DU’s 2026 Shotgun of the Year: Browning A5 20-Gauge
This beautiful firearm features a glossy walnut stock and forearm and a nickel-finished receiver adorned with gold-inlay DU artwork. The gun comes with a 3-inch chamber, 28-inch barrel, three chokes, and a polymer case with the DU logo. Like all A5s, it includes Browning’s Kinematic Drive inertia system, Inflex II recoil pad, TurnKey magazine plug, and spacers and shims for fit adjustments. Weighing in at a trim 5 3/4 pounds, it’s available only through the Ducks Unlimited event system. ducks.org/events
1. Browning Maxus II
Browning’s flagship gas-operated semiauto is now available in two new color options: tan and earth. Built around the highly reliable, soft-shooting Power Drive Gas System, the Maxus II comes with a host of handy features, including the Inflex II recoil pad, over-molded grip panels, oversize controls, and adjustable shims and spacers for a customized fit. Synthetic versions of the Maxus II are available in 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge with a 26- or 28-inch barrel. browning.com
2. Beretta AX800 Suprema
Beretta’s newest waterfowl gun, the AX800 Suprema, features many impressive innovations, including a stock and receiver made of one piece of polymer with no steel reinforcement. The result is a more durable gun that requires less maintenance than an alloy-framed semiauto. The Suprema makes use of Beretta’s B-Link Pro quick-cycling gas system, and the butt houses an upgraded Kick-Off Pro recoil reducer. In addition, the stock’s modular grip can be switched out for other contours, and the barrel is bored to Beretta’s Steelium Pro dimensions for improved patterning and recoil reduction. This 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge semiauto is available in black synthetic and several popular camo finishes. beretta.com
3. Beretta A300 Ultima
An American-made version of the classic A391 with a few improvements, the A300 Ultima is one of the best gas gun values on the market. Available in 3-inch 12- and 20-gauge with a 28-inch barrel, the Ultima comes with a Kick-Off recoil reducer, enlarged controls, rubber comb insert, step-ribbed barrel, and fiber-optic sight. The stock adjusts for length, drop, and cast. The synthetic furniture is now available in original Mossy Oak Shadow Grass camo. beretta.com
4. Benelli M2
Benelli’s workhorse inertia gun got an upgrade this year. The M2’s Progressive Comfort stock combines a soft comb with a butt pad connected to a series of interlocking plastic fingers, which act as a shock absorber. This effective recoil-reduction system joins other ergonomic improvements, including an easy-locking bolt, enlarged controls, and smoother-loading magazine. Available in black or camo finishes, it comes in 3-inch 12- and 20-gauge with 26- or 28-inch barrels. benelliusa.com
5. Franchi Affinity
Franchi has expanded the restyling of its popular Affinity semiauto across the entire lineup. The gun features a slimmer forearm, easier loading with a two-piece shell latch, and a lower-profile bolt-closer button. The aesthetics are improved too, with restyled checkering and accent lines. In all, 15 different configurations of the Affinity have received the makeover, including camo versions of the compact 20-gauge, camo/Cerakote 3- and 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge, and left-handed models in 12- and 20-gauge black synthetic. franchiusa.com
6. Stoeger V7000
Stoeger’s new V7000 is a versatile, budget-friendly over/under that combines traditional aesthetics with lightweight handling. The gun features an aluminum alloy receiver, Turkish walnut stock, single selective trigger, and automatic ejectors. The 28-inch blued barrels come with a ventilated rib, fiber-optic sight, and interchangeable chokes. It’s chambered for both 2 3/4- and 3-inch shells, and the receiver is available in a black or silver alloy finish. stoegerindustries.com
7. Fabarm Elos N2 RS
Fabarm’s Elos N2 RS over/under has added weight in the right places, thanks to a full-length mid-rib barrel and a redesigned stock and forearm. Designed specifically for target shooting, it’s chambered for 3-inch loads so you can also take it duck hunting. The stock has an adjustable comb, while the barrels have proprietary boring and house-made chokes. The walnut furniture has a matte finish with a black adjustable comb, and the black metal is accentuated with blue-and-white enamel. fabarmusa.com
8. Weatherby SORIX Field
Weatherby has expanded its SORIX semiauto line with its new Field version, featuring Grade II walnut furniture and gunmetal Cerakote on the barrel and receiver. The receiver is cut away for easier loading, and the gun comes with enlarged controls, including an easily reversed safety and bolt handle for lefties. The Italian-made SORIX is available in 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge and 20-gauge. weatherby.com
9. Mossberg International Maverick SA All-Purpose
New from Mossberg is a pair of 3-inch 12-gauge Maverick SA gas-operated semiautos. Available in black synthetic or with blued-steel and walnut furniture, both All-Purpose versions come with stock spacers that allow for easy length adjustment as well as a 28-inch barrel with fiber-optic beads and a full set of five chokes. mossberg.com
10. Spandau S2 TrueTimber Strata
SDS Arms adds to its line of Spandau inertia semiautos with a 12-gauge turkey gun. Equipped with a 21-inch barrel, the 3-inch-chambered S2 is compact and easy to carry through the woods. Finished in TrueTimber Strata camo, the gun has a fiber-optic bead sight and comes with a Carlson’s Bone Collector turkey choke. The Spandau accepts Benelli M2 accessories, including optics mounts in its drilled and tapped receiver. spandauarms.com
11. Retay ACE and ACE-R Sporting
Retay has expanded its line of ACE and ACE-R inertia-operated semiautos. New Sporting versions of both models come with a walnut stock and bright silver receiver with red accents and are available with a 28- or 30-inch ported barrel, a stepped rib, and a weighted magazine cap for target shooting. In a change from past Retay models, they have reversible safeties, are compatible with Benelli Crio chokes, and come with Airy recoil pads. retayusa.com
12. Ruger Red Label III
In a welcome surprise for double-gun fans, Ruger has revived the revered Red Label over/under. The new model shares the sleek, unadorned style of the old Red Labels but is an entirely different design, patterned after the very successful Rizzini action. Still made in the USA, this time at Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing, the Red Label III is available in 3-inch 20-gauge with either 28-inch barrels for all-around shooting or 30-inchers better suited to targets and waterfowl. The barrels are plated to withstand steel shot and threaded for Tru-Choke style chokes. ruger.com
13. Winchester SX4 Universal Hunter
Winchester has added a new synthetic Universal Hunter version to its popular SX4 gas-operated semiauto line. Clad in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, it’s available in 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge or 3-inch 20-gauge with a choice of 24-, 26-, or 28-inch barrels. The Universal Hunter also comes with a soft Inflex 2 recoil pad, over-bored barrels, Invector-Plus chokes, and a removable Picatinny rail, which allows you to add optics with ease. winchesterguns.com
14. Taurus Deputy Dual Cylinder
Rooted in the enduring design of traditional Old West revolvers, the DeputyDual Cylinder features a 5 1/2-inch barrel and a high-gloss polished finish. The half-moon front sight and durable polymer grips reinforce its period-inspired character. This single-action Deputy is chambered in .357 Magnum and includes an additional 9 mm cylinder, both with a six-round capacity. The interchangeable cylinder effectively provides three caliber options—.357 magnum, .38 Special, and 9 mm—in a single revolver, allowing users to tailor their shooting experience. taurususa.com
15. Springfield Armory 1911 TRP
The 1911 TRP is a feature-packed platform designed and built for 1911 enthusiasts. Whether you seek classic simplicity, light-bearing versatility, or a 4.25-inch model with Carry Contour, each TRP is built to the same high standards. Don’t let the classic look fool you; this pistol is range ready and meets the demands of avid shooters. The TRP is also available in 9 mm with the Agency Optics System for improved performance. springfield-armory.com
16. Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB
Built on the proven Nomad Ti XC lineage, the OTB variant introduces an over-the-barrel design that minimizes overall length when attached to the firearm, enhances balance, and maximizes recoil reduction. This .30 suppressor adds only 4.6 inches to the length of the firearm, making it a compact choice for advanced shooters. The Nomad Ti OTB can handle up to .300 RUM and 7 mm Backcountry and weighs less than 10.5 ounces. deadairsilencers.com
