Shotguns

The only synthetic model in our four-gun selection, the black polymer stock and forearm of the Benelli earned favorable marks from our team. This shotgun is made for rugged, dependable use in harsh conditions. We could find no fault in that design and functioning ability.Some of the smaller members of our team were slightly uncomfortable with the bulk of the forearm and found the Benelli to be a little muzzle heavy.

Weatherby’s Athena and Orion over/under shotguns will feature design and performance enhancements at more affordable prices as a result of a new manufacturing agreement with Fausti Stefano Arms of Italy.

Weatherby has introduced the Orion D’Italia SBS, a new side-by-side shotgun designed to provide Italian quality and craftsmanship at an extraordinary value for wingshooting enthusiasts.

Weatherby’s has introduced of a new line of pump action shotguns, including the Upland, Knoxx Strutter X Camo, Knoxx Strutter X Synthetic and Knoxx HD (Home Defense).

The new Weatherby SA-08 Semi-Auto line of shotguns features a proven dual-valve system that allows shooters to quickly adapt the shotguns to accommodate the for widest load ranges. The interchangeable valves are easily accessed and changed.

MIAMI - Rossi Firearms, manufacturer of quality firearms since 1889, is pleased to offer a new specialized version of the popular 12-gauge shotgun — the Turkey Gun.

For home defense, the focus is usually on 12-gauge shotguns, but we recently tested two 20 gauges that for many-if not all-folks would be better choices because of their lighter weight and reduced recoil. Our test products this round were the Remington Model 870 Express Pump Synthetic 7-Round 3-Inch 20 Gauge No. 81100, $397; and the Mossberg 500 Persuader/Cruiser 3-Inch 20 Gauge 6-shot No. 50452, $388.Both guns were matte-black synthetic-stock pumps with 3-inch chambers, with 18- or 18.5-inch barrels and weights between 5.1 (Mossberg) and 6.5 pounds (Remington).Not to spoil the surprise, we liked both of these 20 gauges a lot, and we would buy either one of them. In particular, for those shooters who already own an Express or Persuader 12 gauge for hunting or other uses, wed recommend staying with your "house" brand and buy the 20 gauge youre already familiar with. The reason many shooters should prefer these 20s for home defense over a bigger 12 gauge is that theyre noticeably lighter than the 12s. In the September 2005 issue, we tested the Remington Model 870 Express Synthetic 12 Gauge Magnum No. 25077, $345, which weighed 7.25 pounds, and the Mossberg Persuader Model 590A1 12 Gauge Magnum No. 51411, $443, which weighed 6.9 pounds. The 20s we tested weigh three-quarters of a pound to nearly 2 pounds less, respectively, than their counterpart 12s, which make them better choices for women or teenagers who might want to shoot them, but they dont give up much in terms of hall-clearing power or capacity.To function-test these pump guns, we took a trip to the tactical range and fed them a diet of common 20-gauge loads. Our test rounds were Remingtons ShurShot Heavy Dove 20 Ga. R20HD-S 2.75-in. 2.5 Dr. Eq. 1 oz. No. 8s; Sellier & Bellot 20 Ga. Field Load 2.75-in. 2.75 Dr. Eq. 1 oz. No. 8s, and Remington Premier STS Steel Light Target Load 20 Ga. STS20LS7 2.75-in. 2.5 Dr. Eq. 7/8 oz. No. 7s. At the firing line, both guns functioned properly, and we recorded no failures to fire or stoppages of any sort, though we had some trouble loading the Mossberg, which we detail below. In terms of materials, the Mossberg had an aluminum-alloy receiver that really cut its weight, while the Remingtons was steel. Both had alloy trigger guards, and the safety button for the Remington was steel while the Mossbergs was plastic. We like the Remingtons use of a steel receiver and buttons and metal trigger guard.Both guns have only the most rudimentary sights, which is fine for how they will probably be used, with shotshells. At close quarters, either shotgun would be an effective self-defense choice. Firing at 10 yards, we shot coffee-saucer-size patterns. However, the Remington holds six in the magazine and the Mossberg five, and that extra round might be the tiebreaker for some owners, as it was for us.After the bang-bang section was complete, we moved on to other areas of function to separate them and call a winner. Heres what we found out:

This gun is considered a classic over-and-under that is similar to the popular Model 425, which has been discontinued, and the current production Model 525 Sporting. They are all made in Japan with similar frames and locking systems that use lugs in the bottom of the receiver to help reduce recoil.The tapered locking bolt, recessed into the bottom of the receiver, also allows the bolt to set deeper through extended usage to keep the system tight as a drum.

MIAMI - Rossi Firearms, the leading manufacturer of youth-sized long guns, introduces its newest version of the award-winning Trifecta.

The new Weatherby SA-08 Semi-Auto line of shotguns features a proven dual valve system that allows shooters to quickly adapt the shotguns to accommodate the for widest load ranges.

In 2007, 918 schoolchildren from 23 schools participated, said Chuck Woodson, the AGFC’s shooting sports coordinator. This year, the ranks swelled to 2,405 children, who represented 54 schools.

Weatherby introduces the Orion D’Italia SBS, a new side-by-side shotgun...