It’s not entirely inaccurate to say you can grab a shotgun and hit your terrain of choice for duck hunting, but it does leave out a few important details. Issues such as capacity, gauge, barrel length, and water resistance all come into play. If you’re a serious waterfowler, you’re probably always on the lookout for a new waterfowl shotgun. We’re here to help. Check out our list of top five waterfowling shotguns to consider in the coming season.
1. Benelli M2 Field
When it comes to shotguns, models designed and produced by Benelli are among some of the top performers in the gun industry. The Benelli M2 Field is a fantastic example of the gun maker’s commitment to quality and design. It’s offered in both 20 gauge and 12 gauge in one of four finishes, including Realtree or Mossy Oak. There’s even a left-handed model, which is great news for hunters trying to avoid getting shotshells ejected in their faces.
Features of the M2 Field include AirTouch checkering for a sure grip with wet hands, the Inertia Driven System for reliable cycling, and ComforTech recoil reduction system for softer recoiling, even with 12 gauge. Benelli also treats the barrel of the gun cryogenically for improved pattern density and created it to be well-balanced. Barrel length varies, so you’re covered whether you prefer a 24-inch, 26-inch, or 28-inch model. Mounting the gun to your shoulder should feel natural. This is a semi-automatic gun made for serious use.
2. Browning Maxus II
When Browning decided to design the Maxus II, it wasn’t a surprise. After all, the Maxus had done well. As it turns out, the Maxus II has some amazing improvements and takes the gun’s performance even further. This is a Power Drive Gas System semi-automatic, 12 gauge shotgun with a 3.5-inch chamber. It’s offered in a wide variety of finishes, so whether you prefer black, Realtree, or Mossy Oak, there’s something for you. The gun pictured above is the Maxus II Wicked Wing in Realtree Max-7, and it has a slew of duck-hunting-friendly features.
The Maxus II Wicked Wing has a bronze Cerakote finish on both the receiver and the barrel, giving it corrosion resistance significantly beyond what bluing alone provides. Comfort-related features include a SoftFlex Cheek Pad and a 1-1/2 inch thick Inflex Recoil Pad. The gun also has a composite stock that can be trimmed and is shim-adjustable for cast, drop, and length of pull. An oversized bolt handle and enlarged bolt release make operating the shotgun while wearing gloves simpler. The gun ships from the factory with a fiber optic front sight and ivory mid-bead. This shotgun is made to run wet or dry and is designed for consistent performance regardless of the weather conditions.
3. Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is made to perform in flooded timber and rice fields, over rivers, lakes, and ponds, and basically anywhere the moment takes you. During the 2018-2019 duck season, Beretta ran these guns incredibly hard during their Torture Tour. Not only did the guns stand up to mud, water, salt, rain, and everything else, but they kept on going, dirty as they got. This is a 12 gauge shotgun with barrel lengths ranging between 26 inches and 30 inches, and yes, there’s also a left-handed model available.
Shotgun features include the gun maker’s own Steelium Plus barrels for consistent patterns with a variety of ammo, a step rib with a fiber optic front bead and integral mid-bead, and an extended charging handle and bolt release. Thanks to Beretta’s technology, these are fantastically soft-recoiling shotguns, making long days of hunting far easier even with magnum loads in the 3.5-inch chamber. There’s even a soft comb for less felt recoil against the shooter’s face. If you want to shoot waterfowl over all manner of terrain and not worry about the shotgun, this is the one for you.
4. Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro
The Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro is smaller than many other waterfowl-specific shotguns, but it still gets the job done. It’s a 12-gauge shotgun that utilizes Big Green’s Versaport gas system which is known for both reliable performance and mitigated felt recoil. The shotgun has a Burnt Bronze Cerakoted barrel and receiver for protection against the elements and overall longevity and is offered in either Realtree Max 5 or Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades Camo. There’s another model with a Patriot Brown Cerakoted barrel and receiver with Realtree Timber Camo as well.
Features of the V3 Waterfowl Pro include a fiber optic front sight and steel mid-bead, drop and cast adjustment shims, and an improved loading port for faster, smoother loading. The gun also has an oversized bolt handle, bolt release, and safety. It’s helpful to have a gun that’s made to be used while wearing thick gloves. This shotgun has a 3.0-inch chamber and a 28-inch barrel length. It’s a pleasantly lightweight shotgun that cycles consistently and is naturally pointable. Plus, it looks good. Overall, it’s worth a closer look by waterfowl hunters and shotgun fans alike.
5. Winchester SX4 Waterfowl
Is there even a waterfowl season without Winchester? The Winchester SX4 Waterfowl is, as the name suggests, tailor-made for hardcore hunters. It’s a 12 gauge semi-automatic that uses the company’s Active Valve gas system with what the gun maker states include “optimized…balance, controls, and internal operating components.” The receiver is made from an aluminum alloy and the barrel has a chrome-plated chamber and bore; both components have a True Timber DRT finish. As for the chamber’s size, it’s compatible with shotshells up to 3.5 inches.
Features of the SX4 Waterfowl include shipping with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (F, M, IC), TRUGLO fiber-optic sight, and a New Inflex Technology recoil pad. Length of pull spacers also ship with each gun. User-friendly additions like a new, larger cocking handle, bolt release, reversible safety button, and a larger opening in the trigger guard for hunters wearing gloves are nice to see, too. It’s a reliable performer that’s sure to help you take whatever birds you’re after this waterfowl season.
What’s your favorite waterfowl shotgun? Tell us in the comments.
