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As we reach the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026, we want to take a look back at some of our favorite shotgun and shotshell offerings of 2025. Seasons are drawing to a close, and  It's the time when we begin to assess our guns and ammunition. I don’t suppose I need a new shotgun, but that has never stopped me from searching for another firearm to add to my collection. And as you start burning through the target loads at the clay range, it’s also time to start securing ammunition for nextseason. Here’s a look at some of the best new upland and waterfowl products for the year.

Benelli Ethos Upland A.I.

This year, Benelli introduced their new Advanced Impact (A.I.) technology. Changes to the bore contour and the inclusion of new A.I. Crio choke tubes help improve penetration and offer dense, uniform patterns. The Ethos Upland features the reliability of Benelli’s proven Inertia-driven action and the new larger bolt handle and bolt release. The Progressive Comfort system in the stock helps mitigate recoil impact, and these guns are adjustable for cast and drop. Available in both 12- and 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers, the Ethos Upland A.I. has a capacity of 4+1 and comes with an AA grade satin walnut stock. The brushed gray receiver and glossy black ported barrel with BE.S.T. finish makes this an elegant upland gun that points naturally and runs reliably. Five extended nickel A.I. chokes come standard (C, IC, M, IM, F).

$3,099; benelliusa.com

Browning 825 Field

The 825 is Browning’s new flagship over/under, and while it still looks and feels like a classic browning stackbarrel, the 825 comes with some notable changes. The new Fire Lite 2 trigger is simply outstanding, offering a light, crisp pull that’s more akin to a fine rifle than other shotguns. Like the 725 that preceded it, the 825’s trigger is mechanical, and the receiver has been trimmed down to the tune of ¾ of a pound of weight savings. The top lever is lower and more streamlined, and the junction of the receiver and barrels features a more rakish, modern look. The beefy full-length hinge pin attaches to the monobloc and ensures that the 825 can withstand years of hard use, and the tang-mounted safety/barrel selector remainssimilar to other guns. The 825 is available in 12-gauge (for now) with 26- or 28-inch barrels and weighs around 7.25-pounds. The stock is gloss oil finished grade II/III black walnut with elegant diamond point checkering, and the receiver comes with a silver nitride finish and game scene engraving.

$3,320; browning.com

Caesar Guerini Invictus I Limited

With its case-colored receiver, intricate engraving, and striking high-grade hand rubbed oil stock, the Invictus I Limited is a stunning over/under shotgun. Its striking aesthetics make it easy to forget that this gun is a true workhorse. The Invictus system is a step forward in over/under durability and offers features like a wider action to increase bearing surface between the action and forearm metal, an elastomer bushing in the forearm assembly, and Invictus cams that eliminate hinge pins and trunions, allowing the relationship of the barrels and action to be adjusted after years of hard sustained use. This increases overall life of the gun. Other class-leading features include MAXIS oversized bores, a crisp DPS adjustable trigger, DuoCon forcing cones, and six MAXIS choke tubes. The Invictus I Limited is available in 12-gauge with 32-inch barrels and weighs 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Buyers can opt for a left-handed stock ($305) or adjustable comb ($485).

$9,725; gueriniusa.com

Fausti Caledon Sporting

The Fausti Caledon is a popular field gun in Fausti's Core line of shotguns, and this year, the company is offering the new Caledon Sporting in both 12- and 20-gauge. The Sporting version offers the same high-quality design as the standard Caledon, and both guns feature Fausti's innovative Four Locks system that ensures years of reliable use. The same intricate engraving, silver nitride receiver, and beautiful oil-finish Turkish walnut stock that come standard with the field gun are also included with the sporting guns. Barrel length options include 28-, 30-, and 32-inches with an extra wide rib which makes this an ideal gun for competition shooters. The Caledon Sporting serves double duty as a field gun as well, making it one of the most versatile new shotguns of the year. Of course, it's completely made in Italy, like all Fausti shotguns.

$3,000–$4,000; faustiusa.com

Dickinson Sidelite

Dickinson’s new Sidelite is a classic side-by-side with an aluminum receiver which cuts the overall weight of the gun and makes it easier to carry in the field. Made in Turkey, the Sidelite comes in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, and .410 and features a single selective trigger and well-figured walnut stock. The 12-gauge model comes with 28-inch barrels while the 20, 28, and .410 feature 26-inch pipes. Both the 12- and 20-gauge models are available with a choice of ejectors or extractors, while the 28-gauge and .410 come with extractors only.  These light, good-looking guns are not only attractive in the field, but they’re also attractively priced, and I’m excited to get one in-hand for field testing this fall.

$790; dickinsonarms.com

Fabarm Infinite RS

Fabarm’s Autumn side-by-side was a runaway hit. This year, the company is offering a stunning new Elite version of that double gun, but perhaps the most innovative SxS in the company’s lineup is the new Infinite RS. Side-by-side competitions are growing in popularity, but there’s a shortage of dedicated SxS competition shotguns. Fabarm solved the problem by designing the Infinite RS with competition shooters in mind. It features the company’s rugged four-lug design, and it is precisionmanufactured on Fabarm’s CNC machines. It comes with TRIBORE HP tapered bores, EXIS HP Hyperbolic chokes, a tapered aluminum rib, and semi-deluxe Turkish walnut stock with adjustable comb. Available in 12-gauge, it comes with either 30- or 32-inch barrel lengths and an adjustable single trigger. Length of pull is adjustable, and the Fabarm comes with a white Bradley style front sight and silver bead mid sight. Though it’s designed as a target shotgun, this elegant double could easilyserve double duty as a field gun, and it’s available with a left-hand stock for an additional $205.

$5,495; fabarmusa.com

Franchi Instinct Sideplate SPLX

Perhaps the biggest news of the year for Franchi is the refreshening of their outstanding Affinity 3 shotguns, but the Instinct Sideplate SPLX is simply too good a gun not to get top billing. The SPLX comes with a new extended aluminum receiver with a sideplate-style design, and that extra metal offers more space for Franchi to adorn this elegant over/under. The 12-gauge features a partridge on one side and a pheasant on the other, while the 20-gauge version comes with a quail and chukar. Gold inlays are offset by medallion-style engraving, which looks even better fitted alongside the Franchi’s AA-grade satin walnut stock with Prince of Wales grip and Schnabel forend. As with previous models, the tang-mounted safety features an integral barrel selector, and the safety automatically moves to the “on” position when the action is opened. Rounding out this stunning stackbarrel are ventilated mid and top ribs, fiber optic front bead, auto ejectors, and gold-plated trigger. Each Instinct Sideplate SPLX comes with five extended chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) in a Franchi hard case. Considering the price and feature list, this gun is a value.

$2,849; franchiusa.com

Mossberg International Silver Reserve Eventide 20-Gauge

If you’re looking for a hard-working, versatile over/under, the Silver Reserve Eventide is tough to beat. The Eventide 20-gauge is a no-frills stackbarrel with a black synthetic stock, 26-inch barrels, and matte blue metalwork. It’s a bit heavy at 7 pounds, but the mass helps reduce recoil, so these guns are comfortable to shoot all day even with heavy loads. Extractors, a fiber optic front sight, a ventilated mid rib, and five (C, IC, M, IM, F) chokes come standard, and even though it isn’t the fanciest gun on the list, I really like the Eventide. It’s suitable for waterfowl and upland hunting and makes a great clay target gun, and the Mossberg International Turkish guns I’ve tested have performed very well and proven 100 percent reliable. This gun is certainly a great value.

$777; mossberg.com

Syren Grayce Sporting

Syren has been building shotguns for dedicated female hunters and shooters for over a decade, and they call the Grayce Sporting, “the culmination of everything we have learned over the last 10 years as the largest women’s shotgun brand.” Perhaps the most substantial feature of this shotgun is that it is based on the rugged Invictus action used by Caesar Guerini. Shooting dynamics and handling characteristics have been optimized by removing barrel weight and including new special grade 5 titanium ultra lightweight chokes with the gun. Weight was also removed from the action by incorporating alloy elements. The hand-rubbed oil stock features 26 LPI checkering and comes with an adjustable comb. The striking engraved nickel receiver is protected by an Invisalloy coating. The stock design and balance are built using input from the top female shooters in the world, including features like shortened length of pull and a raised comb. It features a DPS adjustable target trigger, and shooters can choose either 30- or 32-inch barrels for these 12-gauge over/unders. Six E-22 MAXIS Titanium competition chokes are included with each Grayce Sporting.

$10,995; syrenusa.com

Tristar Raptor II

Tristar’s original semiauto Raptor shotgun is met with high praise for its reliability and value, and this year, the company is launching the second generation of that gun. Like the original, the Raptor II is a gas-operated gun which helps reduce recoil impact and makes it a soft shooter. The barrel and chamber are both chrome lined for added durability, and the controls have been enlarged for easier operation with gloved hands. The most noteworthy upgrade over the original gun is the Raptor II’s redesigned stock which features soft-touch inserts, a soft comb, and improved ergonomics. The tubular magazine holds five rounds and there’s a magazine cut-off to simplify unloading. The base model comes with a black synthetic stock, and there’s a camo version in Mossy Oak Country Roots. Traditionalists will like the walnut stock version, and all models are available in 12- or 20-gauge and come with three (IC, M, F) Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke-pattern choke tubes. If you’re searching for a rugged and reliable gas gun that’s also a great value, then the Raptor II is a great option.

$499–$599; tristararms.com

Weatherby Element II

Roy Weatherby’s association with magnum cartridges makes it easy to forget that his namesake company has been selling shotguns in the United States for about six decades. Not surprisingly, the company knows what makes a good scattergun, and that’s evidenced when you examine the new Element II. This semiauto inertia shotgun is ultra-reliable, and the oversized controls and competition cut receiver make it easier to operate the gun even while wearing gloves. The barrel and chamber are chrome-lined for hard use, and the stock can be adjusted for perfect fit thanks to the included shim kits that come with each of these guns. Three Crio pattern chokes (IC, M, F) come standard as well. Despite its workhorse personality,the Weatherby is an elegant gun that features a Turkish walnut stock, blued barrel, and two-tone receiver.

$799; weatherby.com

Winchester SXP High Grade Trap

I grew up shooting trap with a pump gun, so the SXP High Grade Trap intrigues me. It comes with a high-grade Turkish walnut stock with 18 LPI cut checkering, a raised comb, and satin varnish finish that looks very good along the gloss black barrel and receiver. Though it’s certainly an eye-catcher, the SXP High Grade features the same rugged inertia-assisted action as other SXP shotguns. The chamber and barrel are chrome lined, and the barrel is back bored to improve performance on the range. Three Invector Plus chokes (F, IM, M) come standard on this 12-gauge clay target gun, and you can opt for either a 30- or 32-inch barrel. The sights include a white mid bead and fiber optic front. With a 70/30 POI, the Winchester is designed primarily with trap shooters in mind. Since it is priced under $650, it’s a great value. However, this gun could serve double duty as an elegant upland hunting shotgun as well.

$660; Winchesterguns.com

The Best Shotshells of 2025

Shotshell technology is costanstly adapting and shifting to fit the needs of hunters in the uplands, timber, marsh, and range. Here are a few of the best shotshell offerings of 2025 for both upland hunters and waterfowlers alike.

Winchester Last Call

Last Call is Winchester’s new TSS waterfowl load, and it offers extremely impressive performance. That’s not surprising considering an impressive density of over 18 g/cc, which is far heavier than lead shot. Last Call is available with TSS shot ranging in size from #5 to #9, and even the small pellets pack an incredible punch thanks to their ultra-high density. That means more pellets and—thanks to smaller shot sizes and reduced surface area—increased penetration. TSS truly has transformed waterfowl hunting, and Last Call is a premium product with a premium price. However, it offers an impressive payload of TSS coupled with a sealed wad and primer to ensure reliable performance in the wettest conditions. Winchester is offering a variety of Last Call loads ranging from a half-ounce .410 load to 3-inch 12-gauge with 1 ¼-ounces of TSS. 20- and 28-gauge loads are also available.

$40–$70 per 10; winchester.com

Boss Unleaded

If you’re searching for the ultimate non-toxic upland load at an unbeatable price, then check out BOSS Unleaded. Available in 12- and 20-gauge, Unleaded is loaded with American-made steel and costs well under $20 a box. Of course, it’s still loaded to the same high standards as other BOSS shotshells and is tested to ensure reliable performance. It’s also a great option for hunters who do a lot of high-volume shooting and will certainly be one of the hottest sellers during dove season. It’s also great for quail and other small game, and at this price, it’s on par with some non-toxic target loads. Not surprisingly, the packaging offers a cool factor that you can only get from the BOSS brand.

$17 per 25; bossshotshells.com

Federal Premium Upland Paper

There’s nothing more classic than carrying a pocketful of paper hull shells to the field, but vintage paper shells had problems. Federal’s new Upland Paper shotshells offer the same look and performance as the classic design but with modern upgrades that make this ammunition as practical as plastic hull shotshells. Federal’s waxed paper hulls prevent moisture from reaching the propellant, and the extra-hard copper-plated shot provides maximum performance in the field. A new wad design provides consistent, uniform patterns, and Federal’s high-quality primers and propellants ensure reliable performance in all conditions. Federal Upland Paper is available in 2 3/4 12- or 20-gauge loads with #4, #5, or #6 shot.

$45 per 25; federalpremium.com

Fiocchi Texas White Wing Pack

Tired of cobbling together a collection of shells for each dove hunt? Fiocchi is now offering their Texas White Wing dove load in a convenient four-count package that transports four boxes (100 rounds) of ammunition to the field. Texas White Wing is loaded in the U.S.A. and comes with a proven recipe: 1 1/8-ounces of #7.5 lead shot at a velocity of 1,250 from a 12-gauge. It’s a mild but effective dove load that allows you to shoot for extended periods without the abuse of heavier, faster loads. Texas White Wing Packs are also quite affordable, and they are loaded to Fiocchi’s high standards of reliability and performance. You’ve got enough to carry to a dove field without juggling loose boxes of ammo.

$80 per 100; fiocchiusa.com

HEVI-Shot HEVI Hitter

HEVI Hitter loads are composed of 80 percent steel shot topped with 20 percent tungsten to produce impressive results at a reasonable price point. The top layer of tungsten is denser (12 g/cc) than steel, and the combination of the two shot types results in broad, even patterns at close range with the pellet density and power to produce clean kills at the edge of the decoy set. Each of these loads contains a HEVI-Shot Wad which is specifically engineered for premium performance. Shot sizes range from BB to #4 and the tungsten and steel pellets are the same size, an uncommon feature in duplex loads. However, HEVI- Shot’s rigorous testing has proven that these loads work well, and the company has a long track record of producing lethal non-toxic loads. This ammunition is available in 12-, 16-, 20-, and 28-gauge with payloads ranging from ¾ to 1 ¼ ounces, so no matter the setup or the quarry, these loads work extremely well. The two 28-gauge offerings are both 3-inch shells designed to take advantage of modern 28-gauge guns.

$49–$50 per 25; hevishot.com

Remington Royal Flush

Non-toxic shot is growing more popular, but copper-plated lead ammo like Remington's Royal Flush has been knocking birds from the sky for generations. Available in 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge, Royal Flush is loaded with premium components including hard, dense shot that's uniform and offers very consistent patterns even at extended ranges. The combination of heavy payloads of premium shot and velocities ranging from 1,300- to 1,550-feet per second make this ammunition extremely lethal on birds. Even the “light” 20-gauge loads pack one-ounce of shot, and that means Royal Flush is suitable for hunting wild-flushing pheasants in the late season. What's more, this ammunition is considerably less expensive than bismuth or tungsten, and that means while it hits birds hard, it doesn't pound your wallet.

$35–$39 per 25; remington.com

APEX Mossy oak Shadow Grass Waterfowl Blend 20-Guage

APEX’s new Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Waterfowl Blend is an ideal load for your 20-gauge because it combines #3 S3 steel with #8 TSS in a 1 1/8-ounce duplex load that’s lethal on ducks and geese. By now, the secret is out that ultra high-density TSS shot performs exceedingly well in the field, but the price of TSS can be off-putting for many hunters. APEX’s blended loads combine the lethality of TSS with the value and mid-range performance of their premium steel pellets to create a versatile and effective waterfowl load. But don’t be fooled—this ammunition works equally well on upland birds, and because it’s non-toxic, it’s legal in areas with lead bans.

$48–$55 per 25; apexmunition.com