Scope-Maker Goes Guns: Redfield Delivers High-Value Shotguns

Redfield is a brand known for bargain optics and budget accessories. When I heard it was jumping into the shotgun game, I was wildly skeptical. Add in the idea of leaving the elk woods in September to go shoot doves in Texas with budget shotguns during the Academy Sports and Outdoors Full Blast Event, and I was honestly almost halfway to a face palm. It’s pretty hard to drag me away from my happy place.

Once I got down there, though, and handled the Redfield Vector Semi Auto ($450) and the Drive Pump Action ($300), along with a heap of other gear from Academy, I was pleasantly surprised. In hand, they felt far higher quality than the price suggested. In the field, they ran clean and steady, even with my less-than-stellar shotgun skills. Fortunately, my one-dove-a-box average gave me plenty of time on the backend.

In short: I was not even a little bummed to trade a slice of my elk season to give these guns a fair shake. The Vector Semi Auto and the Drive Pump Action deliver more value than their price tags claim, and both deserve a spot on the short list for dependable, beat-it-up, take-it-hunting-hard shotguns.

One big caveat: You’ll need to find an Academy Sports store to buy one, as the retailer won’t ship to FFLs any longer.

Editor’s Note: Since this test, Redfield has released several other shotguns to its lineup. Be sure to check them out.

Overview of Features

Redfield Vector Semi Auto

The Redfield Vector is a 12-gauge inertia-driven semi-auto designed around a straightforward, no-frills operating system. It uses an inertia action that keeps the internal layout simple and mechanical. The gun comes with a 28-inch barrel and a synthetic stock with a camo finish that matches the rest of Redfield’s hunting-focused lineup.

The receiver and controls follow a standard semi-auto configuration, with a cross-bolt safety and a familiar loading gate. The Vector is currently offered only in 12 gauge, which streamlines the lineup and places it squarely in the all-purpose shotgun category. It ships with a set of interchangeable chokes and a basic recoil pad, keeping the overall build focused on utility without unnecessary extras.

Redfield Drive Pump

The Redfield Drive is a pump-action shotgun available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge. It has a traditional pump layout that uses a slide action to cycle shells through a tubular magazine.

The gun comes with a 28-inch barrel regardless of gauge, which places it in the standard field gun profile. The synthetic stock and forend provide a uniform, weather-resistant construction, and the gun uses a cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard.

The Drive ships with interchangeable chokes and a simple recoil pad, and both gauges share the same design intent of being straightforward, functional field shotguns. The availability of the 20-gauge version adds a lighter-kicking option for hunters who prefer a smaller platform.

First Impressions

Before I dig into the gear too much, let’s set the stage for this test. I made my way to Texas and kicked things off with a quick overnight near the airport and a stop at Academy Outdoors with the Academy team.

We toured a new store, heard a bit about what they have coming down the pipeline, and did a little shopping before heading to the ranch. Once we settled in, the real hands-on portion of this test trip started.

A Few Optics and Accessories Before We Dove In

We all met at the main lodge to look over the full lineup of gear, not just the shotguns. Redfield brought out a spread that included the new Renegade 10×42 binoculars, which I now have a pair of and genuinely do like, along with the Rebel RFB 8×42 rangefinding binoculars.

Those rangefinding binos were the real standout of the table. They are the most budget-friendly set I have used that still feels dependable. I will absolutely be adding them to my quiver once they’re available. Redfield also hinted at a few upcoming releases that grabbed my attention even more than the shotguns. The whole lineup made it clear that Redfield is trying to step up its game across multiple categories.

Range Time

Once we made our way to the range, the real impressions started. We shot clays, swapped guns, tried a few trick shots for fun, and spent enough time behind the Vector and the Drive to get a feel for how they handle. Both shotguns felt higher quality in hand than I expected. The actions ran clean, the controls made sense, and the guns mounted without any awkwardness.

The Vector felt quick and responsive. The Drive had that familiar pump rhythm that comes back immediately, even if you have not run a pump in a while. By the time we wrapped up that session, I had a solid sense of how both guns performed before taking them into the field.

Testing

We hunted doves in two different locations during this trip. One was right on the ranch property, and the other required a decent drive, but both spots had plenty of birds and more than enough chances to hit daily limits.

I spent most of my time behind the Vector, and it surprised me more than once. Even with my subpar shotgun skills and the number of shells I burned through, my shoulder felt completely fine by the end of the day. As a smaller-framed human who usually gravitates toward a 20-gauge whenever possible, that mattered. A full day behind a 12-gauge normally leaves me a little beat up. This one did not.

Like any brand-new shotgun, the Vector had a few quick jams while it worked through that fresh-out-of-the-box stiffness. Admittedly, I’ll chalk a few up to a less-than-seated shoulder. Once it (and I) wore in, the gun ran without hesitation. I shot box after box without any real interruption, which is not something I expected when I showed up.

The gun cycled consistently, mounted cleanly, and never felt like it was punishing me for choosing the wrong gauge.

The only change I will eventually make to mine is specific to me. My length of pull is shorter than average, so I plan to shorten the stock to get the fit exactly where it needs to be. Outside of that personal adjustment, the Vector held its own through two locations, long days, and a generous number of missed shots on my part.

From Texas to Montana

Once Texas wrapped up, the Vector came home with me to Montana, where pheasants come into play after big game season winds down or when I need a break from chasing elk or sitting in tree stands pretending I’m comfortable.

It is a different kind of hunting, one that demands a shotgun that is easy to live with and doesn’t require constant attention. We certainly have “nicer” shotguns, but oh, it is lovely not to have to worry about dings, scratches, and dust.

The Vector slid into that role without any drama. We filled our bellies for much of the season with help from this shotgun, and I never felt like I needed to baby it.

It rode in the backseat of the truck, got set down in the grass while dealing with dogs, leaned against gates, and got tossed into the routine like a tool, not a showpiece. That matters to me. When dogs are working and birds are flushing, worrying about a fancy shotgun is often wasted energy.

Surprising (Lack of) Recoil for a 12 Gauge

Recoil stayed manageable over long days, both after doves and pheasants, which is worth noting given that this is an inertia-driven gun and not a gas system, particularly when your shotgun of choice tends to be of the smaller (16-20–gauge varieties).

Gas shotguns usually soak up more recoil, so I went in expecting a little more shoulder fatigue. That never really showed up. Even after hours of walking and shooting, it stayed comfortable enough that I wasn’t thinking about my shoulder, which is exactly how it should be.

The Vector let me focus on the dogs and the birds rather than on how the gun felt. That is what I want out of a bird shotgun, especially one I plan to use hard, often, and without overthinking it. I honestly can’t wait to chop this one down a bit to fit my smaller frame.

Who These Guns Are Perfect For

The Vector makes sense for hunters who want a semi-auto they can actually afford and actually use. It fits well for upland hunters, waterfowlers, dove hunters, and anyone who wants a shotgun that can pull double duty without requiring special treatment.

It’s especially appealing for smaller-framed shooters who usually lean toward a lighter gauge but still want the reach and versatility of a 12. It is also a solid option for hunters who want one bird gun that can float between seasons without feeling overbuilt or fragile.

The Drive is for hunters who want a pump that does exactly what it is supposed to do and nothing more. It works well for beginners, occasional hunters, and anyone who wants a dependable backup or truck gun that will not cause heartbreak when it gets scratched or dusty.

The availability of both 12- and 20-gauge versions makes it flexible for different shooters and different comfort levels, which is exactly what a practical pump gun should be.

Final Thoughts

Redfield didn’t try to reinvent the shotgun with this lineup, and that is a good thing. The Vector and the Drive are straightforward, usable field guns built for hunters who care more about time outside than brand prestige.

The Vector earned its place with comfort, reliability, and an easygoing nature that makes long days enjoyable. The Drive brings classic pump simplicity with pricing that lowers the barrier for a lot of hunters.

Neither gun needs to be babied, which I love. Both are comfortable living in the backseat of a truck, getting leaned against gates, and being used the way hunting shotguns are supposed to be used. For hunters looking for honest tools that deliver more than their price tags suggest, Redfield’s shotgun lineup deserves a hard look.