Heritage Introduces Badlander Side-by-Side 12 Gauge
The new Badlander shotgun from Heritage Firearms is a modern take on the classic side-by-side scattergun. Manufactured in 12 gauge with two cylinder-bore barrels,...
Best Guns and Gear for 2024
Toward the end of each year, I survey the work R.K. Campbell, Robert Sadowski, Tracey Taylor, and Joe Woolley have done in Gun Tests,...
Staying Safe at the Shooting Range
You did it. You pulled the metaphorical trigger and purchased your first firearm. Now what?
You’re responsible for your safety with your new firearm, as...
SAAMI Accepts 28-Gauge 3″, 21 Sharp Cartridges
SHELTON, Conn — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute®, Inc., (SAAMI®) has announced the acceptance of a new shotshell and rimfire cartridge for...
5 Best Shotguns for Self-Defense
Over the decades, Gun Tests Magazine has reviewed dozens of self-defense shotguns chambered in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, or other bores. Some have been...
SDS Imports Radikal SAX2 713135218799 12 Gauge
The Radikal SAX2, along with many other M4 clones, are colloquially called a “Turknelli” for the fact they are manufactured in Turkey and are based on the Benelli. The patent for the Benelli M4 expired, and many Turkish manufacturers are building “Fakenellis.”
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical 85152 12 Gauge
Mossberg is always pushing the envelope on new pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns. Mossberg debuted the 940 series with the JM Pro Competition in 2020 and has since added hunting models and this new Tactical model.
Stoeger M3000 Defense 31890 12 Gauge
The simple inertia-operated mechanism design in the M3000 Defender — as well as all inertia-operated shotguns — uses a two-part bolt with a spring that compresses after the gun is fired and recoil sends the gun backward into your shoulder.
Stevens 301 Single Shot 22557 12 Gauge
The 301 is more versatile with the screw-in choke tube. We thought the longer barrel was a slight liability in a cramped environment. It had the best recoil management of the shotguns tested.
H&R Topper Model 158 12 Gauge
This is a vintage single shot made in 1973, and it performed well. We’d load it with 00 buckshot and keep spare rounds in the slip-over ammo holder.
FedArm SS12 Model MBP1218 12 Gauge
This shotgun folds into a compact package but is afflicted with problems, and we would steer clear of this gun. FedArm provided zero customer support. When we could get it to work, 00 buckshot groups were tight.
New Shooter’s Guide: The Best Gun For Home Defense Isn’t a Handgun, Here’s Why
We have many choices for home defense. The widest choice is in handguns. There are single-action, double-action-to-single-action, and double-action-only self-loaders and also revolvers. Glock...