Guest post by Richard Mann, courtesy of SHOT Daily.
It does not matter whether your scattergun passion involve pheasants under the wide and western South Dakota skies, Osceolas in a Florida swamp, a game of clays, or defending your castle from the evil menace, 2016 has a selection of new shotguns to satisfy your cravings. The new introductions include new finishes, new styles, new colors, and new configurations. Combine all these new guns with the new shotshell loads soon to be available, and it looks like 2016 will be a really good year for shotgun shooters.
Browning
Thanks to Browning, 2016 will not be lacking new high-grade shotguns for the discriminating upland hunter or those who get a thrill every time they see a clay target dusted. The Browning High Grade Program moves into its fourth year with limited-production Citori 725 Grade VII small-gauge shotguns being offered in 20- and 28-gauge and .410. These specimens of scattergun goodness receive as much as 30 hours of hand engraving and touch-up prior to being precisely set into exquisite high-grade walnut. They have blued receivers with deep-relief engraving and gold accents. The stock and forearm feature oil-finish Grade VI/VII walnut with a close radius pistol grip and a palm swell. A John M. Browning Signature fitted case is included. Offered with 28-, 30-, or 32-inch barrels, they are perfect for hunting or clays. Five black extended choke tubes are included. SRP: $6,269.99.
Maybe Browning’s biggest shotgun news is that the Sweet Sixteen is back! Like its most revered predecessor, the new A5 Sweet Sixteen is built on a smaller, lighter receiver for reduced weight and a sleek feel. The A5 uses kinetic energy to power the recoil-operated Kinematic Drive System for reliable function with any load and under the full extremes of weather, temperature, moisture, or grime. The A5 16-gauge receiver is constructed of strong, lightweight aluminum with a black anodized bi-tone finish. The stock—shim-adjustable for length of pull, cast, and drop—and forearm are gloss finish walnut with a close-radius pistol grip and sharp 18 lines-per-inch checkering. The gun uses Browning’s Invector DS choke system; three chokes will be supplied with 2 ¾-inch chambered barrels in 26- or 28-inch lengths. Weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces. SRP: $1,699.99.
Browning has also expanded the Citori 725 Sporting and Field over/under lineup to include 28-gauge and .410 models. Both feature Browning’s Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger system. Sporting models will be offered with 30- or 32-inch ventilated-rib barrel lengths and will be supplied with five extended Standard Invector choke tubes. The receiver has a silver-nitride finish with gold accented engraving. Stock and forearm are Grade III/IV walnut with a gloss oil finish. Weight: 7 pounds 4 ounces. SRP: $3,199.99.
The new Citori 725 Field small-gauge models will feature a silver-nitride finish receiver accented with high-relief engraving. Stock and forearm are Grade II/III walnut with a close-radius pistol grip in gloss oil finish. Available with 26- or 28-inch and ventilated rib barrels; the weight is 7 pounds 3 ounces. SRP: $2,539.99. Booth #10744. (browning.com)
Cimarron
Cimarron has added the 1883 deluxe shotgun and the 1889 standard shotgun to its line of double-barrel scatterguns. The Cimarron 1883 and 1889 shotguns are modern inside but period outside. They do not replicate or copy any specific firearm; however, features of original shotguns from the Cimarron collection inspired these pieces. The most striking visual feature of the deluxe is the engraved side-lock-style construction. These shotguns, with the 18- and 20-inch barrels in .410, and with the 22-inch barrels in 12-gauge, were designed specifically for the Cowboy Action shooter. The 1883 deluxe versions with the 26-inch barrels in .410 and 28-inch barrels in 12-gauge were designed for field use. SRP: $617.50, the 20-inch model 1889; $812.50 all versions of the 1883.
Doc Holiday fans will be excited to see the Cimarron “Doc Holliday” double-barrel shotgun, which is very close to Doc’s original short-barreled double with hammers that was handed to him by Virgil Earp at the real Gunfight at OK Corral. It comes in 12-gauge . SRP: $1,605.46. (cimarron-firearms.com)
CZ-USA
CZ has a host of new scatterguns in almost every category. The CZ 712 Green G2 adds a little color to the mix. This 712 has the same world-record-setting reliability as its black predecessor, but with a green anodized receiver. With the same laser-cut checkering, healthy palm swell, and smooth gas-operating system, it’s sure to please at the range or in the field. With a capacity of 4+1 (and a plug to reduce that to 2+1), the 712 Green ships with five flush choke tubes. SRP: $499.99.
Using input from competitors in the growing sport of 3-Gun, the CZ 712 3-Gun G2 is set to be the perfect entry-level shotgun for the 3-Gun game. An extended bolt handle and oversize bolt release make manipulating the action easier, and the ATI fluted magazine extension bumps capacity to 9+1. It ships with three extended black choke tubes. The CZ 712 Synthetic is a great tool for the person who needs a rugged, weatherproof shotgun. It’s built for the harshest conditions, dipped head to toe in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo, with a polymer stock that will take a beating. It’s available in 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, 28-inch barrel, and three extended choke tubes. SRP: $679.
In the break-action arena, CZ has even more to be excited about. Adding a bit of character to its workhorse bird gun, the Upland Ultralight Green gets a splash of color on its anodized green receiver. It has all the same great features of the Upland Ultralight, including five interchangeable chokes, laser-cut checkering, and a mid-rib. It comes in 12- and 20-gauge. SRP: $762 to $768.
Built specifically for ATA shooters who compete in both trap singles and doubles, and want one gun to do it all, the All-American Trap Combo is the tool and ships with two sets of barrels. One is a single-shot “un-single” with a dial-adjustable aluminum rib. The other is a standard barrel set with a stepped rib. The CNC-milled action is surface-hardened to ward off corrosion, resulting in a beautiful white metal finish that resembles brushed stainless. With an adjustable parallel comb, competition trigger, and auto ejectors, this set is ready to dominate the trap field. SRP: $3,399.
A new addition to the CZ over/under lineup, the Drake is built to be the best bang for the buck when it comes to over/under shotguns. Using the same CNC action and internals as other CZ shotguns, the Drake features extractor operation, a single-selectable trigger, a mid-rib, and laser-cut checkering. Available in 12- and 20-gauges with 28-inch barrels, the Drake ships with a set of five interchangeable chokes. $635.
The flagship of CZ’s over/under line, the tried-and-true Redhead, also gets a new one-piece CNC receiver. In addition, it gets the same laser-cut checkering, solid mid-ribs, pistol grip, and a classy white bead. The Redhead Premier is a true all-purpose shotgun suitable for sporting clays or chukar. With a silver receiver and ejectors, the Redhead Premier is available in 12- and 20-gauge with auto ejectors and 28 and .410 with extractors. SRP: $1,057. (cz-usa.com)
Iver Johnson
Stepping into 2016, Iver Johnson has three new shotguns—two for hunters and one directed at the tactical/home-defense consumer. The IJ600 is an over/under available in 12, 20, and .410. It comes with 28-inch barrels and is fitted with internal chokes. Other features include a checkered walnut stock and forend, an engraved receiver in black or silver, ventilated rib with a bead front sight, and a selector switch on the safety. Length: 44.87 inches; weight: 7 pounds 5 ounces.
Iver Johnson’s IJ500 is a semi-automatic shotgun available in 12- or 20-gauge. It has a 28-inch ventilated-rib barrel with internal chokes. The stock and forend are also checkered and the finish is black. Overall length is 49 inches and the unloaded weight is 7 pounds 2 ounces.
The HP 18 is a departure from the customary Iver Johnson shotgun. Designed for the tactical operator or law-abiding civilian looking to protect its castle, this 40-inch semi-automatic shotgun is available in 12- or 20-gauge and comes with a 18.5-inch barrel fitted with a muzzle brake. The pistol-grip stock is modular; the buttstock can be removed, leaving only the pistol grip. The high-profile rear sight is fitted to a Picatinny rail and there is a fiber-optic front sight. The HP 18 has an unloaded weight of only 6 pounds 6 ounces. (iverjohnsonarms.com)
Legacy Sports International
The new Pointer Break Action single-shot shotguns are a great way to teach beginners how to shoot. Available in 12- and 20-gauge and .410, these single shots all come with 28-inch barrels and a fixed, Modified choke. Metal parts are matte black and the synthetic stock is black, too. Each Pointer Break Action has a brass bead front sight. Their outstanding feature is the safety system. Every Pointer Break Action comes with a manual push-button safety, a hammer safety, and a transfer-bar safety. Length: 43.5 inches, weight: 4.8 to 5.4 pounds. SRP: $188. (legacy sports.com)
Mossberg
Although Mossberg might not dominate the defensive/law enforcement shotgun market, it continues to be a leader in this arena. Its new shotguns for 2016 demonstrate the manufacturer’sdedication to providing dependable and affordable tools for the war fighter or armed civilian. The new 500-ATI Scorpion is the perfect balance of time-tested Mossberg 500 reliability and the functionality of ATI components. It is available exclusively through TALO Group Distributors. Mossberg has teamed up with ATI to outfit this model with an exceptional set of components, bringing an unprecedented stock, a heat shield, a sidesaddle, and an accessory rail together in a single coordinated package. The gun features an 18.5-inch barrel and six-round capacity (2 ¾-inch shells).
Mossberg’s higher-capacity variants (five models) of the 589A1 and 590 shotguns offer the convenience and flexibility of seven shots within the typical six-shot dimensions of 18.5-inch barreled pump shotguns. Offerings include three models with bead sights, two with ghost ring sights, one in Typhon camo and one in Marine Coat.
The Pro-Series Waterfowl shotguns are purpose-built for hardcore duck hunting. They were specifically engineered to stand up to the elements during long, wet seasons spent in the blind. Both models feature a Pro-Series Waterfowl engraved receiver, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades camo finish, fiber-optic front sight, a three-choke tube set, and the Stock Drop System, which provides drop-at-comb adjustment shims for a customizable fit. The 85212 version comes in 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, a 28-inch barrel, and a ventilated rib. The 82042 version is a 12-gauge as well but has a 3.5-inch chamber, and a 28-inch overboard barrel. Weight for both is 7.75 pounds.
The SA-20 series of easy-handling semi-auto shotguns includes new offerings perfectly suited for wingshooting/competition or turkey hunting. The two new models include an all-purpose walnut-stocked version with a 26-inch barrel and a 22-inch Turkey version in Obsession camo with fiber-optic sights.
Mossberg’s biggest shotgun news might be the newly designed and handsomely appointed 930 Pro-Series Sporting shotgun. Competition-ready features include a beveled loading gate, premium Pro-Series coatings, Cerakote-finished receiver, Briley chokes, and a HiViz TriComp sight. The new ergonomically designed walnut stock includes Mossberg’s Stock Drop System. (mossberg.com)
Remington
Even though Remington’s new V3 Field Sport semi-auto shotgun was big news last year, Remington has not forgotten about the shotgun it brought to the party. For 2016 it is offering a special-makeup 870 Super Mag Turkey shotgun. This 870 has a 3.5-inch chamber and is fully camoed in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. It has a 21-inch barrel, Hi-Viz sights, and comes with Remington’s Turkey XFull Rem Choke. It will be produced exclusively for Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Two new home-defense 870s have also been added to the line. They are the same as the black synthetic 870 Home Defense models except they are fitted with traditional hardwood stocks. Both have 3-inch chambers and an 18.5-inch barrel with a fixed Improved Cylinder choke. One comes with a four-round tube; the other holds six 3-inch magnum shotshells. SRP: $450 to $475. (remington.com)
TriStar
TriStar has introduced two new shotguns designed specifically for trap shooting, and they are intended to offer shooters the best of both worlds—quality craftsmanship and performance at an affordable price. Designed in part with the help of professional trap shooters, the TT-15 is available in top-single, unsingle, and over/under options. Each model features a Monte Carlo stock and fully adjustable comb made from beautiful Turkish walnut. The TT-15 is fitted with a high-standing three-point adjustable rib, auto ejectors, and a fiber-optic front sight. The over/under TT-15 includes five extended color-coded Beretta/Benelli choke tubes while the top-single and unsingle models include three choke tubes. The TT-15 over/under has 32-inch barrels, weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces, has a 14 5⁄8-inch length of pull. SRP: $1,099. The top-single and unsingle come with 34-inch barrels. SRP: $999.(tristararms.com)
Weatherby
Two new shotguns have been added to the Element line. The Element Synthetic and Element Waterfowler Max-5 will be offered in 12- and 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers and 26- and 28-inch barrel lengths. Both are supplied with Weatherby’s Integral Multi-Choke System, including Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and long-range steel choke tubes, and both will benefit from the addition of durable Griptonite synthetic stock and forend options. Each is available in a matte bead-blasted finish or Realtree Max-5 camo.
Tailor-made for women, young shooters, and anyone who wants the benefits of a more compact firearm, the SA-08 Waterfowler Max-5 provides all the reliable performance features of the proven SA-08 series without sacrificing comfort and shootability. The short 12 ½-inch length of pull ensures proper fit for small-in-stature shooters or hunters wearing heavy gear while the smooth swing of the 24-inch chrome-lined barrel excels in tight quarters. The SA-08 Waterfowler Max-5 Compact weighs 5 ¾ pounds, is available in 20-gauge only, and is chambered for 3-inch magnum loads. All exposed surfaces of the SA-08 Waterfowler Max-5 Compact are clad in Realtree Max-5 camo. SRP: $799. (weatherby.com)
Winchester
Winchester has four new shotguns to tempt you in 2016. The SX3 Ultimate Sporting Adjustable shotgun features a matte nickel-plated receiver and a satin-oil grade II/III walnut stock with an adjustable comb and cut checkering. Each gun also includes a ported Perma-Cote gray barrel with vent rib and Tru-Glo fiber-optic sight and white mid-bead. New features include a Signature Red Briley bolt handle, a bolt-release button, and a magazine-cap weight system. Available in 12-gauge 2 ¾-inch chambering, with 28-, 30-or 32-inch barrel lengths. SRP: $1,869.99.
The new SX3 Composite Sporting Carbon Fiber model features a synthetic stock with a carbon-fiber finish that provides an excellent grip. It also has the Signature Red Briley bolt handle, bolt-release button, and magazine-cap weight system. Receiver, barrel finish, and barrel length options will be the same as on the new Ultimate Sporting Adjustable model. SRP: $1,739.99.
New in the SXP pump shotgun line is the SXP Extreme Deer Hunter camo model. This 12-gauge pump will feature a synthetic pistol-grip stock with textured gripping surfaces and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo finish.Two interchangeable comb pieces allow you to fine-tune drop at comb for use with iron, electronic, or optical sights. Two interchangeable length-of-pull spaces allow you to fine-tune length of pull. The 22-inch fully rifled barrel features a Tru-Glo fiber-optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight. SRP: $619.99.
Winchester’s new SXP Long Beard 12-gauge model also features a synthetic pistol-grip stock with textured gripping surfaces and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern. Two interchangeable comb pieces and length-of-pull spaces are provided to fine-tune stock fit. An Invector-Plus Extra-Full Long Beard Turkey choke tube provides a tight, dense pattern. The 24-inch barrel, with a 3- or 3.5-inch chamber, features Tru-Glo fiber-optic sights. SRP: $529.99, 3-inch; 3.5-inch: $559.99. (winchester guns.com)
Reporting by SHOT Business Daily, reprinted with permission. SHOT Daily, produced by The Bonnier Corporation and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, covers all facets of the yearly firearms-industry show. Click here to see full issues. Product pricing and availability are at of time of publication and subject to change without notice.
