If you think there’s such a thing as having too many shotguns, think again—especially if you’re keeping up with the latest models. Each year, new options hit the market that even seasoned collectors find hard to resist. I’ll admit, I’ve tried to thin out my shotgun collection a few times, only to see a new release that I *have* to try. When it comes to shotguns, there’s a lot to talk about.
When picking the best shotgun, you’ve got to consider how well the gun is built, its reliability, handling, recoil, weight, affordability, purpose, and ergonomics. To come up with my top picks, I considered all of these things and more, and have chosen a range of reliable, tried and tested shotguns that cater to every budget and need.
Beretta Ultraleggero
The Beretta Ultraleggero, or “Ultralight,” stands out for its innovative design, making it an incredibly lightweight over/under shotgun at just 6 pounds, 6 ounces. Despite its light frame, the Ultraleggero maintains the strength and reliability of a 12-gauge shotgun. It features a 28-inch barrel and a break-action design, combining tradition with modern materials to shave off weight without sacrificing performance. The action is built on a skeletonized steel frame, with plastic inserts and a hollowed stock to keep the gun balanced and easy to carry.
This shotgun’s aesthetic appeal comes from its blue finish and 3-D engraved inserts, which you can even customize with personal designs. I took it hunting, and while it handled perfectly, the recoil from heavier 12-gauge loads was noticeable—something a recoil pad can easily fix. At $3,000, the Ultraleggero is an investment, but it’s one that pays off if you’re after a lightweight yet versatile shotgun for all-day use.
Beretta 1301
The Beretta 1301 is a fast-cycling, semi-automatic shotgun designed for tactical use and home defense, and it doesn’t disappoint. At just 6.4 pounds with an 18.5-inch barrel, it’s lightweight, quick to the shoulder, and easy to maneuver in tight spaces—ideal for the defensive scenarios this shotgun was built for. The gas-operated system ensures smooth cycling and low recoil, making it easy to get back on target for follow-up shots.
What sets the 1301 apart is its speed. This is one of the fastest-cycling shotguns on the market, and for a price of around $1,380, it offers exceptional performance for those who need rapid, reliable firepower. While it’s primarily geared toward tactical users, its lightweight build and superior handling also make it a solid choice for competition shooters looking for an edge.
Browning Citori
The Browning Citori is a time-tested icon in the world of over/under shotguns, combining high-end craftsmanship with unmatched versatility. Whether you’re heading to the range for a competitive shoot or chasing birds in the field, the Citori delivers with precision and dependability. It weighs around 8 pounds, depending on the specific model and barrel configuration you choose—26 to 32 inches. This balance gives it the heft serious shooters appreciate for recoil control and smooth follow-through on targets.
Fabarm Elos D2 RS
Chambered in popular gauges like 12, 20, and even 28-gauge and .410, the Citori covers all the bases, giving hunters and clay shooters the flexibility they need. At around $2,200, it’s a premium shotgun, but the durability and flawless mechanics make it a lifelong investment. The only caveat? That weight might wear on you during extended field use, but for those who demand performance and reliability, this is a shotgun that earns its price tag.
The Fabarm Elos D2 RS is a target shooter’s dream, offering excellent balance and precision at a competitive price. This over/under shotgun weighs in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces, giving it the heft needed for smooth, steady swings. With a 32-inch barrel and a semi-matte blue finish accented by enamel details, it’s as stylish as it is functional. The gun comes with a crisp 3¾-pound trigger pull, perfect for fast, accurate shots on the range.
Fabarm’s signature attention to barrel-making ensures top-notch performance, and this model includes four extended chokes for added versatility. At $3,575, the Elos D2 RS delivers a lot of value, particularly with its ergonomic design and adjustable stock hardware, making it an excellent option for serious clay shooters.
Winchester Super X Pump
The Winchester Super X Pump proves that a budget shotgun doesn’t have to skimp on quality. Known for its no-nonsense reliability, this pump-action workhorse is built for hunters and home defenders alike. At about 7 pounds, 4 ounces, with a choice between 26- or 28-inch barrels, it’s light enough to carry all day but solid enough to absorb recoil and keep you shooting straight. Whether you’re hunting waterfowl or protecting your home, this gun handles a variety of loads like a champ.
Available in both 12- and 20-gauge, the Super X Pump features Winchester’s trusted action design, making it simple to use and maintain. At $360, you’re getting dependable performance at a price that’s hard to beat. While it doesn’t have the smoothness of more expensive pump-action shotguns, it’s hard to argue with its value. For anyone who needs a reliable, all-purpose pump gun, this is an option worth considering.
CZ 712 G3
The CZ 712 G3 is a budget-friendly gas-operated shotgun that packs a punch. At 7 pounds, 7 ounces, it feels sturdy in hand, and with barrel options ranging from 24 to 28 inches, it suits a variety of shooting needs. The gas-operated action, combined with the weight-forward balance, keeps the recoil soft, making it easy to shoot even with heavy field loads. Enlarged controls and stock shims add to the user-friendly design, making adjustments quick and simple.
Priced between $579 and $669, the CZ 712 G3 offers excellent value, especially since it comes with five extended chokes and a durable hard case. Though disassembling the gun for cleaning requires an extra step, the overall reliability and ease of use make it a top contender for hunters looking for a well-priced, reliable shotgun.
Remington 870 Synthetic
The Remington 870 Synthetic marks a strong comeback for this iconic pump-action shotgun. Now made by RemArms, the new 870 is smoother and more reliable than its predecessors. Weighing 7.5 pounds and with a barrel length of 26 or 28 inches, it’s well-suited for a variety of hunting scenarios. The upgraded matte blue finish offers better rust resistance, while the stock’s soft comb insert and recoil pad make shooting more comfortable.
The action is as smooth as ever, and the extended forend provides better grip. Priced around $600, the new 870 might cost a bit more than the old Express models, but the improved materials and features make it worth every penny.
Mossberg 500 20-Gauge Optic Ready
The Mossberg 500 20-Gauge Optic Ready takes an old favorite and equips it for the modern hunter with an optic-ready receiver. Weighing just 6.5 pounds with a 22-inch barrel, this pump-action shotgun is light and maneuverable, perfect for turkey hunting. The factory choke patterns well at 40 yards, making it highly effective in the field.
Priced at $644, this model offers excellent value for hunters who want to add a red dot sight without complicated gunsmithing. The only drawback is its heavy trigger, but this can be adjusted with aftermarket parts if needed.
Mossberg Maverick 88
Known for being the budget-friendly workhorse, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is built for durability and reliability at a low price. Weighing around 7 pounds and with a 28-inch barrel option, this pump-action shotgun is great for hunting or home defense. It’s available in both 12- and 20-gauge configurations, with shorter barrels for security models and longer ones for field use.
Priced at around $230, the Maverick 88 is about as affordable as it gets without sacrificing performance. While it’s basic compared to pricier models, its simplicity is part of its charm—easy to maintain and tough as nails.
Benelli M4
The Benelli M4 is a military-grade, semi-automatic shotgun that’s built for tactical use. Weighing 7.8 pounds and featuring an 18.5-inch barrel, the M4 is designed for reliability under the harshest conditions. Its gas-operated action ensures smooth cycling, even with heavy loads, making it an ideal choice for home defense or law enforcement.
Priced at around $1,900, the M4 is more expensive than most tactical shotguns, but its performance and durability make it worth the investment. It’s heavier than some other tactical options, but its low recoil and rapid cycling more than make up for it.
Benelli Montefeltro
The Benelli Montefeltro remains a top choice for upland hunters, thanks to its light weight and excellent handling. At 6 pounds, 12 ounces with a 28-inch barrel, it’s one of the lightest semi-autos in its class, making it easy to carry through long hunting trips. The inertia-driven action is smooth and reliable, and this year’s model comes with the same ergonomic improvements as the updated M2, including the Easy-Locking bolt system that prevents misfires from a bumped bolt.
While the updated styling, especially the aggressively curved pistol grip, may not appeal to everyone, the gun’s performance is outstanding. Priced at $1,499, the Montefeltro is a versatile option for those seeking a lightweight semi-auto that excels in the field.
Beretta A300 Ultima Sporting
The Beretta A300 Ultima Sporting builds on the proven A300 platform, designed specifically for clay shooters. Weighing in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces with a 30-inch barrel, this semi-auto features Beretta’s gas-operated system, which, combined with its weight and a Kick-Off recoil reducer, makes for exceptionally soft recoil. Whether you’re shooting light target loads or heavier 3-inch shells, the A300 cycles them all with ease.
While its matte blue finish and lime green accents might not win any beauty contests, the A300 Ultima Sporting excels where it counts: breaking clays with consistency. Priced at $1,100, it’s a great value for those who need a high-performing sporting shotgun that won’t break the bank.
Benelli M2
The Benelli M2 gets a makeover for 2023 with thoughtful ergonomic improvements that make it even easier to use in the field. Weighing in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and sporting a 28-inch barrel, this inertia-driven semi-auto handles smoothly whether you’re hunting waterfowl or upland birds. The big news this year is the Easy-Locking bolt, which eliminates the infamous inertia-click misfire issue, boosting the gun’s reliability.
The controls have been enlarged but remain sleek enough not to get in the way. It cycles loads from light target shells to heavier hunting loads without a hiccup. Priced at $1,399, the M2 is a versatile, reliable choice for any hunting scenario, though some may prefer the styling of the older models.
Beretta A400 28-Gauge
The Beretta A400 28-Gauge adds a new option to the A400 family with its 3-inch chambering. Weighing 5.8 pounds with a 28-inch barrel, this gas-operated semi-auto delivers soft recoil and fast cycling, making it a reliable choice for upland hunting. The A400’s enhanced walnut stock and silver anodized receiver give it a sleek look, though the aesthetics might not appeal to everyone.
Priced at $1,829, the A400 28-Gauge handles beautifully, balancing well despite its light weight. It’s perfect for long walks in the field, especially when targeting small game like doves or upland birds.
Stevens 560
The Stevens 560 offers a surprising amount of quality for a gas-operated shotgun priced under $500. Weighing just under 7 pounds with a 28-inch barrel, this Turkish-made gun features a unique dual-piston gas system that reliably cycles a variety of loads, though it does kick harder than expected for a gas gun. The walnut stock and matte blue finish give it a classic look that belies its budget-friendly price tag.
At $499, the Stevens 560 delivers great value for anyone looking for an affordable gas-operated shotgun. While the recoil may be more noticeable, its overall performance and reliability make it a solid option for budget-conscious shooters.
Stoeger M3000
Stoeger’s M3000 has long been a favorite for those seeking an affordable inertia-driven shotgun, and the latest model includes some welcome ergonomic upgrades. At 7 pounds, 3 ounces with a 28-inch barrel, this gun feels well-balanced, especially with its weight-forward design that helps steady your swing. The larger controls make it easier to handle, particularly in cold weather or when wearing gloves.
Priced between $559 and $669, the M3000 remains one of the most affordable inertia guns on the market, though it struggles with lighter target loads. If you’re primarily hunting with heavy field or waterfowl loads, this shotgun will serve you well.
Benelli 28-Gauge SBE3 BE S.T.
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) has a reputation for toughness, and now in 28-gauge, it becomes even more versatile. Weighing just 5.5 pounds with a 26-inch or 28-inch barrel, this featherweight version retains all the features of the full-size SBE3, including its ergonomics, Easy-Locking bolt, and BE S.T. coating for added durability. Though its lightweight build makes it ideal for close-up upland game or waterfowl hunting, the gun’s muzzle-light balance makes it less effective for longer-range shots.
Priced at $2,099, the 28-gauge SBE3 is an investment, but for hunters looking for a lightweight, reliable shotgun with the power of a 28-gauge, it’s a great choice. Just keep in mind that it’s best for short-range shooting.
Tristar Viper G2 PRO
The Tristar Viper G2 PRO is an upgraded version of the popular Viper G2, featuring enlarged controls for easier operation. Weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce with a 28-inch barrel, this gas-operated semi-auto handles a variety of loads, though it can struggle with lighter 7/8-ounce rounds. The bronze Cerakote receiver and glossy walnut stock add a touch of elegance to this otherwise utilitarian shotgun.
Priced at $990 for the 12- and 20-gauge models, and slightly more for 16-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410, the Viper G2 PRO offers smooth performance and solid value, especially for those looking for a gun in a less common gauge.
