Choosing the right shotgun for duck hunting depends on your personal preferences, shooting style and budget. Whatever brand and model you choose, however, one trait it MUST have is dependability. When a drake mallard is backpedaling over your decoys, the gun better go “Boom!” when you pull the trigger. No excuses. Of course, you also need to do your part in properly cleaning the gun after every outing; this is especially true for semi-autos.
Here are five top-notch shotguns available in 2023 that won’t let you down in the duck blind. (FYI: I chose to feature images of guns with black synthetic stocks only; many other options are available across brands and models.)
Remington 870
The Remington 870 is a versatile pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and affordability. It’s the best selling shotgun of all time. More than 11 million of them have been made since it was introduced in 1950. The 870 comes in various configurations; of course, the 12-gauge is most popular for duck hunting. I’ve owned my synthetic-stock, full-camo 870 since the mid-1980s, and use it for everything from ducks to turkeys.
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500 shotguns are also pump-action options known for their ruggedness, durability and value. They are available in various barrel lengths and configurations suitable for duck hunting. Is a Mossberg pump better than a Remington pump? That’s a Ford vs. Chevy argument that will never be settled.
Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is a semi-automatic shotgun that's tremendously popular among waterfowlers due to its reliability, fast cycling and reduced recoil. The latter is accomplished through the semi-auto’s inertia driven operating system and a thick recoil pad. Is this an inexpensive shotgun? No. Is it worth the high price? Some of the most serious duck hunters on the planet say “Yes!”
Browning Maxus II
The Browning Maxus II is another semi-automatic shotgun that's well-regarded for its performance in the field. It offers reduced recoil (gas operating system) and reliable cycling, making it a great choice for duck hunting. One of my good friends owns a Maxus II and it’s rare when he doesn’t outshoot me in the field. According to him, a Maxus II is slightly nose heavy, which isn’t a negative. He says it helps him point the gun naturally and swing smoothly when pass-shooting.
Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is a gas-driven semi-automatic shotgun designed for extreme conditions, making it suitable for duck hunting in challenging environments. It offers features such as a Kick-Off Mega recoil reduction system and Aqua Tech Shield coating to enhance reliability in wet conditions.
Final Thoughts
Remember to choose a shotgun that fits you well and suits your shooting style. Some duck hunters can operate a pump gun and kill birds with their second and third shots. Others don’t have a prayer of well-placed second and third shots unless they carry a semi-auto.
Also consider your dedication to keeping a gun clean. If you KNOW that you’ll often skip cleaning your duck gun after an outing, then be cautious about buying a semi-auto. Pump guns will still operate when dirty, but that’s not always the case with semi-autos. Be honest with yourself and make a smart purchase.
