Written By: Zach Miller
"Duck hunting is a popular sport that requires the right equipment, including a reliable shotgun. Choosing the right shotgun can make all the difference in your hunting experience. Here are the top 5 best duck hunting shotguns on the market based on reliability and versatility. When I judge a shotgun I view it separately than any other weapon system in the sense that it has to function in the most extreme weather conditions. If I drop this shotgun in the muck and swamp, will it still function?"
1. Benelli Super Black Eagle III
The Benelli Super Black Eagle III is a popular choice among duck hunters, If you show up with this weapon system and decked out toe-to-toe in Sitka…you may have a few cracks coming your way. It is a semi-automatic shotgun that is known for its reliability and durability. The shotgun has a 3.5-inch chamber, which allows for the use of heavy loads. It also has a Comfortech stock that reduces recoil, making it easier to shoot for extended periods. The Super Black Eagle III is available in a variety of finishes, including black, camo, and walnut.
2. Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is another popular choice for duck hunters. It is a semi-automatic shotgun that is designed to handle heavy loads. Having used Beretta in the Infantry I can assure you that they can take a true beating. The shotgun has a 3.5-inch chamber and a Kick-Off Mega recoil reduction system that reduces felt recoil by up to 70%. The A400 Xtreme Plus also has a Blink gas system that cycles shells quickly and reliably. The shotgun is available in a variety of finishes, including black, camo, and bronze.
3. Browning Maxus
The Browning Maxus is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun that is designed for reliability and performance. Browning has a long tradition of being dependable and high quality and while some have negative things to say about Browning in recent years, this system has worked well for me. It has a 3.5-inch chamber and a Power Drive Gas System that reduces recoil and cycles shells quickly. The Maxus also has a Speed Load Plus system that allows for quick and easy loading. The shotgun is available in a variety of finishes, including black, camo, and walnut.
4. Remington V3
The Remington V3 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun that is designed for reliability and performance. It has a 3-inch chamber and a VersaPort gas system that reduces recoil and cycles shells quickly. The V3 also has a SuperCell recoil pad that reduces felt recoil. The shotgun is available in a variety of finishes, including black and camo.
5. Winchester SX4
The Winchester SX4 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun that is designed for reliability and performance. It has a 3.5-inch chamber and a Active Valve gas system that reduces recoil and cycles shells quickly. The SX4 also has an Inflex Technology recoil pad that reduces felt recoil. The shotgun is available in a variety of finishes, including black, camo, and walnut.
Author’s Pick: Remington VersaMax Waterfowl
When I say I am a Remington man, I mean it, I used remington in the Army while serving as a sniper section leader. I was part of the test unit for the XM2010 Sniper System (now the M2010) and I was instantly hooked. The Versamax is what I sport currently and when I say not to sleep on this system, I mean it. “The new standard for reliability in autoloading shotguns. VERSA MAX® shatters convention and all previous benchmarks for reliability with an action unlike any that have come before it. Proven in the field and in extreme tests of endurance with thousands of test rounds, it cycles 12-gauge loads with ultimate consistency, softer recoil and less maintenance than you've ever experienced.” (Remington, 2023)
Dog Training Shotgun: Remington 870
I believe it goes without saying that the Remington 870, alongside the Mossberg 500 platforms, are simply the workhorses of the shotgun world. I believe I purchased my Remington 870 some 15 years ago, have cleaned it (maybe) 5 times and have put thousands of “poppers” and full blank shells through it for running gun dogs. I have never had to think twice on whether it would function and for the price, you simply cannot beat it. When selecting a dog-training gun, go cheap and go reliable.
When choosing a duck hunting shotgun, it is important to consider factors such as reliability, durability, and recoil reduction. The above-mentioned shotguns are all designed to handle heavy loads and reduce felt recoil, making them ideal for duck hunting. In addition to the shotgun itself, it is also important to consider the type of ammunition you will be using. Duck hunters typically use steel shot, which is required by law in many areas to prevent lead contamination of waterfowl. It is important to choose the right size and weight of steel shot for your shotgun to ensure optimal performance.
Overall, the Benelli Super Black Eagle III, Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, Browning Maxus, Remington V3, and Winchester SX4 are all excellent choices for duck hunting shotguns. Each shotgun has its own unique features and benefits, so it is important to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. With the right shotgun and ammunition, you can enjoy a successful and enjoyable duck hunting experience.
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