Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Shotguns

These eight shotguns turned heads on the Las Vegas show floor in January.

by
posted on February 5, 2026
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2026 Topshotgun Shotshow Lede
SHOT Show 2026 highlighted the newest shotguns, from sleek competition over/unders to versatile semi-automatics. Starting from top: Benelli 828U SuperSport A.I., Browning Citori 825 Golden Clays Trap and Beretta 694 Black DLC. (Note: shotguns not shown to scale.)
Manufacturer photos

SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas highlighted the latest developments in shotgun design. From competition-ready over/unders to semi-automatics with adjustable stocks and advanced recoil systems, this year’s lineup reflects how competitive shooters and hunters are shaping the next generation of firearms. Eight standout models drew attention on the show floor for their technical innovation and real-world utility.

Benelli 828U SuperSport A.I.

Benelli 828U SuperSport A.I.
Manufacturer photo

Benelli’s 828U SuperSport A.I. refines the company’s forward-thinking over/under with a clear focus on performance. Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrels deliver tighter patterns, higher velocity and deeper penetration as targets stretch distance and speed. A nickel-plated steel receiver complements the carbon-fiber-wrapped stock and fore-end with gloss blue ported barrels, while Benelli’s ComforTech 3 and Combtech systems manage recoil over long days. Offered in 12- and 20-gauge with 30- or 32-inch barrels. MSRP: $4,599, benelliusa.com

Ruger Red Label III

Ruger Red Label III
Manufacturer photo

The Ruger Red Label III 20-gauge revives a classic American over/under scattergun. Offered with 28- or 30-inch barrels, it features a hand-rubbed walnut stock with traditional checkering and a well-balanced frame. Built by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, the Red Label III pairs a hand-fitted steel receiver with an inertia-driven single trigger and a tang-mounted safety with barrel selector. The barrels are engineered for consistent patterns, making it versatile for clays, upland hunting and light waterfowl use. MSRP: $3,299, ruger.com

Browning Citori 825 Golden Clays Trap

Browning Citori 825 Golden Clays Trap
Manufacturer photo

Built for dedicated trapshooters, the Browning Citori 825 Golden Clays Trap puts adjustability and durability front and center. A low-profile silver-nitride receiver is paired with gloss blued barrels available in 30- or 32-inch lengths, set for a 70/30 point of impact. The Grade V/VI walnut stock with a palm swell and vertical grip frames a Graco adjustable Monte Carlo comb and GraCoil recoil system. Additional features include a HiViz Pro Comp fiber-optic sight, Browning’s Triple Trigger system, extended choke tubes and classic scroll engraving. MSRP: $7,199.99, browning.com

Stoeger M3000 Sporting

Stoeger M3000 Sporting
Manufacturer photo

The Stoeger M3000 Sporting brings a classic look to the brand’s semi-automatic platform while keeping practical handling front and center. A satin walnut stock and fore-end pair with a nickel receiver and 30-inch gloss blue ported barrel. An oversized bolt handle and enlarged bolt release simplify operation, while the inertia-driven action cycles 2¾- and 3-inch loads cleanly. A red fiber-optic sight, Broadway-style rib and weighted magazine cap support quick target acquisition and repeatable swings on clays or in the field. MSRP: $849, stoegerindustries.com

Beretta 694 Black DLC

Beretta 694 Black DLC
Manufacturer photo

The Beretta 694 Black DLC updates a competition-ready clay shooting gun. Steelium Pro barrels (30- or 32-inch options) with an extended forcing cone deliver tighter patterns and reduced recoil, while the DLC-coated receiver adds durability. A modified 10x7 top rib with tramline improves target acquisition and the B-Fast Balance System allows micro-adjustments to stock and barrel weight. European grade 2.5+ walnut, an adjustable cheek piece and a redesigned fore-end provide the precise, comfortable handling shooters expect from a competition gun. MSRP: starts at $6,599, beretta.com

TriStar Arms Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock

TriStar Arms Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock
Manufacturer photo

TriStar’s Upland Hunter Thumbhole is a lightweight 20-gauge over/under shotgun built with the field in mind. Weighing about six pounds, it balances easily and points naturally, with a thumbhole stock that adds control from improvised shooting positions. Chrome-lined barrels, a ventilated rib with fiber-optic front sight and a single selective trigger support quick target acquisition. The over/under layout allows two chokes at once, and five included extended choke tubes let hunters adjust patterns for varying distances. A bronze-finished receiver and Mossy Oak Greenleaf furniture complete a practical upland hunting shotgun, especially for turkeys. MSRP: $879, tristararms.com

Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5

Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5
Manufacturer photo

Franchi expands its next-generation Affinity 3 and 3.5 lineups with 15 new 2026 models, giving hunters a wider range of options across gauges, barrel lengths and finishes. Built on the Inertia Driven semi-auto platform, these shotguns feature slimmer, better-checked fore-ends, higher grip checkering and adjustable LOP recoil pads that can reduce felt recoil by up to 50%. Functional updates include a two-piece shell latch, enlarged bolt release, redesigned magazine cap and expanded trigger guard for easier operation in the field. Options include compact synthetic 20-gauge shotguns, walnut sporting and trap shotguns, and camo-finished upland variants. MSRP: $999 to $1,579, franchiusa.com

Iver Johnson IJ100T-SN .410

Iver Johnson IJ100T-SN .410
Manufacturer photo

More of a specialty gun, Iver Johnson’s IJ100T-SN .410-bore revolver shotgun features a 3-inch, five-shot cylinder with a double-action trigger, external hammer and a satin nickel finish. The 18½-inch barrel uses removable internal choke tubes, with three included. Flip-up front and rear sights, an aluminum fore-end with Picatinny rails (full-length rail on top), manual safety, adjustable cheek rest, ergonomic grip and a thick rubber buttpad complete the package. Weight is 6 lbs., 2 oz., with a 36½-inch overall length. MSRP: $676, iverjohnsonarms.com

Latest

ARC America 2026 2
ARC America 2026 2

NRA Launches ‘ARC Across America National Challenge’ for Nation’s 250th Anniversary

NRA’s new ARC Across America National Challenge runs Memorial Day through Labor Day 2026, aiming for 250-plus clubs hosting matches with national rankings and prizes to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial.

How Two Champion Skeet Shooters Launched Backwoods Suppressors

Olympic skeet medalists Vincent Hancock and Conner Prince co-founded Backwoods Suppressors, a hunter-first brand offering five titanium and stainless cans built for the field.

Kim Rowe Captures 2026 NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championship

Kim Rowe wins 2026 NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championship and Patriot Minuteman Trophy with a 2399-171X aggregate.

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Adds 300 FPS to a Cartridge You Probably Already Shoot

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak uses Peak Alloy cases to push velocities 300 fps faster while fitting existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles.

AMU Competitors Top 2026 Dixie Match Leaderboard

USAMU swept the podium at the 2026 Dixie Matches in Jacksonville, with Greg Markowski claiming Top Gun and the NRA Regional Championship.

The Whistler Boy Match Returns to NRA Smallbore

Sponsored by Ruger, the popular junior rifle competition is coming back in July during the 2026 NRA Smallbore Rifle Nationals at Cardinal Center in Ohio.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.