The Best Shotguns for Bird Hunting of 2023

Natalie Krebs

Upland bird hunters are blessed with lengthy seasons, liberal bag-limits, and endless opportunities to chase a wide variety of species across every state. No matter the pursuit, one piece of equipment remains a necessity for upland hunters—a reliable shotgun.

Whether you fancy your favorite upland scattergun as a work of art or a tool of the trade, its intended purpose remains the same. For this review, I included a rundown of the best shotguns for bird hunting to cover a variety of budgets and styles.

• Best Overall: Browning Citori Gran Lightning
• Best 20-gauge Over/Under: Weatherby Orion I
• Best Light Over/Under: Beretta Ultraleggero
• Best Budget Side-by-Side: Tristar Bristol SxS
• Best Side-by-Side: CZ Bobwhite G2 Project Upland
• Best Pump: Remington 870 FieldMaster
• Best Semi-Auto: Browning Maxus II Hunter
• Best Light Semi-Auto: Benelli Montefeltro
• Best 28-Gauge Inertia Gun: Benelli SBE 3 28-Gauge
• Best 28-Gauge Gas Gun: Beretta A400 Upland Magnum
• Best Value: Winchester SX4 Field
• Best Youth: Mossberg International SA-20 Youth

How We Picked the Best Shotguns for Bird Hunting

Asking someone to pick their favorite gun is similar to asking someone their favorite breed of bird dog; at the end of the day, it is all subjective. Having spent the past 20 years chasing upland birds across the country we know what does and does not work. But this list also continually evolves. For this review, we drew on personal experiences as well as experiences of other veteran hunters. There were hundreds of days spent afield that helped us arrive at these picks. We also selected guns from Outdoor Life’s 2023 review of the best shotguns which were tested at the range by a team of experienced shooters. We did our best to include shotguns for every action and price point so that everyone, no matter their budget or style, could find a gun that best fits them.

Best Shotguns for Bird Hunting: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Browning Citori Gran Lightning

Key Features

• Break-action O/U
• Gauge: 12, 20, 28, .410
• Finish: Blued
• Weight: 8 pounds (12-gauge)

Pros

• Well balanced
• Easily interchangeable chokes
• Comfortable rounded pistol grip and forearm

Cons

• Steep price tag
• The 12-gauge is a heavy field gun

The Gran Lightning Citori is as visually striking as it is deadly in the field, earning best pick for its performance and upland aesthetics. Browning’s lineup of Citori shotguns has reigned supreme for over and under enthusiasts for decades. I recently had the opportunity to take the Gran Lightning Citori on a traditional, southern bobwhite quail hunt where it quickly gained my utmost respect as one of the finest shotguns that I have had the pleasure to shoulder. The Gran Lightning that I hunted with was a little 28-gauge and boy did it wreak havoc on buzzing coveys of quail. For the majority of upland hunting, especially when hunting over pointers, it is tough to beat the 28-gauge’s knock-down power combined with its almost non-existent recoil.

The Gran Lightning features a stunning oil finished grade V/VI walnut lightning style stock with a high-polish blued barrel and engraved receiver. It is one of those shotguns that is almost too pretty to take to the hills, but that is exactly where it belongs. It also sports a rounded pistol grip and forearm for a consistent and classic feel when shouldered. —C.H.

Best 20-Gauge Over/Under: Weatherby Orion I

Key Features

• Break-action O/U
• Gauge: 20
• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Barrel Length: 26 and 28 inches

Pros

• 3-inch chamber
• Lightweight
• Incredibly comfortable to shoot

Cons

• Only comes in 28-inch barrel length for 20-gauge

Weatherby’s Orion I 20-gauge over and under provides upland enthusiasts a reliable stacked barrel option at a fraction of the cost of many others on the market. While Weatherby is most well known for their cutting-edge centerfire rifles, their line of shotguns shouldn’t be overlooked. The Orion I 20-gauge isn’t flashy, but don’t let that fool you. This shotgun has been put through the ringer by many who swear by its fit and reliability. The slimmed receiver combined with the oversized forearm is both comfortable to carry and easy to shoot. If you are in the market for a workhorse 20 over and under that won’t break the bank, the Orion I should be at the top of your list. —C.H.

Best Light Over/Under: Beretta Ultraleggero

Key Features

• 26- and 28-inch barrels
• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Weight: 6.4 pounds 

Pros

• Incredibly light
• Pretty walnut stock
• 50/50 pattern

Cons

• Plastic inserts 
• A bit pricey at $3,000

Beretta’s Ultraleggero (Italian for “ultralight”) carries like a 20-gauge and smashes birds from the sky like a 12 gauge. I know that probably sounds like marketing speak, but it’s true. At just 6.4 pounds the gun is only a few ounces heavier than the 20 gauge Weatherby Orion which we’ve selected as our favorite O/U subgauge. Loaded up with 3-inch shells, this gun is a late-season rooster slayer. 

Beretta achieved this by modifying and skeletonizing their 690 action and utilizing plastic inserts. They removed wood from the stock, selected a thin recoil pad, and skipped the side ribs between the barrels. Minimalist and non-traditional would be accurate descriptors for this shotgun. 

The gun performed nicely in the field and on the test range. It wasn’t hard to mount or whippy to swing during our 2023 Shotgun Test. We also found that it threw a 50/50 pattern which is reassuring for upland hunters.

Later I took the Ultraleggero sharptail grouse hunting in North Dakota and it was a dream to carry through the hills. A 12-gauge O/U shotgun that’s this light promises to hammer your shoulder when you touch off a round, and we certainly experienced stout recoil while testing the gun on the clays range. However, I didn’t notice harsh recoil while shooting in a hunting scenario. I shot 3-inch, 1 ⅜-ounce, No. 5 Federal Hevi Bismuth loads at sharptails and in the excitement of the moment, I didn’t feel punishing recoil at all. —A.R.

Best Budget Side-by-Side: Tristar Bristol SxS

Key Features

• Break-action side-by-side
• Gauge: 12, 16, 20, 28, .410
• Single selective trigger
• Weight: 5.24 pounds (28-gauge)

Pros

• Several gauges to choose from
• Ability to interchange chokes
• Classic look and feel at a fraction of the cost

Cons

• Some might prefer a traditional double trigger

Side-by-side shotgun aficionados are a special breed, taking their love and fascination of these shotguns to extreme levels, my own father included. Knowing the price tags for many vintage side-by-sides, I never indulged in their mystique. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered there are many affordable options for new side-by-sides that are visually appealing work horses in the field, and most importantly, extremely affordable. Enter front and center stage Tristar’s Bristol.

When I first got my hands on a 28-gauge Bristol side-by-side, I was impressed. The wood-to-metal fit was satisfactory (the Turkish walnut English stock is nothing fancy but certainly clean), and the case-colored receiver added a classic, rustic touch. Another benefit of a new side-by-side is the ability to interchange chokes when needed. The Bristol side-by-side comes standard with five Beretta style chokes (skeet, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full). With a price tag below $1,200, this is a perfect shotgun to break into the wide world of side-by-side shotguns. —C.H.

Best Side-by-Side: CZ Bobwhite G2 Project Upland

Key Features

• Break-action side-by-side
• Gauge: 12, 20, and 28
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Weight: 6.2 pounds (28-gauge)

Pros

• Double trigger
• Case-colored receiver
• Comfortable straight English stock

Cons

•  $1,700 is pricey for a Turkish-made SxS

CZ, in collaboration with Project Upland, designed the Bobwhite G2 Project Upland shotgun. This modern side-by-side is built on one of the best shotguns for bird hunting–CZ’s classic Bobwhite frame–with some upgraded lavish details that add both character and appeal. It incorporates the classic Bobwhite frame and reliability with upgraded furniture and details.

The Bobwhite G2 Project Upland side-by-side features a beautiful straight-English stock made from select grade Turkish walnut, encased with a decoratively engraved case colored receiver. Side-by-side purists can also breathe easy with the traditional double trigger and case colored manual tang safety preserved in this modern play on a CZ’s classic side-by-side. A wise man once wrote, “Life is too short to shoot an ugly gun.” I couldn’t agree more. And luckily, this gun’s performance matches its looks. —C.H.

Best Pump: Remington 870 FieldMaster

Key Features

• Action: Pump
• Gauge: 12 or 20
• Weight: 7.5 pounds (12-gauge)
• Better metal finish than discontinued Express model

Pros

• Unmatched reliability
• Easy to breakdown and clean
• Rust resistant finish

Cons

•  No shims or spacers for stock adjustment

With over 11 million shotguns sold since its introduction in 1950, the Remington 870 is the best-selling shotgun of all-time. The 870 FieldMaster internally mirrors the Wingmaster model but externally features a rugged corrosion resistant finish on the barrel and receiver to combat the abuse hunters put their shotguns through. Also, as of this year, the FieldMaster officially replaced the 870 Express. If a pump-action scattergun is your preferred shotgun of choice, it is tough to overlook the versatility and dependability of the Remington 870. It’s not flashy, but no one will argue that it will get the job done. —C.H.

Best Semi-Auto: Browning Maxus II Hunter

Key Features

• Action: Semi-Auto (Gas)
• Gauge: 12
• Barrel Length: 26 and 28 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds

Pros

• Reliable Power Drive Gas System
• Adjustable LOP, cast, and drop with adjustable shims
• Fiber-optic front sight

Cons

• Only available in 12-gauge

The Browning Maxus II Hunter is a reliable semi-auto shotgun made for upland bird hunters who want more than two shots. Browning hit a homerun when they launched the original Browning Maxus over a decade ago. The Power Drive Gas System proved its worth in the original Maxus and continues to be the driving force in the Maxus II. This gun also incorporates several cosmetic changes as well as a stock redesign, which makes shouldering it comfortable and easy. And the Inflex recoil pad eliminates a lot of the recoil, which you’ll want with a 12-gauge, and makes for quick follow up shots. And while some purists might shudder at this option, the Invector-Plus choke system makes this a versatile shotgun for other pursuits.  —C.H.

Best Light Semi-Auto: Benelli Montefeltro

Key Features

• 6.63 pounds (12 gauge, 26-inch barrel)
• Available in 12 and 20 gauge
• 3-inch chamber
• Inertia driven
• Included shim kit

Pros

• Light and handy
• Comes to the shoulder quickly and naturally

Cons

• Finish will get dinged up with hard use in inclement weather

Sometimes you just need that third shot when upland bird hunting. Like when you’re about to triple on a covey of quail. Or, probably more likely, when you’ve rushed your first two shots on a slow flushing rooster and now you’ve finally settled down enough to kill him on your third shot. For these scenarios, a semi-auto is tough to beat. However, most 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun platforms are a bit too heavy and bulky for carrying comfortably all day in the uplands. That’s not the case with the Benelli Montefeltro which weighs 6.63 pounds and is the lightest semi-auto 12-gauge on our list. With a price of $1,299 it’s a solid value.

During our 2023 shotgun test, the Montefeltro was a favorite on the clays range. On the patterning board, it printed a 70/30 pattern which is about right for upland hunters shooting flushing-away birds. While carrying the Montefeltro for wild pheasants this fall I found that it handled quickly and naturally. I regularly shoot Benelli duck guns and the Montefeltro felt comfortable and familiar as I swung past a rooster and folded him at about 40 yards. Happily, the Montefeltro was much nicer to carry back to the truck than any of those hefty duck guns would have been. —A.R.

Best 28-Gauge Inertia Gun: Benelli SBE 3 28-Gauge

Key Features

• Action: Semi-Auto (Inertia)
• Gauge: 28
• Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Barrel Length: 26 or 28 inches

Pros

• Minimal recoil
• 3-inch chamber
• Lightweight

Cons

• Availability (for now)

The Benelli SBE3 28-gauge shotgun is the finest sub-gauge semi-auto I have ever shot. It is also chambered to shoot 3-inch shells, which allow payloads similar to a 20-gauge but with the small frame and minimal recoil of a 28-gauge.

Few trends have gained as much recent notoriety as that of sub-gauge shotguns. Manufacturers have taken notice, and Benelli was one of the first to answer the call with the launch of their Super Black Eagle 3 28-gauge shotgun. Needless to say, they set the bar high. This gun is made for hunting flighty coveys of quail and chukar when multiple shots and staggered coveys are a given. While the recoil of a 28-gauge is minimal, the Comfort Tech stock makes it even less noticeable, especially for follow up shots. 

With a well patterned lead load, you can easily reach out to 50 yards on most upland species and knock them out of the air with a good 28-gauge payload. And with the 28-gauge, depending on the load and choke combination, you can have similar performance to a 20-gauge without the recoil and added weight. Once you shoot a 28-gauge you may just fall in love. You have been warned.

Best 28-Gauge Gas Gun: Beretta A400 Upland Magnum

Key Features

• 28 gauge
• 5.88 pounds
• 3-inch chamber
• Gas operated

Pros

• Light 
• Offers 3-inch 28-gauge chamber

Cons

• Receiver design is cheesy

This 28-gauge gas gun could be the lightest recoiling upland bird gun around. Beretta downsized its successful A400 platform to a 28 gauge that’s capable of firing “magnum” 3-inch loads. 

The 3-inch 28-gauge has become somewhat trendy recently as more ammo makers like Federal, Hevi-Shot, and Boss produce loads for it. And Beretta’s offering is a good option for joining this trend, if you like a little bling. The gun has a shiny silver receiver with no less than three “28s” lasered into it—not exactly a classic look. 

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. During our testing, we found the gun to be a joy to shoot. The 28-inch barrel swung to targets well and the shotgun mounted quickly. With target loads, recoil was incredibly minimal and even with 3-inch game loads the gun was mild shooting. It’s just a little heftier than its Benelli 28-gauge cousin, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as some of the testers thought the Benelli was almost too slender. If you’re a Beretta fan in search of a 28-gauge, you’re almost certain to shoot this gun naturally. 

Just be warned, joining the 28-gauge trend is going to cost you. The A400 Upland Magnum has a price of $1,729 and that denser-than-steel ammo that’s ideal for the 28 gauge can cost anywhere from $40 to $80 per box. 

Best Bang for Your Buck: Winchester SX4 Field

Key Features

• Action: Semi-Auto (Gas)
• Gauge: 12, 20
• Barrel Length: 26- and 28-inch
• Weight: 6 pounds, 12 ounces (12-gauge, 28-inch)

Pros

• Ambidextrous safety
• Comfortable pistol grip
• Reliable with a wide variety of shells

Cons

• Bolt can be sticky, tough to open
• Load gate is also stiff, makes loading a chore in the cold

The SX4 Field is a no frills, classic upland take on the proven SX4 platform. And with a price tag just below a grand, this shotgun is easily the best bang for your buck. The classic matte-black receiver, combined with the satin oil finished walnut stock gives the SX4 a classic upland look, but this gun also performs reliably and isn’t picky when it comes to payloads.

Winchester incorporated an oversized safety and bolt release which makes handling with gloves a breeze. Recoil from the SX4 12-gauge is minimal, thanks to the Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. The smaller pistol grip is comfortable and provides plenty of grip for hunters with smaller hands but should still feel just right with those who have larger hands. If $1,000 is your top budget, you can start and end your search with the SX4 Field.

Best Youth: Mossberg International SA-20 Youth

Key Features

• Action: Semi-Auto (Gas)
• Gauge: 20
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Weight: 6.25 pounds

Pros

• Compact
• Comfortable for youth
• Low recoil

Cons

• Fixed LOP means they’ll eventually outgrow it

The lightweight SA-20 Youth shotgun from Mossberg is the perfect first shotgun for your favorite little hunting buddy. All they have to worry about is barrel control and flipping the safety off. Passing on hunting traditions to younger generations is crucial to the survival of this sport. And one of the best entries into this sport is bird hunting. Youth specific shotguns, such as the SA-20 Youth, offer a lightweight, low recoiling, and comfortable option for young hunters interested in bird hunting. Its reasonable price tag makes it money well spent to get your little ones hooked on hunting. It does have a fixed LOP, so your young hunter won’t be able to grow with this gun, but for their early years, this compact wingshooter is more than enough to get them started and hopefully coming back.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Shotgun for Bird Hunting

Budget

Purchasing a new shotgun is an endeavor worthy of your time and research. The first thing you should decide is how much you are willing to spend. When it comes to hunting gear and firearms, I generally try to abide by the “buy once, cry once” mentality as you almost always get what you pay for. Setting a budget from the beginning will set parameters on what shotguns to research and help you get the most out of your hard-earned cash.

Style

The second variable to consider when picking the right upland bird hunting shotgun is what species you plan on primarily chasing and what action style will be most conducive to that endeavor. For example, if pheasants or grouse are your primary target, an over and under or side-by-side is perfect for shooting a single or a flushing pair. However, if wild coveys of chukars, quail, or Hungarian partridge are a staple, you may want to lean toward a pump or semi-auto that offers the ability to send a third round down range. There are some purists who might argue that anything with the ability to shoot more than two shots is a blasphemy to the sport, but no one needs that kind of negativity in their life. Plus, what better excuse to buy a new shotgun.

Gauge

The third and final variable that must be considered when buying a new upland shotgun is the gauge. Personally, I have used a 20-gauge shotgun for most of my life and for that reason have a bias towards it. I am also a big proponent, depending on where and what I am hunting, of the 28-gauge. More on that later. Everyone’s trusty 12-gauge will get the job done—and with authority—but usually winds up being overkill on most upland species (outside of pheasants). Additionally, there has been a resurgence in recent years of the 16-gauge. It is a sweet little gauge, but ammo options and availability are sometimes limited.

FAQs

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Final Thoughts

Performance and reliability wise, these are some of the best shotguns for bird hunting. When it comes to individual performance, what works best for me might not work best for you. Still, any of the options on this list are more than capable for bird hunting. Find a shotgun that falls within your budget, become proficient with it, and hit the fields. The killing of a bird is inconsequential compared to everything else that surrounds the hunt, but when you work hard for that opportunity, be sure you are shouldering a shotgun you have complete confidence in.

• Best Overall: Browning Citori Gran Lightning
• Best 20-gauge Over/Under: Weatherby Orion I
• Best Light Over/Under: Beretta Ultraleggero
• Best Budget Side-by-Side: Tristar Bristol SxS
• Best Side-by-Side: CZ Bobwhite G2 Project Upland
• Best Pump: Remington 870 FieldMaster
• Best Semi-Auto: Browning Maxus II Hunter
• Best Light Semi-Auto: Benelli Montefeltro
• Best Sub-Gauge Inertia Gun: Benelli SBE 3 28-Gauge
• Best 28-Gauge Gas Gun: Beretta A400 Upland Magnum
• Best Bang for Your Buck: Winchester SX4 Field
• Best Youth: Mossberg International SA-20 Youth

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