A good shotgun is a long-term investment. I’ve personally been carrying one shotgun in my lineup, a Remington 1100 Special Field, since the early 1990s, and it’s still going strong with minimal maintenance.
So when you decide to close the deal, you’re cementing a relationship with a tool that you may have for the rest of your life and pass on to your children. No pressure!
Fortunately, shotguns also hold their value fairly well, so trading them out won’t usually break your wallet. But you want to make an informed decision when getting a new shotgun, so our hunting team put our years of collective shooting experience together for some recommendations to help guide your purchase. (And it’s worth mentioning that this article focuses on shotguns you can buy new today.)
A note on specs and product scores: with so many of these shotguns having different variations, all specs are for the most basic 12-gauge model, unless otherwise noted. For many of these guns, there are models suited for specific needs that will have different specs. However, the specs of a standard 12-gauge will give you a relative comparison. And some of these non-12’s are too good not to share.
Likewise, the application rankings in this guide are based on the standard model. Specific models would change our scores.
I’ll jump right into my favorite shotguns now. But if you want more guidance, hop down to the end of the article, where I discuss the intricacies of shotguns so that you can make an informed purchase.
Editor’s Note: GearJunkie updated this guide on August 29, 2025, by adding product scores, updated specs, expanded reviews, and a more in-depth buyers’ guide section. We also added the ATA Arms Neo X Max-7 as “The Best Deal in Shotguns.”
Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra-reliable intertia system
- B.E.S.T. version backed by 25 year warranty
- Turkey model available
- Numerous colors available
Cons
- Price
Benelli invented the inertia-drive system of shotguns and thus has earned a reputation for producing the most reliable semiautomatics on the planet. And the Super Black Eagle 3 (starting at $2,199) might be the most reliable of all.
Unlike many shotguns that cycle through the redirection of expanding gases, Benellis use the inertia created by recoil to cycle new shells. It’s a foolproof method that is recently being copied by a lot more brands now that Benelli’s patent on the system has expired.
But still, there’s nothing like the original. The Super Black Eagle 3 is a beast of a shotgun, with the 12-gauge model capable of chambering everything from 2.75- to 3.5-inch rounds. It’s a renowned weapon of waterfowl hunters, but capable of handling light enough loads to tackle upland game.
Now, for the B.E.S.T acronym: It means “Benelli Surface Treatment” and is the brand’s new proprietary finishing technology. The coating protects steel with a tough, impenetrable armor that stops rust and corrosion.
Benelli is so confident the treatment is impervious to the elements, the brand backs parts treated in B.E.S.T. with a 25-year warranty. Throw it in a duck boat, drop it in the mud, and shake it off. It will keep on firing and cycling reliably.
In 2025, Benelli also introduced the A.I. version of the SBE 3. No, that doesn’t mean artificial intelligence, but rather “advanced impact.” This technology is in the barrel of the shotgun and results in deeper penetration of bb’s. That means more effective kills and fewer cripples.
Franchi Affinity 3.5
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Value (performance to price)
- Numerous variations available
- Reliability
- Omni stock adjustable fit
Cons
- Some complain about recoil
But if you can’t quite afford the original, maybe consider this runner-up to the Benelli. Made by a subsidiary of the same company, Franchi offers much the same engineering as its sibling at a more palatable price.
The Affinity series shotguns land right around the $1,050 mark; they’re not cheap, but not particularly expensive in the world of guns. And at that price, they are excellent, reliable tools that are remarkably versatile.
The Affinity 3.5 is the big hammer of the line. Available in several synthetic finishes as well as wood, the Affinity 3.5 can cycle everything from 2.75- to 3.5-inch shells. That makes it a versatile performer for those who want to shoot light ammo for target and smaller quarry, or up-gun to the big 3.5-inch magnums for turkeys and waterfowl.
That particular model is the everyday shotgun carry for contributor Morgan Nowels’ younger brother. He’s used it for turkey, South Dakota pheasants, and quail and huns in Washington state. It has never once failed to cycle after four years of use. It flat-out shoots. By using a shim kit, he was able to get a custom fit, and a perfect shotgun without forking over ridiculous amounts of money.
As the Affinity uses an Inertia Drive system very similar to that of Benelli’s, this Franchi is a very reliable semiauto that can handle the extremes hunters will throw at it.
ATA Arms NEO X Max-7
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light
- Reliable inertia-driven semi-auto
- Change chokes with no tools
- Points and swings intuitively
Cons
- Lacks fine finish of higher price shotguns
Finding a reliable, true budget semi-auto is a tall task. The $530 ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, however, is up to it. Obviously, the price is a huge selling point, but there are numerous things that make this shotgun such a standout performer.
First is the inertia-driven, semi-automatic system. Like the Franchi, the similarities between the system on this gun and the much higher-priced Benelli SBE 3 can’t be ignored. I’ve shot this gun plenty, and have had no jams. It cycles reliably, even with light target rounds that can give inertia-driven guns trouble.
Out of the box, it fit perfectly without needing to use the provided shim kit. It swings well, shoots accurately, and is lightweight for long days in the field.
Furthering the value, the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 comes with five chokes, meaning you’ll be set for any hunting scenario you throw at it. No, the finish isn’t as nice as other guns, and no, it doesn’t come in a 3.5-inch chambered version. But if you’re looking for a semi-auto that will flat out perform and leave plenty of wiggle room in the budget, this is it.
Browning Citori 725 Field 20-Gauge
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Aesthetics
- Weight
- Mechanical trigger
- Flat out shoots
Cons
- 12 Gauge no longer in production
- Price
The Browning Citori is a legendary line of over-under shotguns. It hit the market in 1973 as a more affordable option to the Browning Superposed, which is more or less the grandfather of modern over-under shotguns.
But one criticism of the Citori is it’s somewhat blocky in shape. Well, the Citori 725 (around $2,550) streamlines that classic shape for a slimmer over-under. It also adds a mechanical trigger, which will fire a second barrel even if the first barrel doesn’t shoot.
Straight up, this is my favorite shotgun on the market right now. I recently dropped a big chunk of cash to buy my own after months of researching shotguns online. And after several hundred rounds of breaking clays, I love it.
The crisp trigger pull, lightness in the hands (7.6 pounds for the 12-gauge, just under 7 for the 20-gauge), and quick mounting make it a perfect over-under for the field as long as you can stomach the price tag.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in a 12 gauge
- Aesthetics
- Low profile
- Sporting version has an adjustable stock
Cons
- Price
If the Browning isn’t your cup of tea, or you want a 12-gauge, the Beretta Silver Pigeon ($2,450) is another iconic over-under for the field. The Italian double gun has a reputation as a well-balanced, quick-pointing shotgun that is accurate, reliable, and beautiful. It’s also a fairly light gun to carry, weighing in at 6.8 pounds for the 20-gauge.
The design of the 686 uses opposing trunnions (projections) mounted on the receiver walls where the barrels pivot, thus eliminating the need for underhooks to form a hinge. The result is a more compact arrangement that some shooters love for instinctive pointing and a low-profile line of sight. This well-loved classic is a stalwart of the upland fields.
Remington 870 (Express)
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Application specific models
- Price
- Time tested
- Widespread availability
Cons
- Not as high quality of a finish
- Prone to rust
- Not as smooth as high end shotguns
If you were to choose one shotgun to do everything in every condition, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better all-arounder than a Remington 870 in 12-gauge.
Remington introduced the 870 in 1950, and with millions produced since then, you can find them in every possible configuration, stock material, and gauge. It’s an icon of the shooting world for a good reason: It’s cheap and works very well.
If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck as you can usually find the Remington 870 Express for under $400. Or, maybe you already have a favorite shotgun but are looking for a second turkey, upland, or home defense shotgun but will only use it occasionally. There are 870s available for all of those applications.
However, many people will buy the classic 870 Express and hunt everything from South Dakota pheasants and Wisconsin ruffed grouse to Mississippi waterfowl and East Coast deer with it. There were some reports of quality issues pre-2020, but since the formation of RemArms, the 870 is back to its legendary reliable performance.
Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It's a 16 Gauge
- Holds value
- Humpback design
Cons
- Hard to find ammo
- Price
With a unique humpback design, the Browning A5 stands out like a sore thumb on any gun rack. But while beauty is in the eye of the beholder on this one, for some, the A5 shoots like a dream. That’s due to the odd humpback that tends to put some shooters’ eyes on the perfect sight plane.
Well, the Sweet Sixteen ($1,779) is Browning’s 16-gauge edition of the A5. It’s a very unique gun in that regard, but one that has admirers among a decent swath of serious shooters. On the plus side, 16-gauge is a really versatile size and tends to be quite rare. Thus, it holds its value very well. And oh, the Sweet Sixteen is a dream to shoot. I’ve crushed a bunch of clays with one and fell quite quickly in love.
On the downside, well, 16-gauge is rare. Finding ammo can be tricky, and the selection will be much more limited than that of 12- and 20-gauge models. But for those who want a gun that stands out from the crowd, this one will be a pleaser.
CZ USA Drake
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A break-action at a great price
- Lefty (Southpaw) version available
- Comes with five chokes
- Selectable trigger
Cons
- Extractor operation
- Not as nice of a finish as high end over unders
In the world of shotguns, the words “over-under” and “budget” rarely meet. Double-barrel shotguns of good quality just tend to be expensive.
One exception is the CZ USA Drake, a legitimate shooter that rings up at a retail price of $750. CZ USA imports guns from Turkish manufacturer Huglu and has developed a reputation as a darned good gun for the budget shooter.
No, the fit and finish won’t match that of higher-end doubles on this list. But if you’re itching for that classic double-barrel feel and aren’t flush with cash, this is a very good option.
The Drake has extractor operation, a single selectable trigger, mid-rib delete, and laser-cut checkering. You can get one in 12, 20, 28, and .410 with 28-inch barrels. While some upland hunters like the extractor operation for ease of picking up spent shells, GearJunkie contributor Morgan Nowels dislikes it because he’s really good at missing birds. The extractor makes follow-up shots near impossible.
Amazingly for the price, the Drake ships with a set of five flush interchangeable chokes (except .410, which has fixed IC/MOD). The Drake also comes in the Southpaw, a lefty-friendly variant for the left-handed shooter.
Winchester SXP (Black Shadow)
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Inertia-assisted pump makes cycling easy
- Endless variations for application specific hunters
- Great point-ability
- Smaller sizes are lightweight
- Price
Cons
- Heavy trigger pull (7lbs. 11.5 oz)
The Winchester SXP ($359) claims to be “the world’s fastest pump-action shotgun.” That’s due to its inertia-assisted pump action. Whether the “fastest” claim is true or not doesn’t really matter, as the SXP is a killer value for a well-balanced, well-made bird gun.
We shot the standard 28-inch field model and were impressed with the point-ability as well as the smooth action. It comes standard with three chokes, and, at 6 pounds, 14 ounces, it was a breeze to carry for consecutive days in the field.
There are a plethora of models available in a wide variety of price points, but the standard SXP Black Shadow is a great budget pump, trying its best to be an autoloader.
Benelli Ethos
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Aesthetics
- Different finishes for different applications
- Swings well
- Weight
Cons
- Price
- Some (not us) complain about kick
The Benelli Ethos ($1,999) is one beautifully shooting semiauto, particularly for upland hunting. The Ethos uses Benelli’s excellent Inertia Drive system. And while recoil-operated semiautos tend to kick a little more than a gas-driven system, the Ethos has a nicely engineered recoil management system built into the stock.
We’ve hunted with this gun quite a bit and really enjoyed the way it carries in the field. And upon a flush, it points quickly while offering enough barrel weight to swing through well. It’s a real hammer on pheasants and allowed us to even take a few doubles on roosters.
For those looking for a single semiauto shotgun that can do it all and still be light enough to carry all day in the field, it’s hard to top the Ethos.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Shotgun
While I’ve tried to lay out some top options above, there are literally thousands of very good shotguns you could buy, dating back to the early 20th century. So chances are very good that you’re going to consider buying one that’s not on the list above.
What do you need to know to buy the best shotgun for you? Let’s break it down.
Gauge
The gauge of a shotgun refers to the diameter of the barrel. It’s a measure of how many lead balls of the barrel’s size equal a pound. Yes, it’s an asinine way to measure something. But it’s what we’ve got. Thus, a smaller number equals a bigger barrel.
Most hunters will choose between a 12-gauge and 20-gauge, with other, less common sizes being 16-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410-caliber, the latter of which is actually a measurement related to rifle size and very small.
A 12-gauge is the do-it-all, most common option. It will do everything you’ll ask of it, whether it’s waterfowl, upland, turkey, or deer hunting. If you can only have one, a 12 should be it. The only downside is that the gun will be heavier and kick more than other options. For that reason, you’ll see many new hunters, youth, and women shoot a 20.
Twenty gauges are very popular in upland hunting circles due to the lightweight nature of the gun and the relative delicacy of the game they’re chasing. You don’t need a booming 12 with 3.5 shells to take out a grouse in thick cover.
While they can also serve as a good turkey and waterfowl gun, a 20-gauge shouldn’t be the first choice for those applications. But, if you’re looking for less kick and weight while maintaining versatility, a 20 is a great bet. And for experienced shooters, a 20 is arguably the best there is.
Our team does need to note the love for the 16-gauge, and the Browning Sweet 16 in particular. Usually, a middle-of-the-road approach leads to a product that isn’t good at anything. That isn’t the case with a 16-gauge. Maybe it’s the rarity of it, but we feel a 16 is absolutely perfect for everything. Yes, the ammo is limited, and you’ll probably have to start reloading. But dang, it’s a good gun to own. Plus, you look refined carrying a 16, and the value is going to stay up there.
Action
The action refers to how the gun cycles between shots. Common actions are semiautomatic, pump-action, and break-action.
Semi Autos
Semi-autos use either the inertia of the shot recoil or gases created during firing to cycle a new shell into the chamber. As a very general statement, a gas-operated gun will kick less, but experience more cycling issues. An inertia gun will kick more, but reliably cycle. But even that requires an asterisk.
If you’re target shooting with light loads, opt for a gas-driven gun. It will effectively use the gas to cycle between rounds. A light load in an inertia gun, on the other hand, may not give enough kick to cycle effectively. But both work well in either situation. The skinny is, if you’re hunting, go inertia; if you’re target shooting, go gas, even though both can work in either situation.
Pump Action
A pump action is exactly what it sounds like. Hunters use a mechanism called a “pump” to eject the spent shell and insert a new one. The big draws to pump-action guns are that they’re priced affordably and are very reliable.
While it takes longer to cycle between shots, some hunters actually prefer that. The action of pumping requires you to slow down and re-acquire a good sight picture on your target rather than wildly slinging lead or steel down range with a semi-auto.
Break Action
Break-action shotguns work by opening the gun with a lever, exposing the back end of the barrels where the shooter loads shells. When you close it back up, two barrels fire in succession as the trigger is pulled, much like a semi-auto.
There are two types of break-action guns: an over-under and the less common side-by-side. The names are indicative of the orientation of the two barrels.
There are also differences in how shells are expelled from a break-action gun. When you open the gun after firing, it will either use an ejection system to shoot out the spent shells (an ejector) or the hunter has to pull the spent shells out by hand (an extractor). An ejector allows for a faster reload, but it can make finding spent shells more difficult.
One of the most significant benefits of a break-action is the ability to use two separate chokes on the same gun. You can stick a more open choke in the first to fire barrel and a tighter choke in the second barrel for longer shots as the target or game moves away from you.
If you’re walking a long way with a shotgun, break-action guns also offer a wider variety of carrying options, and are an absolute pleasure to carry in the field. Just remember, you’re realistically limited to two shots.
Choke
The choke of a shotgun is a restriction in the last portion of the barrel that helps control the way pellets disperse into a “pattern.” Common chokes, from most open to tightest, are improved cylinder, modified, and full.
There are many other choke variants, but in short, hunters use open chokes like improved cylinders when they expect close shots and want the pellets to spread quickly. Full choke keeps the pattern tight for longer shots. Modified falls in the middle.
Many modern shotguns use interchangeable chokes that you can change easily even in the field. These enhance the versatility of the shotgun. Most new hunters or shooters should buy a shotgun with interchangeable chokes if possible.
Shotguns for Different Hunting Applications
Now that you understand some of the differences in shotguns, it’s time to put that knowledge to real-world use. Below are recommendations for different hunting applications. However, you need to understand that these recommendations are generalizations. You can use just about any shotgun for any type of hunting. That’s what makes them so awesome.
Upland
Upland hunters have different needs than other shotgun users due to the amount of ground they cover in a day in the field. Weight savings and comfort in carry become some of the most important features of a gun.
Since most upland game birds aren’t hardy, a 20-gauge like the Browning Citori is a very popular choice. The overall weight of the gun is lighter, and there isn’t a need for the extra punch a 12 offers. However, 12-gauges are still popular (especially with pheasant hunters), and can absolutely be used for upland hunting.
Break-action guns are the classic guns for upland hunters. The main reason is the diverse carry options a break-action provides. It can be broken apart and slung over your shoulder, which makes it feel like you aren’t even carrying a gun. You can also sling it over a forearm, or carry it closed just like you would a semi-auto.
However, there is one situation where a semi-auto may be the better choice. Most upland regulations do not have a shell limit, and many chukar hunters love having five rounds. The amount of work to find birds is unmatched, the shots can be hard on steep slopes, and the birds covey well. Having the extra shots is well worth it.
Waterfowl
If waterfowl is your primary target, lean toward a 12-gauge. A 12 will have plenty of power to knock down big mallards at a distance and is the gauge to use for larger birds like geese.
It’s hard to know for sure, but either a pump action or a semi-auto is the most popular action for a waterfowl gun. Both will allow you the maximum three shells allowed for waterfowling.
A pump, like the Remington 870, gets the nod for affordability. A semi-auto, like the Benelli Super Black Eagle, gets the nod in functionality. It’s nice only to have to pull the trigger when mallards are raining into your spread.
Waterfowlers should also consider the finish on their shotgun. You’ll be dragging the gun through mucky swamps and often getting it wet. Those conditions can quickly rust a shotgun. That’s especially true if you plan on hunting saltwater. GearJunkie contributor Morgan Nowels has hunted ducks on the Great Salt Lake, and every morning his shotgun would develop rust spots within a few hours.
Most of the guns on this list come in a variety of finishes. A cerakoted gun will be more expensive than the standard version, but its worth the investment for waterfowlers.
Turkey
Many people use their standard 12-gauge for turkey hunting, and there isn’t any reason the gun you have won’t work. But for those who religiously chase springtime gobbles, a dedicated turkey shotgun is awesome. And if that sounds like you, check out our Best Turkey Vests buyer’s guide.
A gun like the Franchi Affinity 3 Turkey offers a pistol grip that excels at accuracy while shooting from a seated position, an actual sight rather than a simple bead, and a camo finish. It comes standard with chokes designed for turkey hunting.
This type of gun is a bit of a one-trick pony, but it would also excel at deer hunting. However, even if you don’t spring for a dedicated turkey shotgun, you should opt for one with a camo finish if you plan on chasing long beards.
Final Thoughts
Of course, shotguns are complex tools. Many books have been written about them, so I’m leaving out a lot of details. Things like stock material (wood versus synthetic) and length of pull have a huge effect on the way a gun performs and feels. But if you’re getting a shotgun, you have a lifetime to learn about the nuances of the tool.
For now, you should be on your way to making a reasonably informed decision. Good luck — and happy hunting.
