For 2023, retailers will see the emergence of some interesting and promising trends in shotguns.
The word “lightweight” appears in a majority of manufacturers’ descriptions of their new guns, with “easy” following not far behind. Increasingly knowledgeable consumers are looking for guns that empower them to be better, whether they’re busting clays, taking down game, or enhancing their personal safety. For most, a lighter firearm means easier manipulation and less fatigue at the end of the day or shift. When companies step up and address consumer feedback with improved products, everyone wins.
American Tactical
American Tactical is doing both stateside manufacturing and importing of guns these days. Reflecting that development, the company has dropped “Imports” from its name. That said, it remains in the import game, as evidenced by a new Turkish import—a Mossy Oak Turkey Camo edition of the Cavalry over-and-under. Its three-inch chambers are available in 12 and 20 gauge and .410 bore. A fiber-optic sight sits at the end of the 22-inch blued barrel. The aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped for a Weaver rail. Five chokes are included. SRP: $699.95.
During the 2023 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #72405
Check these out on americantactical.us
Benelli
Benelli rose to meet consumer demand with new 28-gauge guns in the Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3) series. This semi-auto has a three-inch chamber and numerous synthetic stock patterns. It is available in two barrel lengths. Shooters in tight, close-range environments should be pleased with this maximum 5.6-pound shotgun that has glove-ready controls for tough, cold-weather hunts. SRP: starts at $1,799.
Also new is a pump shotgun—the 20-gauge Nova Turkey. It has a 24-inch barrel and a Mossy Oak Bottomlands finish. Benelli says this gun is tough, reliable, yet light for the run-and-gun turkey hunter. Safety was also in mind, as the design allows the chamber to be cleared while not auto-loading the next round in the tube. The Nova Turkey also is priced to allow the entry-level hunter to score his or her own Benelli for only $559.
During the 2023 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #13638
Check these out on benelliusa.com
Charles Daly
Previously only available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore, the 202A is now offered in a 28-gauge and a .410 compact model. The break-open 202A aluminum frame not only delivers versatility and affordability, but makes for a lightweight yet exceptionally strong shotgun that will handle 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells reliably.
The 202A is constructed with a checkered walnut stock and forend complete with a rubber recoil pad. Chrome-lined, vent-rib barrels with extractors feature Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads and include five extended choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F). The aluminum receiver is laser-engraved with a classic style design featuring a hunting dog. The 202A also features a single-selective trigger with mechanical reset and a fixed fiber optic front sight.
During the 2023 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #12853
Check these out on charlesdaly.com
CZ-USA
The just updated 712 semi-auto, known for soft recoil, is an economical, do-everything scattergun that will move from clays to game with ease. The 712 G3 has a matte-black receiver and barrel are backed by two choices of camo patterns on a synthetic stock or a checkered walnut stock. Barrel length is 20 to 28 inches, depending on package. Two interchangeable pistons allow the user to customize recoil from soft, for clay sports, to stronger for game loads. It’ll accommodate 2.75- and 3-inch shells. Five choke tubes are included for further refinement of shot patterns.
Ergonomic updates include a thicker recoil pad and taller comb for quick, comfortable handling. The 712 G3 includes a stock/receiver shim system to accommodate left-handed shooters. An oversize, front-of-trigger safety and charging handle keep it easy to use while wearing with gloves. SRP: $579-649.
During the 2023 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #12654
Check these out on cz-usa.com
Escort
The DF-12, a 12-gauge gas autoloader, is the latest addition to the VTS line. This modern sporting shotgun is attractive for its toughness, ambidextrous controls, and easy field stripping. Three chokes are included, allowing it to run loads from bird shot to heavy slugs through the 18-inch barrel. It’s magazine-fed, chambered in three-inch magnum, and will accommodate 3- and 2.5-inch shells. Two five-round mags are included; two-round magazines are available. Among other features is a removable A2-style carry handle and flip-up rear and front sights for tactical use.
Escort describes the DF-12 as “overbuilt.” Its tough alloy upper and lower combine to make an 8.9-pound shotgun. The chromed barrel is corrosion-resistant. A reversing charging handle makes it southpaw-friendly. This should be one tough contender for a shotgun that can move between home defense and game.
During the 2023 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #72449
Check these out on escortshotgunsusa.com
Franchi
Franchi has launched new variants of its autoloader Affinity waterfowl line. The new Affinity 3 is offered in 12 or 20 gauge, with a Mossy Oak Bottomland or RealTree Max-5 pattern synthetic stock. The 12 gauge is available with a 26- or 28-inch barrel; the 20 gauge has a 26-inch barrel. Steel surfaces are Cerakoted in brown or bronze. Capacity is 4+1. Also in the mix is a left-handed option in 20 gauge, a complement to the existing left-handed 12-gauge model. Affinity 3 is made for the hunter who wants a light-swinging gun that runs both 2.75- and 3-inch shells. SRP: $1,099.
Traditionalists have not been forgotten. Waterfowl hunters who prefer a walnut stock coupled to an Italian scattergun, but don’t have a small fortune on hand, have a new, lightweight choice in the form of the 20-gauge Instinct L. This over/under has a 26-inch ventilated barrel and vented ribs. It joins its 12-gauge stablemate of the same name. SRP: $1,449.
During the 2023 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #13638
Check these out on franchiusa.com
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