By Eve Flanigan
A new wave of shotguns is arriving, bringing refined ergonomics, improved reliability, and innovative features for hunters, sport shooters, and home‑defense users alike. Whether you prefer break‑actions, pumps, or semi‑autos, this year’s releases offer something for every style. Here’s a look at the standout models entering the scene.
American Tactical, Inc.
American Tactical, Inc. has a new offering for waterfowl hunters. Their Triple Barrel is just what it sounds like, a 12-gauge breakopen shotgun with three barrels featuring 3.5-inch magnum chambers. Five choke tubes are included. A silver receiver, a 26-inch ribbed blued barrel, and rich walnut furniture lend a traditional appearance that belies its firepower, at least when viewed across the marsh. SRP: $889.95.
On the tactical side of the shotgun house is their Alpha Maxx 410 AR-style pistol. It has an 8.5-inch threaded barrel and a full length picatinny rail along with polymer M-LOK. Flip-up polymer sights are included. The detachable magazine holds five or 15 rounds of .410, subject to consumer choice or legal necessity. In the back is a handy one-point sling on the brace. Total length is 28 inches. It weighs 5.5 pounds. SRP: $649.95.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #72405
Check these out on americantactical.us
Benelli
At Benelli, “AI” means Advanced Impact, a reference to the company’s upgraded barrel that is gracing more models in 2026. The entire Ethos Cordoba line will now feature AI barrels; selected others in the Ethos Sport and Ethos Upland line will also have AI barrels. Some Ethos models will see new sub-gauge chamberings offered. Remarkably, the new barrels and refinement of some components have resulted in a price decrease of up to $300 in some Ethos models. SRP: $3,199-$3,399.
Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3 line, with the company’s Advanced Impact barrels, is adding new features and 28-gauge chambering. The new SBE3 28 gauge accepts 3-inch shells. Across the product line, numerous Cerakote/camo patterns are available for every wetlands or woods pursuit. Features include a larger, cylinder shaped bolt handle and extended paddle release. SRP: $2,849-$3,099.
The classic Montefeltro Silver has also been updated by Benelli for 2026. Its brushed nickel-and-gold accent alloy receivers have new engravings: pheasants on the 12 gauge; quail in a pastoral setting for the 20 gauge. Unchanged is the AA-grade walnut furniture and Easy-Locking Inertia Bolt and Easy-Loading system. The deep-blued gloss barrel is topped by a red-bar front sight. SRP $2,299.
The M4 EXT is the same battle-proven semi-auto M4, but now equipped with more of everything that matters—capacity, adaptability, and speed. Features include a five-position collapsible stock, oversized bolt release, integrated pistol grip, Picatinny rail mount for optics, and 7+1 capacity. Available in three finishes—H2O, FDE, and Multicam Black—the gun relies on Benelli’s trusted Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (ARGO) system—a dual short-stroke piston design known for cycling clean across all loads, with minimal maintenance and maximum reliability. The shotgun can accommodate 2¾- and 3-inch shotshells. SRP: $2,599.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #13238
Check these out on benelliusa.com
Beretta
Built for serious hunters who demand maximum reliability in the blind, on the boat, and in the worst weather, the new 12-gauge AX800 Suprema combines breakthrough gas-system technology, championship barrel engineering, and industry-leading recoil mitigation to deliver more effective shots, faster follow-ups, and less maintenance between hunts. Features include the B-LINK Pro Gas System that cycles light target loads and heavy magnums with ease; Steelium Pro Barrels that utilize an extended 17.7-inch forcing cone to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns and greater downrange energy; Kick-Off Pro recoil reduction that reduces felt recoil by up to 70 percent; and a high-tech polymer receiver and adjustable fit system. Also on board: an oversized loading port, bolt handle, bolt release, and enlarged trigger guard for reliable operation in wet, cold, or gloved conditions. Available with 26-, 28-, and 30-inch barrels. SRP: $2,499-$2,599.
The new Beretta A300 Ultima Multicam Patrol is engineered to be ultra-reliable and easy to manipulate. Featuring the classic mechanisms of the venerable A300 platform, this new 12-gauge tactical shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells and includes enlarged controls, an enhanced loading port, a thinner forend design with multiple M-LOK mounting points, and aggressive texturing to enhance control and comfort while shooting. In addition, this shotgun has a barrel length of 19.1 inches and is available in a 7+1 shot extended magazine tube configuration. An oversized and reversible safety button aids easy manipulation in adverse conditions. SRP: $1,299.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #13227
Check these out on beretta.com
Charles Daly
Charles Daly’s family of American-made 12-gauge pump-action firearms is designed for home defense, tactical applications, and rugged utility. Built in the USA, the Honcho pump family delivers dependable firepower and versatile configurations to meet the needs of shooters looking for compact, close-quarters control without compromise. The Honcho Pump Series offers a variety of models that prioritize mobility, reliability, and stopping power. Each firearm features the classic bird’s head grip for improved recoil management and a more natural hold, all in a compact, easy-to-store profile that makes the Honcho Pump family a standout choice for personal
protection and defensive readiness.
Each model is designed to accommodate 2.25- and 3-inch shells and has 5+1 capacity. The series includes the Honcho Tactical Pump-Synthetic (black synthetic forearm and bird’s head grip, aluminum receiver, and a steel 14-inch barrel), Tactical Pump-Walnut (walnut forearm and bird’s head grip, aluminum receiver, and steel 14-inch barrel), and Tactical Pump-California Model (black synthetic forearm, bird’s head grip, compliant 18.5-inch barrel, aluminum receiver, and steel barrel). SRP: $362.96-$371.85.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #12853
Check these out on charlesdaly.com
Dickinson Arms
With the Sidelite Series, Dickinson set out to deliver the timeless look and feel of a classic side-by-side upland shotgun, but without the unnecessary weight. The result is a gun that embodies traditional elegance
and handling while remaining light and easy to carry afield. Available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, as well as .410, each model has figured walnut stocks, selectable triggers, and quality construction. The 12- and 20-gauge models are available with either extractors or ejectors; the 28-gauge and .410 models have extractors. The 12-gauge Sidelite comes with 28-inch barrels, and the 20, 28, and .410 models come with 26-inch barrels. SRP: $790.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #71105
Check these out on dickinsonarms.com
Franchi
Franchi has updated 17 models across its semi-auto Affinity Series, spanning many 12- and 20-gauge sub-models including those with wood and synthetic furniture and those built with hunting or sporting clays in mind. Thinner forends, deeper checkering, and checkering that extends farther rearward, combined with a new two-piece shell latch, promise improved handling. The magazine cap and trigger guard also underwent re-design. Affinity art designs have been updated to reflect the Italian heritage of the brand. SRP: $1,299-$2,049.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #13238
Check these out on franchiusa.com
Mossberg
The 990 Aftershock is a 12-gauge, 3-inch semi-auto version of the 590 Shockwave pump-action shotgun. The full-featured and easy-to-maneuver platform is available with 14.75-inch or 18.5-inch-barrel options as well as a 14.75-inch version equipped with a Crimson Trace Lasersaddle.
At the heart of the 990 Aftershock is a durable gas-operating system that is fully contained within the forend. Internal parts (gas piston, magazine tube, hammer, and sear) feature a nickel-boron coating and a special finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and smooth, reliable cycling. To further improve performance, the 990 has an enlarged and beveled loading port designed for ease of loading, an elongated and pinch-free elevator, and an anodized, bright-orange follower. The oversized, ergonomic top-mounted safety can easily be operated by a left- or right-handed shooter and features a highly visible red indicator. Enhanced functionality continues with the knurled charging handle, an oversized, paddle-style bolt release, a strapped forend for a firm hold and to keep hands clear of the muzzle, and a M-LOK accessory adaptor with mounting slots on the sides and bottom attached to the extended five-shot magazine.
The black synthetic grip is uniquely shaped for an ergonomic, secure grip and features a rubberized palm pad to minimize felt recoil. A quick-detachment cup is incorporated on the rear of the grip. The matching black synthetic forend is streamlined, has an attached embossed strap, and wears Mossberg’s signature texturing—all of which combine for a more positive hold. Completing the 990 is the choice of 14.75- or 18.5-inch Cylinder bore barrels equipped with a LPA front fiber-optic sight, 5+1 total capacity (with 2.75-inch shotshells), and matte blue metal finish. The 14.75-inch version is also available with a Crimson Trace Lasersaddle that attaches easily to the receiver. The laser is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the fixture provides multiple touchpad activation points. SRP: $1,120-$1,302.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #12832
Check these out on mossberg.com
Spandau Arms
Spandau Arms has extended the S2 line, formerly all 12-gauge. A new 20-gauge S2 was created with hunters in mind. An active participant and sponsor in numerous American small-game and waterfowl conservation groups, Spandau Arms put their ear to the ground to develop the inertia-driven S2 with a multitude of traits hunters called for. Modest in cost and optionally traditional or modern in appearance, the new S2 is all about practicality.
Features include a fiber-optic front sight, oversize controls, and a Benelli/Mobil compatible choke system. Go traditional with Turkish walnut furniture, blued steel, and a 28-inch barrel or allover Mossy Oak Bottomland finish with a 24- or 28-inch barrel. The brand is imported to the USA by SDS Arms. SRP: $551.75-$647.89.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #12460
Check these out on sdsarms.com
Stoeger
Stoeger took a bow to the stalwarts of wintertime waterfowl pursuit with a new skin on their M5000 Waterfowl Special 12-gauge semi-auto. It’s now offered with Mossy Oak Original Bottomlands camo and Patriot Brown Cerakote barrel and receiver. Controls remain oversized for coldweather use. This autumn/winter boomer accepts 3.5-inch shells; capacity is 4+1. Five chokes are included. SRP: $999. The popular M3000 semiauto shotgun lineup gets spiffed up with the new M3000 Sporting model. This performance-driven shotgun combines the features of the standard M3000 Sporting with aesthetic upgrades for those who favor more classic shotgun styling. Design enhancements include a wood stock and forend set paired with a dapper nickel receiver and gloss-blue 30-inch barrel. These are complemented by the trigger, enlarged bolt release, and extended bolt handle in matte blue. The M3000 Sporting cycles 23⁄4- and 3-inch 12-gauge shotshells effortlessly and cleanly due to the Inertia Driven system. Payload management comes courtesy of extended SK1, SK2, C, IC, M, and New Style chokes. To ensure custom fitment, a drop and cast adjustment shim kit is included. SRP: $799.
During the 2026 SHOT Show, find them in Booth #13238
Check these out on stoegerindustries.com
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