Invector-Plus choke system makes this a flexible shotgun for different pursuits.  —C.H.

Finest Gentle Semi-Auto: Benelli Montefeltro

Finest Gentle Semi-Auto

Benelli Montefeltro

See It

Key Options

• 6.63 kilos (12 gauge, 26-inch barrel)
• Accessible in 12 and 20 gauge
• 3-inch chamber
• Inertia pushed
• Included shim equipment

Professionals

• Gentle and helpful
• Involves the shoulder shortly and naturally

Cons

• End will get dinged up with onerous use in inclement climate

Generally you simply want that third shot when upland fowl searching. Like if you’re about to triple on a covey of quail. Or, most likely extra seemingly, if you’ve rushed your first two photographs on a sluggish flushing rooster and now you’ve lastly settled down sufficient to kill him in your third shot. For these situations, a semi-auto is hard to beat. Nevertheless, most 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun platforms are a bit too heavy and hulking for carrying comfortably all day within the uplands. That’s not the case with the Benelli Montefeltro which weighs 6.63 kilos and is the lightest semi-auto 12-gauge on our record. With a value of $1,299 it’s a strong worth.

Throughout our 2023 shotgun take a look at, the Montefeltro was a favourite on the clays vary. On the patterning board, it printed a 70/30 sample which is about proper for upland hunters taking pictures flushing-away birds. Whereas carrying the Montefeltro for wild pheasants this fall I discovered that it dealt with shortly and naturally. I often shoot Benelli duck weapons and the Montefeltro felt comfy and acquainted as I swung previous a rooster and folded him at about 40 yards. Fortunately, the Montefeltro was a lot nicer to hold again to the truck than any of these hefty duck weapons would have been. —A.R.

Finest Ultralight Semi-Auto: Benelli Montefeltro Extremely Gentle

See It

Benelli Montefeltro Extremely Gentle Key Options

• Gauge: 20
• Motion: Semi-auto, inertia
• Capability: 4+1
• Chamber: 3 inches
• Weight: 5.60 kilos (measured)
• Set off Weight: 2.31 kilos (measured)
• Barrel Size: 24 inches
• Total Size: 45.6 inches
• LOP: 14.38 inches 
• Sight: Pink bar
• Barrel End: Gloss Blued
• Inventory End: Satin Walnut, Grade A
• Worth: $1,949
• Consists of: Three Crio Chokes (C, IC, M), shim equipment

Professionals

• Glorious dealing with, simple to hold
• Excellent ergonomics
• Cycled reliably and reloaded shortly

Cons

• Presently solely accessible in a 24-inch barrel
• Quick barrel make it a bit whippy for some shooters

Benelli has developed an efficient, if predictable, components with its shotguns. The corporate’s introductions from yr to yr are comparable, however we don’t imply that as a dig — removed from it. Benelli understands its prospects and offers them well-thought-out and refined weapons that look, really feel, and run nice.

The Montefeltro Extremely Gentle is a svelte 20-gauge gun that could be the perfect autoloader for hunters who chase grouse and woodcock in alder thickets and wild raspberry brambles the place swinging a shotgun requires as a lot luck as approach.

The explanation it’s so properly fitted to that process is its 24-inch barrel, which provides the shotgun an total size of simply 45.6 inches. This unusually quick barrel (few shotguns for searching or sport have barrels lower than 26 inches) was our one main level of competition with the Montefeltro Extremely Gentle, nevertheless.

As a result of it’s so mild (5.6 kilos) and compact, the gun has a whippy swing and to an individual the take a look at workforce longed for one with a 26- or 28-inch barrel. Why Benelli solely launched the 20-gauge model with 24-inch barrels is a little bit of a head-scratcher since that actually diminishes its potential enchantment to the broader world of fowl shooters, however maybe the gunmaker will treatment that quickly.

In any other case, we had sturdy, practically common, reward for the gun. It hundreds easily, and quickly, second solely to the Browning A5 Hunter by way of the pace with which you’ll be able to stuff it with shells. The undercut receiver and scalloped ramp on the set off guard assist information shells into the journal, and it’s simple to load them two at a time to get again within the motion.

The controls are all optimistic and straightforward to govern. The bolt launch, provider/motion launch, and bolt deal with are all conveniently positioned and intuitive to function. The crossbolt security isn’t our favourite, as it’s stiff to function and doesn’t have any texture machined into it for extra optimistic contact together with your finger. However this wasn’t an enormous disadvantage, both. 

The inventory is engaging and trim, and feels good within the hand. The pistol grip and fore-end have laser-cut checkering that gives good grip and management, and the carbon-fiber rib contributes to the shotgun’s fashionable appears. — John B. Snow

Finest Sub-Gauge Semi-Auto

Benelli SBE 3 28-gauge

See It

Key Options

• Motion: Semi-Auto (Inertia)
• Gauge: 28
• Weight: 5.6 kilos
• Barrel Size: 26 or 28 inches

Professionals

• Minimal recoil
• 3-inch chamber
• Light-weight

Cons

The Benelli SBE3 28-gauge shotgun is the best sub-gauge semi-auto I’ve ever shot. It’s also chambered to shoot 3-inch shells, which permit payloads just like a 20-gauge however with the small body and minimal recoil of a 28-gauge.

Few tendencies have gained as a lot current notoriety as that of sub-gauge shotguns. Producers have taken discover, and Benelli was one of many first to reply the decision with the launch of their Tremendous Black Eagle 3 28-gauge shotgun. For sure, they set the bar excessive. This gun is made for searching flighty coveys of quail and chukar when a number of photographs and staggered coveys are a given. Whereas the recoil of a 28-gauge is minimal, the Consolation Tech inventory makes it even much less noticeable, particularly for comply with up photographs. 

With a properly patterned lead load, you’ll be able to simply attain out to 50 yards on most upland species and knock them out of the air with a very good 28-gauge payload. And with the 28-gauge, relying on the load and choke mixture, you’ll be able to have comparable efficiency to a 20-gauge with out the recoil and added weight. When you shoot a 28-gauge you might simply fall in love. You might have been warned.

Finest 28-Gauge Fuel Gun: Beretta A400 Upland Magnum

Finest 28-Gauge Fuel Gun

Beretta A400 Upland Magnum

See It

Key Options

• 28 gauge
• 5.88 kilos
• 3-inch chamber
• Fuel operated

Professionals

• Gentle 
• Provides 3-inch 28-gauge chamber

Cons

• Receiver design is tacky

This 28-gauge gasoline gun may very well be the lightest recoiling upland fowl gun round. Beretta downsized its profitable A400 platform to a 28 gauge that’s able to firing “magnum” 3-inch hundreds. 

The three-inch 28-gauge has change into considerably fashionable not too long ago as extra ammo makers like Federal, Hevi-Shot, and Boss produce hundreds for it. And Beretta’s providing is an effective choice for becoming a member of this pattern, for those who like just a little bling. The gun has a shiny silver receiver with a minimum of three “28s” lasered into it—not precisely a traditional look. 

However magnificence is within the eye of the beholder. Throughout our testing, we discovered the gun to be a pleasure to shoot. The 28-inch barrel swung to targets properly and the shotgun mounted shortly. With goal hundreds, recoil was extremely minimal and even with 3-inch recreation hundreds the gun was delicate taking pictures. It’s just a bit heftier than its Benelli 28-gauge cousin, which isn’t essentially a foul factor as a few of the testers thought the Benelli was virtually too slender. For those who’re a Beretta fan in quest of a 28-gauge, you’re virtually sure to shoot this gun naturally. 

Simply be warned, becoming a member of the 28-gauge pattern goes to price you. The A400 Upland Magnum has a value of $1,729 and that denser-than-steel ammo that’s supreme for the 28 gauge can price wherever from $40 to $80 per field. 

Finest Bang for Your Buck

Winchester SX4 Discipline

See It

Key Options

• Motion: Semi-Auto (Fuel)
• Gauge: 12, 20
• Barrel Size: 26- and 28-inch
• Weight: 6 kilos, 12 ounces (12-gauge, 28-inch)

Professionals

• Ambidextrous security
• Comfy pistol grip
• Dependable with all kinds of shells

Cons

• Bolt will be sticky, robust to open
• Load gate can also be stiff, makes loading a chore within the chilly

The SX4 Discipline is a no frills, traditional upland tackle the confirmed SX4 platform. And with a price ticket slightly below a grand, this shotgun is well the very best bang in your buck. The traditional matte-black receiver, mixed with the satin oil completed walnut inventory offers the SX4 a traditional upland look, however this gun additionally performs reliably and isn’t choosy in relation to payloads.

Winchester integrated an outsized security and bolt launch which makes dealing with with gloves a breeze. Recoil from the SX4 12-gauge is minimal, due to the Inflex Expertise Recoil Pad. The smaller pistol grip is comfy and supplies loads of grip for hunters with smaller fingers however ought to nonetheless really feel excellent with those that have bigger fingers. If $1,000 is your high funds, you can begin and finish your search with the SX4 Discipline.

Key Options

• Motion: Semi-Auto (Fuel)
• Gauge: 20
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Weight: 6.25 kilos

Professionals

• Compact
• Comfy for youth
• Low recoil

Cons

• Fastened LOP means they’ll ultimately outgrow it

The light-weight SA-20 Youth shotgun from Mossberg is the proper first shotgun in your favourite little searching buddy. All they’ve to fret about is barrel management and flipping the security off. Passing on searching traditions to youthful generations is essential to the survival of this sport. And probably the greatest entries into this sport is fowl searching. Youth particular shotguns, such because the SA-20 Youth, supply a light-weight, low recoiling, and cozy choice for younger hunters eager about fowl searching. Its cheap price ticket makes it cash properly spent to get your little ones hooked on searching. It does have a set LOP, so your younger hunter received’t have the ability to develop with this gun, however for his or her early years, this compact wingshooter is greater than sufficient to get them began and hopefully coming again.

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for a Shotgun for Fowl Searching

Price range

Buying a brand new shotgun is an endeavor worthy of your time and analysis. The very first thing it’s best to resolve is how a lot you might be keen to spend. In the case of searching gear and firearms, I usually attempt to abide by the “purchase as soon as, cry as soon as” mentality as you virtually at all times get what you pay for. Setting a funds from the start will set parameters on what shotguns to analysis and assist you to get probably the most out of your hard-earned money.

Type

The second variable to contemplate when choosing the right upland fowl searching shotgun is what species you propose on primarily chasing and what motion type will probably be most conducive to that endeavor. For instance, if pheasants or grouse are your main goal, an over and below or side-by-side is ideal for taking pictures a single or a flushing pair. Nevertheless, if wild coveys of chukars, quail, or Hungarian partridge are a staple, you might need to lean towards a pump or semi-auto that gives the power to ship a 3rd spherical down vary. There are some purists who would possibly argue that something with the power to shoot greater than two photographs is a blasphemy to the game, however nobody wants that sort of negativity of their life. Plus, what higher excuse to purchase a brand new shotgun.

Gauge

The third and ultimate variable that should be thought-about when shopping for a brand new upland shotgun is the gauge. Personally, I’ve used a 20-gauge shotgun for many of my life and for that purpose have a bias in the direction of it. I’m additionally an enormous proponent, relying on the place and what I’m searching, of the 28-gauge. Extra on that later. Everybody’s trusty 12-gauge will get the job executed—and with authority—however normally winds up being overkill on most upland species (outdoors of pheasants). Moreover, there was a resurgence in recent times of the 16-gauge. It’s a candy little gauge, however ammo choices and availability are generally restricted.

FAQs

Remaining Ideas

Efficiency and reliability clever, these are a few of the finest shotguns for fowl searching. In the case of particular person efficiency, what works finest for me won’t work finest for you. Nonetheless, any of the choices on this record are greater than succesful for fowl searching. Discover a shotgun that falls inside your funds, change into proficient with it, and hit the fields. The killing of a fowl is inconsequential in comparison with every part else that surrounds the hunt, however if you work onerous for that chance, ensure you might be shouldering a shotgun you’ve got full confidence in.