New shotguns for 2009: something for everyone
by Larry S. Sterett
Contributing Editor
This is another year in which new models are abundant, and while the economy may not be the best, it hasn’t detoured the arms designers and manufacturers from tempting shooters. The following represent only a few of the many shotguns currently available for hunting and clay target shooting.
AYA USA (PO Box 647, Dept. GWK, Old Saybrook, CT 06475; aya-fineguns.com) distributes this fine Spanish line of shotguns. Aguirre y Aranzabal has been producing fine side/side and over/under shotguns since 1917, in both boxlock and sidelock models. They range in price from affordable boxlock models to expensive “sidelock masterpieces that are some of the most exquisite examples of fine gunmaking to be found anywhere.” (These latter, in this writer’s opinion, are equal to the British ‘Best’ shotguns, and the wait to obtain one is not nearly as lengthy.)
Shooters wanting to duplicate the mid-20th century Robert Churchill XXV side/side shotgun will find AYA has two such models, the XXV/BL (boxlock) and the XXV/SL (sidelock). Both feature 25-inch chopper lump steel barrels with the special tapered high Churchill rib. Double triggers are standard, but an optional selective or non-selective single trigger is available on the SL model. The 12-gauge is standard, but 16, 20, and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore, are available. (Weight of the 12 gauge XXV is approximately 6∫ pounds.)
Benelli USA (17603 Indian Head Hwy., Dept. GWK, Accokeek, MD 20607: phone: 800-264-4962; online: benelliusa.com) was touting their futuristic appearing Vinci autoloading 12-gauge as being the most reliable, fastest-shooting shotgun on the market, and the one with the softest recoil for the gauge.
According to the Benelli firm this is due to the combination of the InLine Inertia Driven Action, Crio barrel system, QuadraFit Buttstock Module, and the ComforTech Plus system. The InLine action functions on the same axis as the barrel bore, providing better balance and less upward shift, and the ComforTech Plus and QuadraFit Buttstock Module insure a good stock fit and less felt recoil.
Beretta USA (17601 Indian Head Hwy., Dept. GWK, Accokeek, MD 20607; phone: 800-237-3882; online: berettausa.com) was touting their Xtrema2 as “The Softest Shooting 12-gauge in the world.” Featuring Aqua and Kick-Off technologies this semi-automatic is said to have virtually non-existent recoil. With camo coating and low recoil, the Xtrema2 should be perfect for the waterfowler, or even for pheasants.
The two-shot Beretta break-open UGB autoloaders have been available in a trap grade for a couple of years, but now, there’s a new UGB Gold Sporting version. It still has the side-lever operated break-action to open the barrel for loading the first shell, and the second shell is retained on the right side of the receiver ready to be chambered after the first shell is fired. (Shell ejection is out the bottom.) Stock dimensions are slightly different on the Gold Sporting compared to the Trap model.)
Browning (1 Browning Place, Dept. GWK, Morgan UT 84050; phone: 801-876-2711; online: browning.com) has a host of new shotguns, starting with the 12-gauge Maxus Stalker and Maxus Mossy Oak Duck Blind models. These gas-operated autoloaders feature 26- or 28-inch back-bored barrels, chambered for 3-1/2 or 3-inch shells. The new Power Drive gas system, coupled with the Vector Pro lengthened forcing cone, is said to reduce recoil and permit the cycling of a wide range of loads. The Maxus models weigh less than seven pounds, and have weatherproof composite stocks and forearms with Dura-Touch Armor Coating.
Browning’s Citori over/under has been a time-tested design for more than a couple of decades. Now the 625 Field version is available in 20 and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore, and there’s a 625 Feather grade in 12, 20, and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore. These new Citori versions feature silver nitride finished steel receivers with high relief engraving, choice of 26- or 28-inch barrels, and Grade II/III oil-finished walnut pistol grip stock and Schnabel-style forearm. A single selective trigger, lightweight profile ventilated barrel rib, and three choke tubes are other features of the new Field and Feather 625 models. (Weights of the new 625 Feather model range from five pounds, six ounces to seven pounds, depending on the gauge and barrel length.)
The 625 Citori Sporting model is now available in the smaller gauges, 20 and 28, plus .410-bore. Barrel length choices include 28, 30 or 32 inches, and five choke tubes are provided. (The barrels are back-bored with Vector Pro forcing cones, and have standard length (2∫-inch) chambers, except for the .410 models which have three-inch chambers.)
The Browning Cynergy line has been expanded with two new models, the Euro Field and the Feather, both featuring oil-finished Grade II/III walnut stock and forearm. Barrel lengths are 26 or 28 inches, with three-inch chambers, except for the 28-gauge models, which have standard length chambers. (Three choke tubes—F, M, IC—are provided.) The Cynergy Euro Field features a silver nitride finished steel receiver with high relief engraving, while the Cynergy Feather features a lightweight alloy receiver with steel breech face and gold-enhanced grayed finish. Weight of the Euro Field models range from 5 pounds, 15 ounces, to 7 pounds, 11 ounces, depending on the gauge and barrel length, while the Feather models range from 4 pounds, 14 ounces, to 6 pounds, 10 ounces.)
In the autoloading Silver line there are two new 12-gauge Sporting models, plus two 20-gauge rifled deer models. The gas-operated Silver line features aluminum alloy, semi-humpback receivers. The Silver Sporting model has a satin-finished walnut stock and forearm, and three choke tubes are provided for the back-bored barrel. Cantilever scope mounts are standard on the thick-walled 22-inch barrels of the Silver Rifled Deer models.
Caesar Guerini USA (700 Lake St., Dept. GWK, Cambridge, MD 21613; phone: 866-901-1131; online: gueriniusa.com) has a line of finely crafted Italian shotguns, with the new Apex field grade over/under available in 12, 20, and 28-gauge. The fully engraved sideplates, a long trigger guard tang blending into the Prince-of-Wales style stock, and four different engraving techniques make the Apex an attractive model, locating it between the Forum and Maxum models. (The Apex is also available in a Competition grade, in addition to the Field grade.)
Connecticut Shotgun (100 Burritt St., Dept. GWK, New Britain, CT 06053; phone: 800-515-4867; online: connecticutshotgun.com) announced their new RBL-12 and RBL-16 models, following the success of their 20 and 28-gauge RBL models. These round action designs are limited production models, with the 12-gauge being available in two configurations, Light Weight and Target. Both versions are available with a choice of 26, 28, 30 or 32-inch barrels, and an assortment of Trulock choke tubes. The RBL-16 features a scaled frame, and not a 12-gauge frame with 16-gauge barrels. (The 16 is currently available only with 29-inch fixed choice barrels.) Standard features of the new round action models include double triggers, automatic ejectors, color case-hardened receivers with suitable engraving, solid barrel rib, splinter forearm, choice of straight or pistol grip stock with interchangeable recoil pad system, and dual-handle high impact carrying case, all for just under three grand.
CZ-USA (PO Box 171073, Dept. GWK, Kansas City, MO 66117; phone: 800-955-4486; online: cz-usa.com) is known for its fine line of pistols and rifles, but the firm also has some excellent shotguns. New is the folding single-shot Cottontail model in standard and youth sizes, 20-gauge or .410-bore. The Cottontail features an external hammer, hard chrome receiver and barrel finish, and Turkish walnut stock and forearm. The barrel lengths are 28 inches for the standard model and 24 inches for the youth version, all choked modified. Length-of-pull for the standard Cottontail is 14.5 inches, 13 inches for the youth grade. Another new model is the 712 Utility autoloader featuring a 20-inch ventilated rib barrel, three choke tubes, and black polymer stock and forearm. Chambered for 3-inch 12-gauge shells, the 712 Utility has a 4 + 1 capacity with the magazine plug removed. (The regular 712 autoloaders feature Turkish walnut stocks and forearms, and a choice of 26 or 28-inch ventilated rib barrels.)
CZ-USA has some excellent over/under and side/side shotguns, from .410-bore to 12-gauge, including the Redhead over/under which is available with a “French” disappearing sling. (When not in use, the sling retracts into a cavity in the underside of the buttstock. To use, just pull it out and connect it to the attachment point on the underside of the barrel. The feature has been around for decades, but is seldom seen in use in recent years. Sears, Roebuck featured such a sling on one of the rimfire rifles years back.) Fan of the 16-gauge do not have large model assortments from which to choose, but the CZ Ringneck and Bobwhite side/side models are now available in 16-gauge. Both feature Turkish walnut stocks and forearms, but the Redneck has a rounded knob pistol grip and semi-beavertail Schnabel forearm, while the Bobwhite has a straight grip stock and splinter forearm. The Redneck features a single trigger, sideplates, and 28 -inch barrels choked improved cylinder and modified, while the Bobwhite has double triggers, no sideplates, and 26-inch barrels similarly choked. Each of the 16-gauges, which have color case-hardened receiver finishes, weighs under seven pounds.
Franchi (17603 Indian Head Highway, Dept. GWK, Accokeek, MD 20607; phone: 800-264-4962; online: franchiusa.com) has a new 20-gauge Renaissance Sporting over/under with a stainless steel boxlock action. It features 30-inch ported barrels with ventilated side ribs, and interchangeable extended choke tubes. The receiver is coin-finished, with floral scroll engraving, and a single selective trigger is standard. An oil-finished select walnut stock with adjustable comb and Twin Shock Absorber to reduce recoil are also standard.
H&R 1871, LLC (PO Box 1871, Dept. GWK, Madison, NC 27025; phone: 866-776-9292; online: hr1871.com) has a new Pardner Slug Gun for deer hunters. Featuring a 22-inch fully rifled 12-gauge barrel with cantilever scope mount, the new model is available with a choice of black synthetic stock and forearm, or walnut stock and forearm. Both versions feature a Monte Carlo comb for easy eye alignment with the scope. (No open sights are provided on this new Pardner.)
Ithaca Gun Company (420 North Walpole St., Dept. GWK, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351; phone: 419-294-4113; online: ithacagun.com) was promoting their new 28-gauge Featherweight Model 37 pump, along with an anticipated “Knick” over/under. The 28 is a true scaled-down model and weighs under six pounds, with a choice of 24, 26 or 28-inch barrel, and walnut stock and forearm. The over/under examined, still in the prototype stage, promised to be a real winner, and it’s “Made in the USA.”
Marble Arms (420 Industrial Park, Dept. GWK, Gladstone, MI 49837; phone: 906-428-3710; online: marblearms.com) has reintroduced the third generation of the famed Game Getter Gun. This over/under features a rifle barrel on top a shotgun barrel—in this instance, a .410-bore. The original 1908 GG was an over/under pistol with folding shoulder stock, enabling it to be carried in a holster. The latest Game Getter can be considered more a carbine, with a tubular shoulder stock. More information is available at marblearms.com.
O. F. Mossberg & Sons (7 Grasso Ave., Dept. GWK, North Haven, CT 06473; phone: 203-230-5300; online: Mossberg.com) has a couple of new lightweight 20-gauge autoloaders; actually, one autoloader with two different stock configurations. The SA-20 features a synthetic forearm and stock with standard (14-inch) length-of-pull, while the SA20 Bantam stock has a 13-inch length-of-pull. Both models are available with a choice of 3-inch chambered barrels of 26 or 28-inch lengths, with a 24-inch barrel an option for the Bantam. (Five screw-in choke tubes are provided.) The gas-operated action vents excess gas to the outside to aid in recoil reduction and provides a softer-shooting 20-gauge. Mossberg also has three new Pistol Grip models, the 935 Magnum Turkey and the 930 Turkey in black or camo finish. Except for the Thompson-style pistol grip stock, these three shotguns have the same features as the regular 12-gauge 935 Magnum and 930 autoloaders. (Such grips are easier to use than the more conventional grips, and do not require the bending of the wrist.)
Shotguns from Poland are not exactly plentiful, but Pioneer Arms Corporation of Quincy, IL (online: pioneer-pac.com) is distributing a 12-gauge side/side hammer gun manufactured in Radom, Poland. (Remember the Radom P-35 pistol from World War II?) The new Pioneer features 3-inch chambered barrels measuring 18.5 inches, a Greener Trelbe Wedge-Fast action, double triggers, sliding safety on the upper tang, and oil finished hardwood stock and forearm. With the frame, monobloc, barrels and operating parts machined from solid 4140 steel or forgings, the Pioneer tends toward the heavy side, with a weight of about 8∫ pounds. Cowboy Action shooters should find it a handy shotgun to use, and one capable of absorbing recoil. (Pioneer Arms is in the process of relocating to another building in Quincy, so a current address is not relevant.)
Remington Arms Company (870 Remington Dr., Dept. GWK, Madison, NC 27025) has a new pump gun, the Model 887 Nitro Mag, featuring Armor Lokt construction to seal the receiver and barrel in a weatherproof cocoon. With a 28-inch barrel chambered for 12-gauge 3.5-inch shells, the 887 is said to be a real meat gun designed to put meat on the table. Three versions—887 SPS Waterfowl, 887 SPS Camo, and the 887 SPS Camo Combo—are slated to be available, with the black finish version first. The receiver is manufactured from solid steel with integral barrel supports and the barrel is a thin wall tube overlaid with a thin covering of ArmorLokt. (The 887 barrel uses standard Rem Choke tubes.) The receiver is encased in polymer shell, but it’s separate from the barrel, buttstock and trigger plate assemblies. (The trigger plate assembly—trigger, slide latch, and safety—are contained in a molded one-piece trigger guard unit, with the latch on the forward bow of the guard, where it’s easily reached with the trigger finger. The safety works the same as on the Model 870.) The SPS Camo features a 24-inch barrel, while the Camo Combo has 28 and 22-inch barrels. The barrels have molded polymer ribs, topped with Hi-Viz muzzle sights with interchangeable tubes. (Lockup of the 887 is via a rotary dual locking lug system, and cycling is reported to be exceptionally smooth in operation.)
B. Rizzini USA (100 Burritt St., Dept. GWK, New Britain, CT 06053; online: rizziniusa.com) has had the Aurum Classic over/under 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauges, plus .410-bore available for some time, but now there’s a new Small Action Aurum in 28-gauge or .410-bore. Featuring barrel length choices of 26.5, 27, 28, 29.25 or 30 inches, with ventilated top rib, or a solid rib at extra cost, the new Aurum weighs in at approximately six pounds. Chokes may be fixed or screw-in, and the oil-finished, hand-rubbed Turkish walnut stock may be standard Prince-of-Wales or straight grip with matching wood buttplate. Finish on the receiver is color case-hardened or coin, with scroll and game scene engraving.
Over the years the Savage/Stevens firm (118 Mountain Rd., Dept. GWK, Suffield, CT 06078; phone: 866-233-4776; online: savagearms.com) has had a number of over/under shotguns bear the firm’s name. Some were produced in Connecticut, some were produced in Finland, some in Italy, and now we have the Stevens 512 Gold Wing produced in Turkey. Available in 12, 20, and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore with chrome-lined barrels and Turkish walnut stocks and Schnabel forearm with fleur-de-lis checkering, the 512 has features usually found on more expensive shotguns. The boxlock action features a gold-plated single selective mechanical trigger. (The selection mechanism is integrated into the tang-mounted safety mechanism.) Barrel lengths are 28 inches for the 12 gauge, 26 inches for the others. The .410 comes with fixed M/IC chokes, with five screw-in choke tubes provided for the 12, 20 and 28-gauge models. Weights range from six pounds (.410) to eight pounds (12-gauge).
TriStar Sporting Arms (1816 Linn Street, Dept. GWK, North Kansas City, MO 64116; phone: 816-421-1400; online: tristarsportingarms.com) has a new TT-09 12-gauge Mono-trap and a 12-gauge Sporting Clays over/under. Barrels on both models are chrome lined, and on the Mono-trap there’s a raised ventilated rib with both muzzle and middle sights. The ported barrels on the Sporting Clays over/under have ventilated side ribs, with 10mm wide ventilated top rib having optic fiber front sight and brass middle bead. Three extended Beretta choke tubes are provided with the Mono-trap and five such tubes are furnished with the Sporting Clays over/under. Select walnut is featured in the pistol grip stocks and beavertail forearms, and cut checkering is standard. Barrel lengths on the Sporting Clays are 28 or 30-inches, and the single trigger is selective, as are the auto ejectors. (TriStar shotguns carry a five-year warranty.)
US Sporting Goods (PO Box 560746, Dept. GWK, Rockledge, FL 32956; ussginc.com) is importing the Russian Bakkal line of side/side and over/under shotguns. The hammerless MP210 side/side series is available in 12, 16, 10, and 28 gauge models, plus .410-bore. Featuring a single selective trigger, chrome-lined, hammer-forged barrels with screw-in choke tubes, and walnut stock and forearm, the MP210 was previously sold by other firms as the IZH43 model.
An external hammer side/side, the MP210F or “Cowboy” gun, is available in 12 or 20-gauge with choice of 20, 26, or 28-inch barrels and screw-in choke tubes. Double triggers are standard on the MP220F shotguns. What used to be the IZH27 over/under model shotgun is now the MP310. Available in two versions, Standard in 12, 16, 20, 28-gauge and .410-bore, and Sporting in 12 and 20-gauge, the MP310 features a single selective trigger, chrome lined barrels, and checkered walnut stock and forearm. Barrel lengths of 26 or 28 inches are available for the standard MP310, depending on the gauge, with the 12-gauge Sporting MP310 featuring a barrel length of 29.5 inches, and the 20-gauge having 28-inch barrels. (The Sporting barrels are ported, and all MP310 models come with four screw-in choke tubes.)
Winchester Repeating Arms (275 Winchester Ave., Dept. GWK, Morgan, UT 84050; phone: 801-876-3737; online: winchesterguns.com) has more variations of the Super X3 shotgun, including the Gray Shadow, the Model 101 Light over/under, and the SXP pump shotgun.
The Gray Shadow, an autoloader designed with the Active Valve System to reduce recoil and increase cycling rate, is chambered for 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. Exterior surfaces, including buttstock, receiver, barrel and forearm, are coated with a PermaCote UT finish. In addition, Dura-Armor Coating has been applied to the stock and forearm to improve handling under all weather conditions, and two drop-and-cast adjustment spacers, plus two stock spacers are provided, along with three choke tubes.
Think of the Model 101 Light as a regular 101 on a diet. Featuring an aluminum alloy receiver with a Springer Spaniel etched on the bottom receiver plate and quail flushing pheasants on the sides, the new Light weighs six pounds with a 26-inch barrels.
Shotgunners, whether clay target shooters or hunters, have a wide variety of new scatterguns from which to choose, if they’re looking to purchase. There is literally some model available to fit nearly every pocketbook, and in every action type, from break-action single-shot to autoloaders, including pump, side/side, and over/under models. Not every shotgun manufacturer’s wares have been covered, but a lot of new models have been covered; the others will have to wait.
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