Picking the right shotgun for waterfowl hunting is no small decision. Think of it like choosing a sidearm before deployment—it has to be dependable, rugged, and suited to the conditions you’ll be facing. Whether you’re wading through marshes, hunkered in a blind, or chasing geese in frigid winds, your shotgun should be an extension of you. Let’s count down 10 of the best-performing waterfowl shotguns on the market today—everything from affordable workhorses to top-of-the-line tools of the trade.
10. Stoeger M3500 – Affordable and Built to Work
The Stoeger M3500 is not flashy, but it works. This inertia-action autoloader shoots everything from light 2¾” loads to heavy 3.5″ magnums. It requires break-in time—particularly with lighter shells—but it’s solid once that’s been accomplished. With a tough construction and a sub-$700 price, it’s one of the best waterfowl shotgun values around, with surprising versatility for budget-conscious new hunters or those on a budget.
9. Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag – The Pump Gun Tank
Built specifically for 3.5″ shells, the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag is the definition of tough. It features an overbored 12-gauge barrel, helping pattern dense loads more evenly. The tang safety is a smart, ambidextrous choice, and the gun is engineered to take a beating in brutal weather. Yes, it’s heavy—but when you’re running magnum shells, that extra weight works in your favor. For a pump that thrives in the worst conditions, the 835 remains a trusted classic.
8. CZ 1012 – A No-Fuss Inertia Auto-Loader
CZ’s 1012 is making inroads quickly among hunters seeking good performance and low maintenance. In our testing, it cycled more than 5,000 rounds with no cleaning or addition of oil. That’s the kind of toughness that counts in the bush. It features a sleek profile in both walnut and synthetic stocks, and comes with extended chokes standard. For hunters who prefer a semi-auto that resists cleaning longer, the 1012 is the ticket.
7. Winchester SX4 – Smooth Operator, Solid Price
The Winchester SX4 is a gas-operated semi-auto that’s easy to use and designed to deliver. The Active Valve system compensates for different loads, one of the reasons it’s one of the most adjustable in its category. Big controls, adjustable stock elements, and water-resistant coatings allow it to be handled with gloves or wet hands. It’s also among the most budget-friendly gas guns, showing you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy first-class dependability.
6. Remington 870 – The Iconic Workhorse
Few shotguns are as legendary—or as combat-tested—as the Remington 870. Its configuration hasn’t really changed since the 1950s, and that’s because it still gets the job done amazingly well. With loads of variations and decades of aftermarket options to choose from, the 870 is still a good, cost-effective pump for hunters who need simplicity and reliability. Drop it in muck, wash it off, keep hunting—this pump takes abuse in stride like few others.
5. Franchi Affinity 3.5 – Lightweight Inertia-Driven Excellence
For people who desire Benelli quality for less than the Benelli price, the Affinity 3.5 is the ticket. It devours everything from duck loads to goose magnums and is a pleasure to handle, even when the weather gets bad. Its big controls are easy to use with gloves on and have a sleek profile that’s easy to get on quickly. It’s a safe bet for those long mornings in the blind.
4. Browning Maxus II – Elite Feel and Subtly Soft Shooting
The Maxus II is all about refinement. Browning’s Power Drive gas system ensures smooth operation, while comfort features like a SoftFlex cheek pad and Inflex recoil pad reduce fatigue during long hunts. Cerakote finishes offer weather resistance, and oversized controls make operation easy when it’s cold and wet. If you’re looking for a high-end gas semi-auto that puts comfort first, this one’s hard to beat.
3. Browning A5 – Tradition Meets Contemporary Innovation
With its humpbacked profile and recoil-operated action, the Browning A5 is easy to identify. But the new one is anything but old-school—it boasts the Kinematic Drive System for smooth, dependable cycling and less felt recoil. It’s fast, streamlined, and engineered for the real world. Whether you like a retro look or need a gun that excels in performance and heritage, the A5 does it all.
2. Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus – A Technically Advanced Soft Shooter
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus brings engineering and innovation to the forefront. Its Kick-Off Mega recoil system reduces felt recoil by up to 70%, making heavy loads feel manageable. The Blink gas system cycles shells fast and reliably, while corrosion-resistant Aqua Technology and a Steelium Plus barrel make it tough in wet, salty environments. If comfort and cutting-edge performance are your priorities, this shotgun is worth every penny.
1. Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 – The Marsh King
At the top of our list is the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3—a shotgun that’s set the bar for serious waterfowl hunters. The SBE3’s Inertia-Driven system is all but cold-proof, grimy-proof, or neglect-proof. It cycles light 2¾” loads to tough-shooting 3.5″ magnums with ease. Add in the Comfort Tech 3 stock and glove-friendly controls, and you’ve got a gun that’s as smartly designed as it is reliable. In the worst weather, when everything else fails, the SBE3 keeps going.
What to Look for in a Waterfowl Shotgun
Choosing a shotgun isn’t just about brand or looks—it’s about matching your gear to your hunt. Here’s what to consider:
- Action Type: Semi-autos are quicker on follow-up shots and have less recoil, but pumps deliver unparalleled durability and maintenance simplicity.
- Gauge: 12-gauge is still king for all-around use, but 20-gauge is lighter and becoming more popular for teal and early season hunting.
- Stock and Finish: Synthetic stocks and camo finishes aren’t merely cosmetic—these protect your gun from water, rust, and abused handling.
- Maintenance Requirements: Inertia guns, such as the SBE3 and Affinity 3.5, require less maintenance, while gas systems are more demanding but will pay you back with a softer shooting feel.
Ultimately, the finest waterfowl shotgun is the one that fits your shoulder, your wallet, and your hunt. Handle as many as you can before you make a decision, and don’t forget to consider aftermarket chokes and routine maintenance. In the wild world of waterfowl hunting, a quality shotgun is not only a tool, but your best bet.
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