Best Duck Hunting Shotguns of 2025

Ask a duck hunter what firm makes the perfect duck looking shotguns and the three most definitely responses will probably be Beretta, Benelli, or Remington. So, it wasn’t too shocking that these gun producers—together with Winchester—stood above the remainder in our waterfowl shotgun take a look at.

These had been our prime picks:

Beretta has been making soft-shooting gas-operated autoloaders since 1956 with the introduction of the Mannequin 60. The virtually 500-year-old firm has come full-circle with the A400 Xtreme Plus, which is arguably the softest taking pictures sporting shotgun in the marketplace, and a significant purpose why it was standard with our group of testers.

Benelli’s inertia-driven Super Black Eagle is carried by duck guides everywhere in the nation as a result of it’s light-weight, hardly ever fails, and is among the best-handling shotguns you’ll ever deliver to your shoulder. Remington has bought greater than 11 million 870s over time—sufficient mentioned. And Winchester’s Tremendous X4 (SX4) provides probably the most worth for the greenback out of any shotgun in the marketplace.

However there have been lots extra duck looking shotguns that carried out effectively in our take a look at—and a few that didn’t. If you happen to’re a duck hunter seeking to purchase a shotgun, that is probably the most complete evaluate of the perfect (and worst) auto-loaders and pumps you will discover.

How We Examined the Greatest Duck Searching Shotguns

In 2021 a group of editors examined 17 of the perfect duck looking shotguns over three days at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas. We shot each shotgun at a five-stand clays vary, patterned every shotgun at 35 yards inside a 30-inch circle, and hunted teal throughout Texas’ September early season with an assortment of Federal Premium, Remington, and Hevi-Shot ammo.

Within the years since that discipline take a look at in Texas, we’ve shot and hunted with a handful of recent fashions in our annual shotgun take a look at and have hunted with a wide range of duck weapons every season.

We broke down the sphere into premium-level semi autos, bargain-level semi autos, pump weapons, and sub-gauge shotguns.

We used inventory modified chokes for looking and patterning the weapons. We shot #4 Hevi-Hammer and Remington Nitro Metal whereas looking and 3-inch, #2 Federal Velocity Shok for patterning. From there, every of us evaluated the shotguns in 5 totally different classes: dealing with and ergonomics, workmanship and aesthetics, versatility, reliability, and worth.

Right here’s what every of these classes entails:

Dealing with & Ergonomics: Dealing with represents the steadiness, liveliness, and skill to hit targets with the shotgun. It additionally represents how the shotgun manages recoil. Ergonomics represents how effectively the firearm suits the palms and physique. That features grading how intuitive and simple the controls are to control, and the convenience with which you’ll be able to load and unload the firearm.

Workmanship & Aesthetics: This covers the standard of the supplies and building of the shotgun. It additionally consists of trying on the match and end of the steel and inventory. Is the gun’s exterior—matte, blued, Cerakote, and so forth—carried out effectively? Does it appear and feel sturdy?

Versatility: Is the gun able to functioning effectively in a number of looking eventualities? Is it good for pits, field blinds, walk-ins, floor blinds—basically anyplace duck hunters hunt. Can or not it’s used to hunt different varieties of recreation than waterfowl and shoot clays?

Reliability: This represents how effectively the firearm functioned mechanically all through the analysis and whether or not it had any failures or malfunctions, a few of which we tried to intentionally induce, like throwing grime into the motion, shaking it out, and firing a shotshell. Or dropping the gun in water or mud, loading, and firing it.

Worth: Does the value tag match the shotgun? Are you getting what you might have paid for? Would you suggest it as a very good purchase to one in every of your buddies? 

Premium-Stage Auto-Loaders

Editor’s Alternative Winner: Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49.5 inches
• LOP: 14.3 inches
• Set off weight: 5.1 kilos
• Total weight: 7.8 kilos
• MSRP: $1,749

Beretta’s A400 completed simply forward of the Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle III. Actually, each editor needed to shoot each weapons on sporting clays one closing time on the final afternoon to resolve the winner. Finally, the A400 received greatest duck looking shotgun as a result of it’s a softer-shooting gun than the SBE3, and it additionally patterned extra precisely. The Benelli put extra pellets within the 30-inch circle at 35 yards (121 to 109 for the A400) after we in contrast the 2 weapons’ greatest patterns, however the SBE3 shot 100% above point-of-aim on each shot. Beretta’s A400 was a way more center-mass sample that shot 60 p.c above and 40 p.c under point-of-aim. You’ll discover this mannequin has a customized Cerakote end on it. Normal challenge A400s can be found in Realtree, Mossy Oak, True Timber, and Kryptek camouflage, in addition to an artificial choice.

The explanation why the A400, which is gas-operated, is so gentle on recoil is a two-part Kick-Off system within the inventory. The Kick-Off Mega is a three-spring system that dampens recoil after which the Kick-Off3, situated within the grip of the shotgun additionally mitigates felt recoil. I’ve shot 2-ounce turkey hundreds by means of this gun and it mildly tapped my shoulder—it’s remarkably straightforward on the shooter. Additionally, as beforehand talked about, the A400 patterning is superior. The place you level the gun, is the place it shoots. You additionally get an outsized bolt deal with and bolt-release button for simpler dealing with, plus the load gate is vast and simple to control even with thick gloves on. The one downside of the A400 is a fats fore-end, and the truth that it carries extra like an 8-pound gun. In case you have small palms and don’t wish to tote a shotgun that’s just a few ounces heavier than most different auto-loaders, you could not love the A400 as a lot as we did. There wasn’t a gun within the take a look at that each one 4 shooters had been extra correct with—some had been equally correct, however none higher—than the Beretta. And none of us had a foul morning within the marsh making an attempt to knockdown acrobatic blue-wings with this gun. That’s what you need in a duck gun. If can shoot a shotgun effectively on early teal, you’ll shoot it effectively on any species of duck. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49. 5 inches
• LOP: 14 inches
• Set off weight: 6.2 kilos
• Total weight: 7 kilos
• MSRP: $1,699

This gun got here in a detailed second as greatest duck looking gun. The SBE3 is among the best-handling semi-auto shotguns ever made. It’s modern, and light-weight, so you will get the gun shifting quick, which is necessary for duck hunters as a result of our shot home windows can get tight. That is the final word information gun as a result of it solely weighs 7 kilos and may stand as much as the 100-plus days of hell a information will put it by means of every season. You don’t see plenty of professional hunters carrying the A400, and that’s as a result of the SBE3 is nearly a pound lighter and features simply as effectively.

There’s somewhat bit extra recoil within the Benelli, however it’s not dangerous for an inertia gun. The Comfortech system, a sequence of interlocking artificial chevrons within the inventory, makes recoil extremely manageable, and in contrast to some inertia weapons, the SBE3 can shoot 1-ounce goal hundreds with out challenge. You received’t discover a extra easy, easy-to-clean semi-auto waterfowl shotgun in the marketplace. The one factor that takes a little bit of time is unscrewing the fore-end cap—it took us 12 twists to get it off. The A400 cap comes off with a easy half-turn. You received’t get the “Benelli click on” with the SBE3.

The rotating bolt head has a spring in it that forces the pinnacle to shut and ensures there’s a safe lockup with the shotshell, so the firing pin strikes the primer. Our pattern did shoot excessive—100% above level of purpose—however surprisingly, that didn’t matter on teal or on the five-stand. If you happen to cowl the goal, this gun kills it.

Since we initially reviewed the SBE 3, Benelli has made some upgrades. They now provide a BE.S.T. model which has a carbon fiber rib and a flowery, climate resistant coating. After all these options value a bit extra. New for 2025, Benelli can also be introducing an “Superior Affect” mannequin which guarantees to enhance pellet penetration. We are able to’t wait to get our palms on this gun to discipline take a look at it. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 47.25 inches
• LOP: 14.4 inches
• Set off weight: 6.4 kilos
• Total weight: 7 kilos
• MSRP: $1,600

The second-generation Maxus has the identical Energy Drive gasoline system as the unique, however that’s about the place the similarities finish between the 2 weapons. Browning Maxus II’s most necessary improve is the fore-end cap, which may now be eliminated and outfitted with an extension journal tube for snow goose hunters. The primary Maxus had a fore-end latch, the premise of which was to have the ability to take away the fore-end rapidly. However when you pay $1,800 for a shotgun, you need to be capable to affix an extension magazine to it, and the previous Maxus didn’t enable for that.

The outside upgrades on this gun are exemplary and make it probably the greatest duck looking shotguns in the marketplace. You get a slender fore-end that’s outfitted with rubber grips for higher dealing with in chilly and moist situations. There may be additionally a rubber grip in your taking pictures hand on the palm swell of the inventory, and a cushioned rubber riser in your cheek, plus a thick recoil pad to mitigate recoil. An outsized bolt deal with makes pulling the bolt again straightforward, and there’s loads of room within the set off guard in your set off finger even when you’re carrying thick decoy gloves. This gun was additionally designed with the Velocity Load Plus system, which lets you load the primary shell into the journal and the lifter will load it into the chamber for you. It may take some exact finger work to get the pace loader to perform, however it’s a pleasant characteristic when you get the grasp of it. You possibly can learn my full evaluate on the Maxus II right here.  —J.G.

Breda B3.5SM

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49.5 inches
• LOP: 14.25 inches
• Set off weight: 5.25 kilos
• Total weight: 7.37 kilos
• MSRP: $2,100

I obtained my palms on the hefty, inertia-driven B3.5SM through the summer time of 2024 and I hunted with it by means of most of that duck season. As I burned by means of field after field, I started to love the shotgun increasingly more. By the top of my waterfowl season, I’d hunted with the B3.5SM in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas and was able to declare it as a real contender to the Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle 3. Learn my full evaluate of the Breda B3.5SM right here.

The B3.5SM is actually a refined model of the unique SBE from the HK-imported Nineteen Nineties fashions. However nostalgia solely will get you thus far, so I used to be thrilled to see that my take a look at gun threw spectacular 50/50 patterns. 

So I shot Federal Velocity Shok No. 2 with a 1 ¼ ounce payload and Remington Nitro Metal No. 2 with a 1 ¼ ounce payload at 40 yards utilizing the Modified choke that got here with the gun. I shot 4 patterns with every load and averaged them. 

Common Pellet Strikes in a 30-Inch Circle:

• Federal Velocity Shok: 127
• Remington Nitro-Metal: 130

For context, that is phenomenal efficiency, which turns into obvious if you examine the info to these from different weapons on this listing. Underneath the identical taking pictures protocol with the identical ammo, my SBE 3 averaged 107 pellet strikes with the Federal load and 117 pellets with the Remington load. Of all the perfect duck looking shotguns we’ve examined, I’d put the Breda up in opposition to any of them by way of sample efficiency. 

Within the marsh the Breda pointed naturally and swung properly. I shot the gun effectively all season, smashing geese close to and much. I appreciated the texture and grippiness of the inventory, which has a rubbery, soft-touch end. After I had run a number of hundred rounds by means of the gun and dropped it within the mud not less than twice, I lastly obtained a primary failure — the bolthead had not rotated all the best way into battery and the gun went “click on” as an alternative of “growth.” After that hunt I cleaned the gun and resumed killing geese. Then on the ultimate hunt of the season (throughout a freezing morning on the river) I obtained my second malfunction — the gun fired the primary spherical however didn’t cycle the second. 

In my expertise, two malfunctions over the course of a protracted duck season of onerous looking, with just one trustworthy cleansing, is fairly rattling good efficiency from recoil operated shotgun. —A.R.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49 inches
• LOP: 14.25 inches
• Set off weight: 6.9 kilos
• Total weight: 6.8 kilos
• MSRP: $1,500

The “new” Browning A5 has been round for nearly 10 years now and operates on a completely totally different inertia system than John Browning’s authentic long-recoil mannequin through which the barrel moved again into the receiver of the Auto-5 upon firing it. The A5 has the same system to Benelli shotguns. While you fireplace the A5, the bolt stays nonetheless as the remainder of the gun strikes backwards beneath recoil—therefore the “inertia.” This motion compresses a strong spring within the bolt meeting and as soon as the gun encounters resistance out of your shoulder, the spring unleashes its drive and cycles the bolt, ejecting the spent shell, and amassing a brand new spherical on its journey again into battery.

One factor all of us seen in testing the Browning weapons was that all of them patterned very evenly and delivered a number of the tightest patterns of all of the shotguns, although the A5 (77 p.c) was not so good as the Maxus II (86 p.c) and BPS (83 p.c) inside a 30-inch circle at 35 yards. It additionally has the Velocity Load Plus system just like the Maxus II, however you received’t discover any rubber grips on this gun. I’ve shot the A5 fairly a bit in prairie Canada which is a rattling tremendous take a look at of a gun’s capacity to perform. You shoot much more than you’d within the states (due to increased bag limits), and weapons get rather a lot dirtier since you’re usually laying in dusty ag fields. The A5 by no means didn’t carry out. I’ve had some points with the bolt operating correctly in chilly climate, however a very good cleansing has at all times taken care of that downside.

If you happen to step right down to a 7/8-ounce cost weight, dependable biking might be a difficulty, however inertia weapons aren’t constructed to perform with such a light-weight load. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 49 inches
• LOP: 14 inches
• Set off weight: 6.1 kilos
• Total weight: 6.5 kilos
• MSRP: $2,349

Named for the area of Argentina most well-known for its dove looking, Benelli’s Ethos Cordoba was constructed for high-volume taking pictures. The barrel of the Cordoba is ported for lighter recoil and to attenuate muzzle soar which helps you get again on the fowl after a miss. Or, when you join, you possibly can transfer on to a different fowl with relative ease. It’s a Benelli, so it’s a well-built gun. We had no malfunctions with it in our testing. The BE.S.T coating, which Benelli touts as the perfect exterior gun end in the marketplace, didn’t chip or rub off. It’s additionally rust- and corrosion-resistant, however you need to nonetheless care for your gun the identical approach you’d if the end was not utilized. Metallic ultimately rusts in any case.

Just like the SBE3, the Ethos patterned excessive, however it was a contact worse on this gun. My greatest sample with the Cordoba was 100% above point-of-aim. The remaining had been 120 p.c above POA. And in contrast to the SBE3, that did make a distinction on five-stand clays. I needed to purpose a foot under the fowl to interrupt it. That’s not perfect when geese are within the decoys, however when you wish to see the goal and never cowl it up if you swing on a mallard, you’ll like this gun very a lot. It additionally comes with 5 prolonged chokes (C, IC, M, IM, and F). Plus, there’s a small window that runs the size of the fore-end so you possibly can see what number of shells are left within the journal tube (this characteristic is extra for Argentina dove hunts the place you possibly can shoot unplugged shotguns). The Cordoba can also be supplied in 20- and 28-gauge. With an MSRP over $2,300 it’s somewhat steep for me. I don’t see any options—apart from the BE.S.T. coating—that make this gun value $600 greater than a regular SBE3. —J.G.

Cut price-Stage Auto-loaders

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Key Options 

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49.5 inches
• LOP: 14.25 inches
• Set off weight: 5.9 kilos
• Total weight: 7.1 kilos
• MSRP: $899

There’s no different 3.5-inch gas-operated auto-loader you could purchase for beneath $1,000 that holds a candle to the Winchester SX4. There’s no cheaping out on this gun both, which is exceptional contemplating the value tag. The SX3 was my favourite reasonably priced shotgun earlier than the SX4, which is a bit slimmer than the earlier model of this gun, and in addition cheaper. The unique SX1 was a beloved gun by many waterfowlers as effectively, it was simply an absolute tank, which made it sturdy however a brute to hold.

The SX4 isn’t heavy in any respect, simply 7.1 kilos. It’s probably the most versatile gun within the take a look at, resulting from its gentle weight and the truth that it’s a gasoline gun. I’ve shot loads of turkey hundreds by means of the SX4 and brought it on high-volume snow goose hunts, and it has by no means left me with a sore shoulder. That is my private gun, which I had modified by Rob Roberts (lengthened forcing cone and specialised choke). One focal point was that it patterned barely higher on the 30-inch board with the inventory modified choke (89 p.c) than Roberts’ Triple Threat T2 (83 p.c). I’ve additionally shot the usual model of this gun many instances with none aftermarket modifications. The entire SX4s, together with the 20-gauge mannequin, have patterned effectively on the vary and killed geese and geese cleanly so long as I did my job. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 47.5 inches
• LOP: 13.8 inches
• Set off weight: 5.14 kilos
• Total weight: 7.7 kilos
• MSRP: $749

Ever because the A390s had been discontinued, Beretta has been making an attempt to construct an reasonably priced 3-inch auto-loader that offers shooters a purpose to purchase a brand new shotgun versus discovering a used Silver or Gold Mallard. The A300 Ultima is as shut as Beretta has come to carrying out that aim. The Ultima shot a constant sample of 60 p.c above and 40 p.c under point-of-aim, which is a staple of Beretta shotguns and why they’re a number of the greatest duck looking shotguns in the marketplace.

Beretta additionally included the Kick-Off system on this gun to tame recoil, however it’s not as superior because the one you will discover within the A400 Xtreme Plus. The Ultima Kick-Off has two springs within the inventory and the A400 has three. You possibly can inform the distinction when taking pictures the 2 weapons. The Ultima delivers a noticeable “pop” to your shoulder if you pull the set off. And the inventory additionally pulls at your face a bit. You received’t really feel something besides a slight push in opposition to your shoulder taking pictures the A400.

However, you possibly can take away the Kick-Off system from the inventory, and basically change it with a plastic spacer. That can in all probability make the gun far more comfy to shoot, actually. The outside options are very good on the Ultima. It seems to be identical to the A400, solely slimmer, and there’s a 20-gauge choice that’s even much less cumbersome. However the matte end on the barrel was rubbing off after just some days. Granted it was driving round behind a UTV subsequent to different unloaded shotguns, however none of these weapons skilled the identical stage of damage and tear. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 49.5 inches
• LOP: 14.2 inches
• Set off weight: 5.14 kilos
• Total weight: 6.8
• MSRP: $750

I don’t see many duck hunters taking pictures Franchis, which is baffling, as a result of the Italian gunmaker—which falls beneath the Benelli cover of manufacturers—builds a number of the most dependable shotguns for the cash. The Affinity 3 operates on the identical inertia system because the Benellis do, it’s simply made with some cheaper exterior options, like a flat, rubber-coated bolt-release and the plastic really feel of the inventory and fore-end. However the Affinity is somewhat lighter (bear in mind it’s a 3-inch gun versus the SBE3, which has a 3.5-inch chamber).

Additionally, the Franchi Affinity 3 beat the entire Benellis on the sample board in our take a look at. It shot 60 p.c above and 40 p.c under point-of-aim on paper, and the perfect Affinity sample was just a few pellets higher than the SBE3, which shot 100% excessive point-of-aim. The Franchi has the identical slim fore-end you will discover on all Benelli semi-autos, which improves the general really feel of the shotgun and makes it straightforward to shoot. The recoil can also be extraordinarily manageable for an inertia gun. There’s a thick TSA recoil pad that can tame any 3-inch shotshell, and I’ve discovered that observe up photographs—after I’ve fired my customary first warning shot at geese—with the gun make it straightforward to get on the fowl. This shotgun additionally is available in a left-hand mannequin, which is an enormous deal for these of us who shoot lefty, as a result of there are so few left-eject shotguns in the marketplace that may be had for lower than $800. TriStar and Remington are the one different two producers that make reasonably priced shotguns particularly for lefties. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12 and 20 (examined)
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 49.5 inches (28-inch barrel)
• LOP: 14.37 inches
• Set off weight: 3 kilos, 10 ounces (measured)
• Total weight: 6.29 kilos (measured)
• MSRP: $899

The value window of $800 to $1,000 is a little bit of a candy spot for semi-auto duck weapons. For this type of cash you need to anticipate a semi-auto shotgun to cycle reliably, deal with and level effectively, sample constantly and look … effectively, not ugly. For years Winchester’s SX platform has been a standout on this aggressive discipline and it’s nonetheless our Nice Purchase choose for an all-around reasonably priced duck gun. However man, the Retay Gordion is unquestionably threatening the SX4’s reign. 

This can be a Turkish-made, inertia-driven shotgun that mimics the modern design and magnificence of the a lot pricier inertia-driven Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle. We evaluated the 20-gauge model of the Gordion throughout our 2023 shotgun take a look at and everybody shot it effectively. It ran by means of tons of of rounds with out challenge and we by no means gave it a cleansing. 

The Gordion is unquestionably missing within the match and end division in comparison with pricier duck weapons. “The controls look clunky however work effectively,” commented taking pictures editor John B. Snow. “There’s some sloppy match and end and the steel end is so-so.” 

The gun’s matte black end was beginning to present some scratches throughout our testing. Later, I took the Gordion looking throughout Minnesota’s early teal season. I hiked deep right into a hellaciously muddy slough that was stuffed with teal. I used to be grateful for the shotgun’s transportable weight through the lengthy slog. At authorized taking pictures gentle, I obtained right down to enterprise and rapidly killed just a few bluewings. After my canine retrieved the geese and I sloshed round repositioning decoys, we had been all completely caked in mud, together with the Gordion. At this level the gun started to have hassle biking reliably. This didn’t shock me. Many semi-auto shotguns jam up when their actions and controls get soiled or frozen. Would a high-end Benelli have jammed beneath the identical situations? Maybe—however in all probability not. 

Nonetheless, the Gordion is a wonderful choice within the mid-priced semi-auto class. It’s sleeker than the gas-operated SX4 and it’s a bit cheaper than the Franchi Affinity 3. It’s a duckslayer for positive, simply hold it clear to maintain it operating. —A.R.

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Key Features

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 48.5 inches
• LOP: 13.5 inches
• Set off weight 5.11 kilos
• Total weight: 7.7 kilos
• MSRP: $868

Mossberg unveiled the Mossberg 940 JM Professional just a few years in the past at Shot Present. That is the waterfowl model of that gas-operated auto-loader. Mossberg has examined this gun and says the gasoline system runs clear sufficient you could shoot 1,500 rounds by means of the 940 earlier than it wants cleansing. We didn’t shoot that many shells by means of it in our take a look at — there’s an ammo scarcity in any case — however it’s true that we by no means did expertise a hiccup with the gun after biking just a few hundred rounds by means of it. The buffer tube on the surface of the journal, and corrosion-resistant coatings on lots of the inside elements (the gasoline piston, journal tube, hammer sear, return spring tube, chrome-lined chamber and bore, and a stainless-steel return spring) are what enable the gun to proceed functioning after so many spent rounds.

What I like concerning the 940 versus the older 930 mannequin is the general exterior end of the gun. The 930 fore-end doesn’t mate with the receiver seamlessly when the gun is put collectively. The 940s fore-end does, due to a chunk of plastic on the underside of the gun that assists with the match. There are many extras that include this shotgun: inventory spacers for length-of-pull, drop, and solid all come customary, plus the gun was constructed with an outsized bolt deal with, enlarged load port, enlarged bolt-release, a HiViz entrance sight, and prolonged choke tubes which are straightforward to swap out at dwelling or within the discipline. —J.G.

Stoeger M3000 

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 47.75 inches
• LOP: 14 ⅜ inches
• Set off weight: 4 kilos, 6 ounces (measured)
• Total weight: 7.3 kilos (measured)
• MSRP: $619

Stoeger up to date its flagship M3000 platform in 2023 with a slimmer fore-end, bigger controls, and an improved set off. After we examined the older M3000 on our duck hunt in Texas the Stoeger had an 8-pound set off. The brand new model, which we evaluated in our 2023 shotgun take a look at, had a extra acceptable 4-pound set off. Notably, the M3000 comes with a shim package for adjusting drop and solid, which not many shotguns on this value vary provide.

Moreover that, the M3000 stays a 3-inch, Turkish-made, inertia-driven shotgun with mediocre match and end (and an obnoxiously massive pink entrance bead). Nevertheless, the gun shines extra brightly if you put it into motion. 

All members of our take a look at group preferred the best way the M3000 shot and dealt with. “It shot effectively and factors like a dearer gun,” commented take a look at group member and USA Capturing Olympic shotgun coach Hank Garvey. Invoice Buckley, a veteran waterfowler, photographer, and probably the most discerning member of the take a look at panel gave the Stoeger its highest praise: “I might undoubtedly hunt with it.”

Prior to now we’ve got shot Stoegers that perform simply tremendous, whereas others have damaged down rapidly. In our 2023 take a look at, the brand new M3000 ran effectively and had no challenge biking. Nevertheless the bolt-release button did come unfastened and the triangular security tab, situated on the rear of the set off guard, spun freely. 

Even taking these points under consideration, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a higher semi-auto duck gun within the $600 vary. —A.R.

Greatest Pump Shotguns for Duck Searching

Greatest Pump Shotgun Winner: Remington Fieldmaster

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch 
• Size: 49.5 inches
• LOP: 14 inches
• Set off weight: 2 kilos, 12 ounces (measured)
• Total weight: 7.7 kilos (measured)
• MSRP: $500

In early 2022 RemArms changed the enduring 870 Categorical with its new 870 Fieldmaster. On the planet of reasonably priced duck weapons this was no small change, as greater than 11 million 870s have been bought since 1950 and have bagged numerous waterfowl over the a long time.

Fortunately, the Fieldmaster is a greater shotgun than the Categorical. The brand new model consists of easy upgrades: rust-resistant coatings on steel elements, smoother end on the motion bars, a drilled and tapped receiver, a softer recoil pad, and swivel studs for a sling. The gun comes with IC, M, and F chokes. It has a darkish walnut inventory that received’t shine too brightly on a sunny day and flare geese. 

It’s additionally notable that whereas many low-cost pump shotguns are manufactured in Turkey, the Fieldmaster is made in Illion, New York. However don’t get it twisted, this isn’t a flowery shotgun. Don’t anticipate the brand new Fieldmaster to look or perform just like the previous Wingmasters. We reviewed the Fieldmaster in our line up of the best pump shotguns throughout our 2023 shotgun test and Capturing Editor John B. Snow described the wooden checkering on our pattern as “fairly dismal.” There are noticeable gaps within the wood-to-metal match. The entrance ivory bead sits annoyingly excessive upon the rib. 

However most duck hunters received’t care about these quibbles. What’s most necessary is that the Fieldmaster runs reliably even when soiled and even by means of the moist, muddy situations duck hunters face (learn our full torture take a look at review of the 870 Fieldmaster right here). If you happen to think about your duck gun to be a instrument and nothing extra, then the 870 Fieldmaster stands out because the nicest hammer within the discipline of reasonably priced pump weapons. —A.R.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49.5 inches
• LOP: 14.4 inches
• Set off weight: 7 kilos
• Total weight: 9 kilos
• MSRP: $760

Browning is one in every of only some shotgun makers that’s nonetheless producing a high-end sporting pump gun (Ithaca being the opposite). The Browning BPS is a walnut and metal beast—it’s additionally out there in composite and camo-finish fashions—that’s practically indestructible. It’s a bottom-eject shotgun, the one pump, together with the Ithaca Mannequin 37, nonetheless being constructed this manner. You additionally load the shotgun by means of the ejection port, which is barely simpler than the side-gate pumps. The protection is tang-mounted, which makes it interesting to each left- and right-handed shooters.

The load of the three.5-inch BPS (8 to 9 kilos) permits it to absorb recoil remarkably effectively, however in case you are a smaller shooter, the 3-inch BPS (a lighter gun, that also manages recoil simply tremendous) is a greater choice. The journey on the pump for the three.5-inch mannequin is sort of 4 inches and that makes working the gun tougher for shooters with a shorter arm size. I’m 6-foot-4 and generally short-stroke this gun after firing the primary shell, making an attempt to eject it, and convey a second shell into battery. Nonetheless, the BPS is among the greatest made pumps of all-time and a gun Browning doesn’t minimize any corners on. So, when you’re out there for a well-constructed pump shotgun that can final generations, that is it. —J.G.

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Key Options

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size: 47.5 inches
• LOP: 14 inches
• Set off weight: 6.8 kilos
• Total weight: 6.5 kilos
• MSRP: $459

Virtually as iconic because the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500 and the Categorical had been in a good battle for the perfect pump shotgun up till the ultimate day of the take a look at. A side-by-side comparability (and a shoot-off on the sporting clays vary) gave the 870 the sting. However not by a lot. Mossberg’s 500, which is out there in an virtually limitless variety of configurations—significantly when you purchase the Flex sequence—patterned the perfect out of the 4 pumps we examined. Its greatest sample put 119 of 140 No. 2 pellets inside a 30-inch circle at 35 yards, an 85 p.c sample share. The BPS and 870, had been only some pellets behind, however the 500 did win out.

Like most trendy pump weapons, the five hundred operates on twin-action bars that permit you to pump shotshells by means of the gun. There have been no points with hangers or short-stroking the five hundred—it ran very easy. The texture of this gun isn’t fairly pretty much as good because the 870 or BPS, however it additionally shoots barely higher. The fore-end has somewhat extra bulk to it than most pumps, however that offers you extra to carry onto and management the gun higher. Additionally, both sides of the fore-end has been scooped out so there’s a channel for you thumb and forefinger. In case you have larger palms, your fingers is not going to match into these carved out notches, however it’s not a deal-break. The tang-mounted security on the gun was stiff and gradual, however you possibly can change it for as little as $20 with an aftermarket security. —J.G.

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Key Options 

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3.5-inch
• Size: 49 inches
• LOP: 13.7 inches
• Set off weight: 7.14
• Total weight: 7.7 kilos
• MSRP: $449

Benelli’s Nova is an especially robust gun; it’s inventory and receiver are constructed on a single metal body with a polymer overmold. I do know loads of duck hunters which have had this gun because it got here out within the late Nineteen Nineties, and it nonetheless runs pretty much as good because the day they purchased it. The Nova’s greatest sample was 66 p.c, 93 of 140 pellets contained in the 30-inch circle at 30 yards by means of a modified choke. However there have been a number of photographs on the sample board that had been excessive (70 to 80 p.c above point-of-aim) and uneven—the Federal No. 2s had been unfold skinny over the goal with not a lot core density.

I do love the texture of the Nova. It’s a Benelli, so it carries gentle and has that skinny fore-end that makes these weapons really easy to swing. However the fore-end of the Nova is barely totally different than the SBE3. It’s virtually a triangle. It provides you a rattling good grip on the gun and makes working the Nova straightforward. There have been no mechanical flaws with the Benelli in any respect. And as I mentioned, it is a soundly constructed gun, I’ve simply by no means shot it that effectively and neither did others on the take a look at group. For me, I believe it’s the match. That is virtually a 50-inch-long gun with solely a 13.7-inch size of pull (it doesn’t include a shim package). Benelli lists the LOP on this gun as 14 3/8 inches, however our tape measured fairly a bit shorter than that. —J.G.

Greatest Sub-Gauge Shotguns for Duck Searching

Sub-gauge shotguns, something smaller than a 12-gauge, have turn into extra and more popular among waterfowlers. That’s as a result of by choosing the appropriate premium ammo, duck hunters can use 16-gauges on right down to .410s to cleanly kill birds at modest ranges. These sub-gauges usually ship much less recoil and are simply plain enjoyable to shoot. We didn’t get to check all of the sub-gauge shotguns on the market throughout our duck gun take a look at, however we’ve got shot the entire following weapons on hunts and on the vary they usually’ve confirmed their effectiveness within the discipline. So, when you’re seeking to change it up from that big-booming 12-gauge, think about one in every of these sub-gauge shotguns for duck looking. —Alex Robinson

Benelli M2 20-Gauge

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Key Options

• Gauge: 20
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size 49.3 inches
• LOP: 14.4 inches
• Total weight: 5.9 kilos (with 28-inch barrel)
• MSRP: $1,449

The M2 is among the greatest 20-gauge semi-auto shotguns you possibly can take afield. Numerous duck guides like them due to their gentle weight and reliability. It’s additionally a really balanced gun if you swing it on geese or clays. The M2 did shoot excessive and proper for me on the sample board, however I’ve by no means had an issue killing geese with this gun. It’s going to cycle lighter 1-ounce hundreds, that are extra widespread choices for 20 gauges than the heavier 1 1/8 ounces. If you happen to step right down to a 7/8-ounce cost weight, dependable biking might be a difficulty, however inertia weapons aren’t constructed to perform with such a light-weight load.

A Performance Shop M2 will value you just about $2,700. That will get you lengthened and polished forcing cones, three Rob Roberts chokes, a Hello-Viz entrance sight, outsized bolt deal with, enlarged bolt launch, and a paracord sling. However you should buy a regular artificial M2 for beneath $1,500.

My suggestion is to purchase the usual model of the M2 after which if you wish to make the aftermarket upgrades, you possibly can pay as you go. Get the forcing cones lengthened and polished and purchase the T2 choke (they sample greatest out of Benellis, based on Roberts) as an alternative of all three. You then basically have the Efficiency Store model of this gun, minus just a few upgrades, for a number of hundred {dollars} cheaper. —J.G.

Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle 3 28-Gauge

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Key Options

• Gauge: 28
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size 47.5 inches
• LOP: 14.4 inches
• Total weight: 5.6 kilos (with 28-inch barrel)
• MSRP: $1,799

The very first thing it’s essential to find out about this mini SBE 3 is that it’s a real pleasure to shoot. It’s splendidly gentle, however with its 28-inch barrel, it’s not whippy. If you happen to’re used to taking pictures 12-gauge magnum waterfowl hundreds, the recoil from this 28-gauge will really feel mild, like a buddy supplying you with a very good pat on the shoulder. You’ll be delighted at how rapidly the entrance bead finds birds’ heads and the way swiftly you’re in a position to transition from one goal to the following.

Learn the Full Assessment of the 28 Gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

The second factor it’s essential to know concerning the SBE 3 28-gauge is that it completely crushes waterfowl at shut and mid ranges. I used to be in a position to discipline take a look at the gun within the fall of 2022, shortly after it was launched and shot it throughout South Dakota discipline hunts for mallards, specks, snows, and lesser Canadas. Capturing Federal’s Blackcloud, 3-inch #3s, any birds inside 40 yards dropped onerous. Later within the fall I shot Hevi-Shot’s HEVI-XII, 3-inch #4s and located that this load, fired by means of my little 28-gauge was definitively lights out on late-season mallards. On all hunts I used Benelli’s manufacturing facility Modified choke. Geese over the unfold had been shot useless, not crippled.

I’ll admit I used to be at first skeptical of the 28’s capacity to kill waterfowl cleanly. However after looking with the SBE 3 28-gauge, I’m a real believer. Many diehard waterfowlers are shifting to the 28-gauge as a result of it’s so enjoyable to shoot and with the appropriate hundreds, it’s extremely efficient at mid ranges. The 28-gauge duck gun isn’t a advertising gimmick. It’s the true deal.

Benelli followers will discover many acquainted options on the SBE 3 28 gauge. It has the identical inertia pushed motion because it’s huge brother, similar ComfortTech system within the inventory, and similar choices for the corporate’s BE.S.T proprietary coating. The model I discipline examined had a carbon fiber rib, which is cool, however not crucial. The one quibble I might discover with the gun is that it whereas loading the bolt fed shells into the chamber somewhat sluggishly at instances. And not using a shell the bolt slammed dwelling with gusto. Finally, it didn’t have an effect on discipline efficiency as my take a look at gun cycled reliably after each shot, even in chilly, snowy situations.  —A.R.

Mossberg 500 .410

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Key Options

• Gauge: .410
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Size 43.75 inches
• LOP: 13.87 inches
• Total weight: 6.25 kilos (with 24-inch barrel)
• MSRP: $489

The Mossberg 500 is among the final budget-priced duck looking weapons. The .410 model of the gun is simply as dependable because it’s huge brother, and it’s surprisingly efficient on geese when paired with TSS hundreds. Now that is the true draw back of utilizing a .410 for waterfowl, you’ll need to shoot tungsten hundreds, that are prohibitively costly for many. Nevertheless, in small portions and for sure hunts, this little Mossberg and 3-inch shells loaded with #9 or #7 TSS are an ideal mixture.

The .410 has discovered renewed reputation amongst turkey hunters not too long ago, and Mossberg makes a turkey mannequin in camo. It may be the final word gun to get a child began turkey looking. However when duck season rolls round it can work simply tremendous on birds backpedaling over the decoys as effectively. —A.R.

Remaining Ideas on the Greatest Duck Searching Shotguns

What’s cool about duck looking and duck hunters is that with all of the expertise that goes into trendy shotguns, a few of us nonetheless select to kill mallards with a Remington 870 that couldn’t fetch $50 in a gun store. However, it’s additionally cool to see how far the perfect duck looking shotguns have come, significantly the high-end auto-loaders. Benelli is the shining instance of that. In simply three a long time, they climbed to the highest of the shotgun heap and at the moment are on the third technology of the enduring Super Black Eagle. Browning re-engineered its namesake John Browning’s most famed semi-auto (the A5) and has added the gas-operated Maxus, the second iteration of which is among the most neatly designed duck weapons in waterfowl looking historical past. Beretta is in its fifth century of operation, and nonetheless it had the foresight to create the perfect semi-auto duck gun ever invented. Between the reasonably priced, workhorse Remington 870 and Beretta’s A400, which is on the precipice of shotgun expertise, there are plenty of rattling good duck looking shotguns. Now it’s on you to resolve which is greatest in your waterfowl looking pursuits.

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