The number of new shotguns this year doesn't begin to rival the number of new rifle introductions, but some noteworthy and newsworthy offerings are launching throughout the price spectrum.
In the market? Here's a look at several shotguns seen and handled during the recent Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades, or SHOT, Show in Las Vegas, presented in alphabetical order:
BENELLI SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
What: Benelli wanted to make a big splash with this sweet-shooting shotgun, and they're succeeding. I shot some 20 target rounds through this 12-gauge semiautomatic and it points impeccably well. Felt recoil, at least with these lighter loads, was extremely gentle.
The original Black Eagle was a pioneer in the world of autoloading waterfowl magnums. This new gun has Benelli's famed inertia-driven action and some oversized features designed to make operation easier in cold, inhospitable weather while you're wearing gloves. These include an oversized bolt handle, bolt release, safety and a redesigned magazine cap along with an enlarged loading port.
Use the included shim kit to make up eight different cast and drop configurations. The slim grip and forend make for comfortable handling.
What else: Handles up to 3.5-inch shot shells; weighs 7.05 to 7.2 pounds (depending on barrel); comes with five choke tubes; red-bar front sight and metal bead mid-sight; receiver drilled and tapped for 93A Weaver base
Available in: Black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Gore Optifade Timber and Mossy Oak Bottomlands camo
Barrel basics: 26- or 28-inch cryo-treated barrel
Weight: 7.05 to 7.2 pounds, depending on barrel
MSRP: $1,899 (black), $1,999 (camo)
Online: www.benelliusa.com
BROWNING A5 WICKED WING
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
What: This is a line extension of the venerable humpback. What stands out is this shotgun's cool, new look with a variety of camo patterns available and a unique burnt bronze Cerakote finish on metal components. This duck gun, which handles up to 3.5-inch Magnum loads, also features some oversized buttons and trigger guard for gloved hands and cold weather.
What else: Shim adjustments can tweak length of pull, cast and drop; lengthened forcing cone; three choke tubes; fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead sight; Dura-Touch coating; storage case
Available in: Camo options include Mossy Oak Bottomland or Shadow Grass Blades, Realtree Max-5, or A-TACS AU.
Barrel basics: 28 inches with a flat, ventilated rib and fully-chromed bore to deter corrosion
Weight: 7.5 pounds
MSRP: $1,979
Online: www.browning.com.
BROWNING B15 BEAUCHAMP
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
What: Look, I know you're probably not going to spend up to $20,000 on a shotgun, but it doesn't hurt to dream. Finely engraved and checkered shotguns with premium walnut stocks are things of beauty. Many such guns are crafted in Italy, but this newer Browning, first unveiled in 2015 and offered as part of the John M. Browning collection, gets its finishing treatment in Belgium.
Butt plates and fore-end stylings are also included, as well as a leather case. It shares the locking system and technical features of its renowned predecessor, the B25.
What else: Low-profile receiver, mechanical trigger, back-bored barrels and set of choke tubes
Available in: Four grades with a choice of engravings and wood quality
MSRP: Save your nickels – prices range from $12,999 for the Grade B model to $20,499 for Grade E.
Online: www.johnmbrowningcollection.com
CHIAPPA DOUBLE BADGER
Photo Credit: Manufacturer photos
What: This super lightweight shotgun/rimfire combination expands with a 20 gauge/.22 LR option. You can easily fold this gun up and stuff in a backpack, slip it behind a seat or haul it just about anywhere – push the trigger guard down and fold it to just 21.2 inches. Chiappa's original model has a .410/.22 LR or .22 WMR pairing.
Some people call it a survival gun, but with the new 20-gauge shotgun barrel, it's legitimately capable of both self-defense and hunting situations from small game to deer (not that it'd be your first choice as a deer gun).
What else: Williams Fiber Optic ghost ring and front sight, 3/8-inch dovetail rail for mounting optics
Barrel basics: Each 18-inch barrel is selectively fired by its own trigger and controlled by a top tang safety.
Weight: 6.8 pounds
MSRP: $499 (.410 version $429)
Online: www.chiappafirearms.com