The year’s new smoothbores
From low grade to high, there are plenty of interesting shotguns for 2024. There is no single overriding trend among this year’s class, just more new guns for us to save up for. Some of the new guns don’t require much saving for; others do. This year’s introductions run the gamut from inexpensive synthetic-stocked waterfowl guns to the most lavishly decorated over/under Caesar Guerini has ever made. In between are plenty of new offerings to get excited about.
There are a number of guns for target shooters, from Franchi’s Trap-Sport Affinity semi-auto crossover to Fabarm’s L4S Allsport for all disciplines to fancy versions of Caesar Guerini’s 1 million-round-guaranteed Invictus sporting gun. Upland hunters can get excited about Browning’s new 20-gauge A5, Benelli’s marriage of the Montefeltro to the Ultra Light, and small-frame guns from Rizzini. Waterfowlers have a new inertia gun from Weatherby, a bare-bones O/U from Mossberg and a number of colors and finishes to choose from in the Winchester SX4. There’s even a unique dove gun in the Charles Daly Empire Grade Triple Crown.
Here’s a rundown of what’s new for ’24.
BENELLI USA
The added weight of Benelli’s 828U Steel Field aids in soaking up recoil.
Benelli has a new steel-frame version of the 828U over/under: the 828U Steel Field. It has all the innovations of the original alloy-frame gun, including a shim-adjustable stock, the effective Progressive Comfort recoil reducer and a removable trigger group, but it weighs a pound more—the better to soak up the recoil of heavier loads. It has a AA walnut stock, a fairly plain grayed steel frame and separated barrels. It comes in 3” 12 and 3" 20 gauge with 26" and 28" barrels. The 12-gauge comes with 30" tubes as well. Price: $3,699.
Two new configurations of the walnut-stocked Montefeltro inertia gun join the line this year. A Sporting version features a ported barrel with a stepped rib. It has a 30" barrel in 12 gauge and a 28" barrel in 20. The guns also benefit from the makeover of the Montefeltro line last year that included controls enlarged just the right amount to be easier to use without being obtrusive and Benelli’s no-click Positive Locking bolt. And the relaxed magazine spring and carrier make loading easier, which is important in a target gun. It sells for $1,649.
The new Montefeltro Ultra Light replaces the old Ultra Light, making use of all the same weight-saving hacks that lightened the original, including a shorter magazine tube, a carbon-fiber rib and a 24" barrel in 20 gauge and a 26" barrel in 12. The gun weighs 5¼ pounds in 20 gauge and 6¼ pounds in 12. Both list for $1,949.
Benelli USA, benelliusa.com.
BERETTA USA
The Beretta Silver Pigeon V comes in field (shown) and sporting versions
Beretta has a new Silver Pigeon V in field and sporting versions, both of which offer left-handed and Vittoria women’s stock options and come in 12 gauge only. All versions of the gun share Grade 3 wood with a glossy oil finish and nistan-silver frames engraved by 5-axis lasers in an acanthus scroll pattern. The sporting versions have vent-mid-rib Steelium barrels and extended Optima HP chokes in a choice of 30" or 32" barrels. Standard right-handed sporting models have the option of adding Beretta’s B-fast adjustable comb. B-fast models are further distinguished by Schnabel forends.
Field guns come with 28" and 30" barrels in standard versions and 28" barrels for the LH and Vittoria models. They have flush chokes and solid mid-ribs.
Prices start at $4,399 for field guns and $4,449 for sporting models.
Beretta USA, berettausa.com.
BROWNING
Browning’s Citori 725 Sporting Medallion High Grade is lavish.
Browning’s big news for 2024 is a 3" 20-gauge version of the inertia-operated A5. The lightweight semi-auto weighs just more than 5½ pounds and comes with a 26" or 28" barrel. The initial offering is the Grade I gloss-walnut/blued-metal Hunter configuration. The stock wears the kick-dampening Inflex recoil pad, and of course the gun has the same squared-off “humpback” receiver that makes the A5 immediately identifiable. It lists for $1,980. In addition, the A5 Lightning model with the classic round-knob grip now comes in 3" 12 gauge in addition to 16 and with a choice of a 26" or 28" barrel for $1,850.
Browning also announced a lavish Citori 725 Sporting Medallion High Grade over/under. Gold-inlaid scroll decorates a richly blued receiver, and there’s an oval medallion in the gloss-oil-finish Grade IV Turkish-walnut stock. A sporting gun, the Medallion High Grade comes in 20 and 28 gauge as well as .410—all with 3" chambers and a choice of 30" or 32" barrels. It has a ventilated mid-rib, a fiber-optic bead and extended chokes as well as a palm-swell grip and interchangeable trigger shoes. The price is $7,350.
A new Citori Composite with an adjustable comb debuts this year. It has black synthetic furniture and a matte-blue, unadorned receiver, and it comes in 3" 12 gauge with 26", 28" or 30" barrels. It sells for $2,200. Also, all Browning 28-gauge O/Us now feature 3" chambers.
As always, in addition to its regular line, Browning offers many limited-run SHOT Show specials available only through select dealers. This year’s lineup includes several maple-stocked guns, including 30"- and 32"-barreled Trap ($3,750) and Sporting ($3,680) versions of the Citori 725 as well as Hunter ($1,870) and Ultimate ($2,270) versions of the Maxus II semi-auto.
Additionally, in the Citori 725 SHOT Show lineup there is a Sporting Left-Hand model, with a true left-hand lever and palm swell ($3,530), and a handsome, European-inspired S3 Sporting gun with slightly straighter stock dimensions ($3,870–$4,000).
There is a 16-gauge Citori Hunter Deluxe ($2,700) with a silver receiver and Grade III/IV walnut. There’s also a 12-gauge CX Micro sporting gun ($2,880) with a length-adjustable buttplate.
The Maxus II comes in a Black Gold model ($2,130) with a black receiver, gold birds and fancy walnut as well as in a fully adjustable Sporting model ($2,270).
A 12-gauge, round-knob A5 Lightning ($1,850) joins the Lightning Sweet 16.
In the Wicked Wing lineup of 3½" 12-gauge Cerakote-and-camo waterfowl guns is the Cynergy O/U with 26", 28" or 30" barrels ($2,580); the Maxus II with a 26" or 28" barrel ($2,250); and the A5 with a 26" or 28" barrel ($2,280) in Browning’s own Auric camo as well as Mossy Oak, Realtree and vintage patterns.
Browning, browning.com.
CAESAR GUERINI USA
Caesar Guerini’s Invictus IX Sporting Gold is a limited run.
Caesar Guerini announced two limited-edition models of its Invictus target gun, known for its easily rebuildable action and million-round guarantee. Both will be 12-gauge sporting guns with 32" barrels. The ArtCo departs from the traditionally inspired engraving of Guerini guns to combine textured surfaces, lines and red accents to create a decorative scheme that is very modern yet suggests the strength of the gun. It’s an eye-catching departure from the Guerini norm. It sells for $9,870. A left-handed stock adds $295, and an adjustable comb costs $465.
The Invictus IX GS has extra-deluxe wood, and its sideplates and winged Boss-style forend iron provide lots of room for engravings of mythologically inspired creatures decorated with gold and stone inlays. The most expensive gun in the Guerini lineup, it sells for $25,200 in the standard sporting version and $26,450 in the high-rib, Monte Carlo-stocked Ascent model. It, too, can be ordered with a left-handed stock for $295 extra and an adjustable comb for $495.
Caesar Guerini USA, gueriniusa.com.
CHARLES DALY
Charles Daly’s Triple Crown Empire Grade has three barrels.
This year Charles Daly is making its three-barreled Triple Crown shotgun in an Empire Grade model with an engraved receiver and extra-fancy walnut. It comes as a 20/28-gauge two-barreled set that should be perfect for the dove field. The two tri-barreled sets are 26" long with extended chokes and vent ribs. The extractor guns have selective single triggers and manual safeties and cost $4,926.
Charles Daly, charlesdaly.com.
CZ-USA
CZ’s 1012 G2 has enlarged controls and a reversible safety.
CZ is offering a new version of its 1012 G2 3" 12-gauge inertia semi-auto. The synthetic-stocked gun is decked out in a coat of old-school Mossy Oak Bottomland camo. The G2 model improves upon the original with enlarged controls, stock shims, extended choke tubes and a reversible crossbolt safety. The gun has a 28" barrel and weighs only 6½ pounds. Starting at $679, it’s a deal too.
CZ-USA, cz-usa.com.
DICKINSON ARMS
Dickinson’s Palmarius Lux Grade I features Grade 4 walnut.
Dickinson’s Palmarius O/U sent me to the dictionary, where I learned that its name means “pertaining to palms of the kind given to the victor.” The Palmarius is definitely a winner in the wood department, stocked with beautiful Grade 4 Turkish walnut. The gold-accented engraving is almost as good-looking as the wood. Dickinsons come from Akus, one of Turkey’s best makers of higher-grade shotguns. The Palmarius comes in 3" 12 gauge with a choice of 26", 28" or 30" barrels. It has a manual safety and ejectors. The Palmarius starts with a basic gun at $995 and tops out with the Lux Grade I ($5,495) and Grade II ($6,500).
Dickinson Arms, dickinsonarms.com.
FABARM USA
Fabarm’s Elos N2 RS Trap is available as an O/U or unsingle.
The Elos N2 RS Trap builds off of last year’s successful introduction of the Elos N2 RS Sporting gun, a heavier version of the original Sporting N2. This gun features the same heftier, between-the-hands balance of the N2 RS and adds an adjustable Monte Carlo stock and an adjustable rib that can be moved from a 50/50 point of impact to a 100/0. Inside, it has Fabarm’s famous Tribore barrels and Exis HP competition chokes, which are gently curved rather than angled. It has the same minimal engraving and light-blue-enamel accents as well as a black adjustable comb. It’s available as an O/U or unsingle for $4,335 or as a combo set for $6,195.
Also in target guns, Fabarm has an Allsport version of its L4S gas semi-auto. Soft-shooting and reliable, the L4S makes an excellent clays gun, and the Allsport combines an adjustable comb and two instantly interchangeable ribs, offering different points of impact. This is truly one gun you can shoot all clay disciplines with; and with its light-blue accents on the bolt handle and magazine cap, you’ll be able to find it on the gun rack easily. It comes in 12 gauge only with a 30" barrel for $2,750, or $2,950 for a left-handed version.
Fabarm USA, fabarmusa.com.
FAUSTI USA
Fausti’s Class RDX features a rounded, four-lock action.
Fausti continues to focus on its Core line of shotguns. The company’s Class RDX over/under is built around a trim, rounded action, giving the gun slender, elegant lines. Its fully engraved frame is available in both coin-steel and case-colored finishes. It has Fausti’s stout four-lock action, so it’s as tough as it is good-looking. The oil-finished walnut stock has a Prince of Wales grip and a rounded forend, and you can choose 26", 28" or 30" barrels in all five gauges. Only the .410 and 28-gauge share a frame size. The rest are built on their own scaled actions. Price: $6,189.
Fausti USA, faustiusa.com.
FRANCHI USA
Franchi’s Affinity 3 Sport Trap is made for clays and hunting.
Franchi is offering a crossover version of its popular Affinity 3 inertia semi-auto called the Sport Trap. A black-synthetic 12-gauge, it has a 30" ported barrel with a stepped rib, fiber-optic bead and extended chokes. Franchi’s effective TSA recoil pad makes shooting a 100-target round more comfortable. The Sport Trap has an extended bolt handle and enlarged bolt closer as well. At 7 pounds, it’s not too heavy for field use, either, and it has swivel studs and a 3" chamber. Intended as a versatile, entry-level gun to get anyone started in clays and hunting, this is a gun that could be used for targets, doves, waterfowl and more. Price is $999.
Franchi USA, franchiusa.com.
MOSSBERG
The Mossberg Gold Reserve now comes in 20 gauge with a trim action.
Mossberg has added a pair of 12-gauge sporting guns to its 940 Pro Sporting series of gas semi-automatics. Both have improved internals for greater reliability, enlarged controls, Briley extended chokes, and stock spacers and shims for precise fit. The Super Bantam features a black-synthetic stock that adjusts with spacers from 12½" to 14¼" and a 26" barrel that’s easier for smaller shooters to handle. It lists for $1,050. The full-size Walnut model has a handsome walnut stock that adjusts with spacers from 13" to 14¼". It has a 30" barrel and lists for $1,225.
Mossberg’s Gold Reserve Sporting over/under is now available in 20 gauge with 30" barrels, a vented mid-rib and extended chokes. A very trim action keeps the gun’s weight and profile low. Although billed as a sporting gun, it would make a fine upland gun as well. It features a Grade A walnut stock and scroll-engraved silver frame, a single selective trigger and ejectors. It sells for $1,135.
The Silver Reserve Eventide Waterfowl is a different beast altogether from the Gold Reserve. It is a robust 3½" 12-gauge O/U with 28" vent-rib barrels, a single selective trigger and extractors. It has a tough Cerakote finish on its metal parts, swivel studs and a synthetic stock dipped in Mossy Oak Shadowgrass. It lists for $956.
Mossberg, mossberg.com.
POINTER
Pointer has added smallbores to its line of side-by-sides.
Pointer has added smallbores to its affordable side-by-side lineup with a 28-gauge and a .410. The guns have case-colored frames and straight-grained walnut with pistol grips and beavertail forends. They have single selective, mechanical triggers and fiber-optic beads and come with five choke tubes. Prices start at $719.
Pointer, pointershotguns.com.
RIZZINI USA/FIERCE ARMS
Rizzini’s BR220 “small action” guns have game-scene engraving.
Rizzini USA introduced a new “small action” BR220 in three different frame sizes and five gauges. Weights of the O/U range from 7 pounds for the 12-gauge to 5¾ pounds for the 28 and .410, and all gauges offer a choice between 26", 28" and 30" barrels with five choke tubes. The Cerakote-protected receivers feature deep engraving and game scenes, while the walnut furniture has a rounded Prince of Wales grip and rounded forend. The BR220 lists for $4,360.
There’s also a BR220 Light that substitutes alloy for steel in the receiver, reducing the weight of each gauge by a half-pound or more. The Light guns have the same grip; forend; and laser-cut, hand-enhanced, scroll-and-game-scene engraving as the small-action 220. The BR220 Light sells for $4,550.
The new BR240 Sporting comes in 12 and 20 gauge with a choice of 28", 29", 30" and 32" barrels. The O/U’s oil-finished walnut has a full pistol grip, rounded forend and an optional adjustable comb. The black Cerakote receiver has gold accents and white lettering but is otherwise unadorned. The BR240 Sporting sells for $4,960, or $5,340 with the adjustable comb.
The BR240 EL presents a higher-grade sporting option than the basic 240, with richly figured walnut and a frame decorated with deep scroll engraving. Price: $5,350.
Rizzini USA, rizziniusa.com.
SYREN USA
The Syren L4S Elevate can serve for trap, skeet and sporting clays.
The Syren L4S Elevate is a women’s version of the Fabarm L4S Allsport, with the same adjustable comb and two instantly interchangeable ribs that let one gun serve for trap, skeet and sporting clays. It has a lavender magazine cap and lever in place of blue, and it comes with a 28" barrel, not a 30". The stock has a shorter length of pull and is designed for women, with a Monte Carlo stock, a tighter grip radius and some toe-out, to make it a more comfortable fit. The L4S Elevate comes in a right-handed version for $2,750 and left-handed for $2,950.
Syren USA, syrenusa.com.
TRISTAR ARMS
Tristar’s Trinity II is a steel-frame gun and is available in five gauges.
TriStar has a number of new break-actions this year. First, there are the Phoenix side-by-sides, available in 12 and 20 gauge. The guns have pistol grips, single selective triggers, case-colored receivers and gloss-finished walnut. The 28" barrels come with five choke tubes. The guns list for $795.
The Hunter Mag II is a 3½" 12-gauge O/U with a synthetic stock, sling-swivel studs, a single selective trigger, extractors and a finish that is either completely camo or camo-and-Cerakote. It is available with 26", 28" or 30" barrels with fiber-optic sights and five flush-mounted choke tubes. It sells for $885 in camo and $915 in camo-and-Cerakote.
The Trinity II and Trinity II LT over/unders come in all five gauges. They have nicely shaped wood and engraved and gold-inlaid receivers. The Trinity II is a steel-frame gun, while the lighter Trinity II LT has a weight-saving alloy frame. The guns have vented top and mid-ribs on their 28" barrels and come with five choke tubes. Trinity series guns all have extractors. They start at $855.
The Cypher and Cypher X over/unders are ejector guns, and they come in all five gauges in steel and lighter, alloy-framed models with 28" barrels. They have cleaner, unadorned receivers and extended choke tubes. They start at $960.
TriStar Arms, tristararms.com.
WEATHERBY
The Weatherby Sorix is an inertia autoloader with a reversible bolt.
Weatherby’s new Sorix semi-auto is an Italian-made inertia gun with some unusual features—the most unusual of which is the bolt handle, which can be switched from the right side to the left, making the gun more left-hand friendly (although shells continue to eject on the right). The safety reverses easily too. And the synthetic stock and forend feature hand-painted camo. The guns also have large controls and enlarged “competition cut” loading ports for quick, easy reloading. The Sorix comes in 3" and 3½" 12 gauge and 3" 20 gauge, all with 28" barrels with stepped ribs. The camo-and-Cerakote guns come in Storm, Midnight Marsh and Slough patterns. Prices start at $1,499.
Weatherby, weatherby.com.
WINCHESTER
Winchester’s SX4 Hybrid Hunter is a limited-edition gas gun.
Winchester is offering limited versions of its popular SX4 (Super X4) gas gun as SHOT Show specials—each in right- and left-handed versions. The all-camo Waterfowl Hunter and the Cerakote-and-camo Hybrid Hunter both feature the SX4’s proven gas system, overbored barrels, long Invector-Plus chokes, Inflex recoil pads and enlarged controls. Right-handed guns are available with 26" or 28" barrels in 3" or 3½" 12 gauge and 3" 20 gauge. Left-handed guns come as 26"- or 28"-barreled, 3½" 12-gauges only.
The Hybrid Hunter lists for $1,030 to $1,170, with the left-handed model selling for $1,300. The all-camo Waterfowl Hunter is $1,050 to $1,200, with the left-handed version selling for $1,320.
Winchester, winchesterguns.com.
