In case you missed the show, here are our top picked bird hunting shotguns from Pheasant Fest 2022.
Weatherby Orion 20-Gauge Shotgun Built upon the legacy and success of the Orion 12-gauge platform, this crowd favorite is now available in three 20-gauge models, including two field-oriented versions. The Orion I is a 28-inch with stylish gloss finish and the Orion Matte Blue is a 26-inch with a sleek matte finish. There is also a sporting clays version with 30-inch ported barrels, extended chokes, and a four-way adjustable comb. The shorter and slimmer side-locking lug action makes this stackbarrel feel right at home with a perfect balance point and lighter form factor for those notable, all-day forays. The Orion I and Matte Blue come equipped with a 3-inch chamber, chrome-lined bores, ejectors, vented ribs, single bead front sight, and a trio of interchangeable choke tubes.
$1,049-$1,149 | weatherby.com
Benelli – Super Black Eagle 3 28-Gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 28-Gauge Shotgun With over ten years in development, the industry-leading Super Black Eagle platform continues to evolve, with the newest addition in a shoulder-saving 28-gauge model. Offering superior comfort and functionality even in the worst of conditions, this tight-shooting 3-inch 28 is built for the serious bird hunter. At nearly 5.5 pounds, this lightweight, low recoil shotgun will feel like a sweet dream when combined with the shock-absorbing Comfort Tech stock with rubberized cheek comb pad and Combtech grip. The proven Inertia-Driven system cycles shells fast and consistently with minimal ongoing maintenance. It’s available in a black synthetic finish or Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max-5, and GORE OPTIFADE Timber camo patterns. Customize your experience with a shim kit and five pack of interchangeable choke tubes.
$1,799-$1,899 | benelliusa.com
CZ-USA – All-Terrain Series CZ-USA All-Terrain Shotgun Series With an expansive list of tried-and-true bird hunting shotguns in their portfolio, CZ-USA has provided a unique solution for versatile upland and waterfowl wingshooters. Each All-Terrain model harnesses a damage-saving duo of rugged all-weather features and state-of-the-art technology that modern hunters demand from their shotguns. Gone are the days of deciding between your dedicated duck gun and devoted upland gun, this category combines it all in a single selection. Rare Earth magnetic extractors or ejectors allow you to quickly load and hold rounds while pointing your break action skyward in the goose pit and avoid spilling your shells while your gun is broke open and you’re bent over receiving a delivery from your dog. A dapper and durable OD Green Cerakote finish protects the barrels and receivers and the do-it-all wingshooter suite is complete with sling swivel studs. There are ten over/under, side-by-side, and semi-automatic 12- and 20-gauge models to choose from with the All-Terrain Series from CZ-USA.
$749-$1,219 | cz-usa.com
Browning - A5 Sweet 16 Upland Browning A5 Sweet 16 Upland Shotgun The iconic humpback is back with a thrilling new upgrade for upland hunters. The forever-popular Browning A5 is now available with a brushed nickel receiver and Grade I Turkish walnut stock in a lightweight, carry-all-day autoloading Sweet Sixteen. The performance-perfected Kinematic Drive System makes for clean-running, dependable action that handles all loads in all conditions. This grandeur gun is garnished with a gold-plated trigger and Browning buck mark. It also comes complete with a fiber optic front sight and mid-bead, adjustable shims, and a trio of interchangeable chokes.
$2,030 | browning.com
Stevens 555 Series Stevens 555 Shotgun Series Don’t let affordability overshoot your perception of performance, the 555 line from Stevens is the perfect pairing of can’t-beat-it value and day in, day out field function. The standard 555 is available in all common gauges with a black aluminum receiver and Turkish walnut stock in a lightweight, fast-swinging platform. Each model is equipped with chrome-lined, 28-inch carbon steel barrels, five interchangeable chokes, and manual extractors. A compact version is available in small bores for smaller-framed shooters. If you want to get a little fancy on frills, the 555 Enhanced (E) model’s upgrades include an Imperial walnut stock and forend, auto shell ejectors, and a laser-engraved filigree ornament receiver—all that in a won’t-break-the-bank price point.
$768-$967 | savagearms.com
