Waterfowl hunters view their shotguns as more than tools. Often, those guns reflect the user’s personality and style of hunting.

 

Therefore, it’s no surprise manufacturers offer a variety of high-performance shotguns for duck and goose hunting. The common element, of course, is they’re all adorned with Realtree camo to fool sharp-eyed birds. Here’s a brief look at some of 2017’s hottest waterfowl guns.

 

Benelli Super Black Eagle III

How could Benelli improve on the venerable SBE and its time-tested Inertia-Driven System? How about improving the gun’s functional ergonomics? The SBEIII features an oversized safety and bolt handle, plus an outward-angled drop lever to make it quicker and easier to operate with gloved hands. A beveled loading port, redesigned carrier and new two-piece carrier latch make loading the magazine much easier, and the new Easy Locking System prevents the gun from coming out of battery. Its Comfort Tech 3 recoil-reduction system uses shock-absorbing chevrons to turn the stock into a recoil pad. Combtech technology reduces facial impact and vibrations. And the Inertia-Driven System cycles everything from light field loads to 3-1/2-inch magnum shells. Best, it’s available in Realtree Max-5. Benelliusa.com

 

 

Winchester Super X4 Waterfowl Hunter

Winchester had tough acts to follow after its Super X2 and X3 shotguns. It responded by making the X4 lighter, more ergonomic and faster at cycling shells. Dressed in Realtree Max-5, the X4 Waterfowl Hunter has a slimmer forend and pistol grip to allow a better swing. It also features a larger safety button, operating handle and magazine-release button. The shell carrier and bolt-release button are coated with nickel Teflon to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. It even has a larger, more open triggerguard for hunters who wear gloves, and its Inflex Technology Recoil Pad helps further reduce felt recoil. Its Active Valve Gas System automatically adjusts to allocate the precise gas pressure needed to reliably cycle a wide range of loads, from light 2-3/4-inch field loads to heavy 3-1/2-inch magnums. Winchesterguns.com

 

 

 

Beretta A400 Xtreme Unico

Using Beretta’s proven gas-operated system, this gun features a rotating bolt head and new feeding system, providing reliable speed and great performance. Available in Realtree Max-5, the shotgun uses Kick Off, a recoil-reduction system with two hydraulic dampeners similar to those in automobile suspensions. Also, it features Kick Off Mega, a hydraulic dumper that eliminates slipping between the stock and cheek and dramatically reduces muzzle rise. A third hydraulic damper further mitigates recoil and reduces mechanical stress. The Unico has ACQUA Technology, so internal parts are produced with rustproof protective coatings. The slide, carrier and trigger are covered with anti-glare treatment, and the barrel and receiver are protected through a special dipping treatment that shelters the gun from corrosion in all conditions. Beretta.com

 

 

Stoeger P3500

This rugged pump-gun incorporates many features but won’t break the bank. Chambered for 2-3/4- to 3-1/2-inch loads, the gun has a chrome-lined barrel, dual action bars and a rotating bolt head. Its ergonomic styling and sleek, thin forend provides a smooth swing and instinctive pointing. The gun comes in 26- and 28-inch-barreled versions, both available in Realtree Max-5. Stoegerindustries.com

 

 

TriStar Viper Max

This gas-operated auto-loader lets you shoot light target loads up to heavy 3-1/2-inch waterfowl loads using a two-piston system. The light-load piston works with 2-3/4-inch shells, and the heavy-load piston works for others. The gun comes with four Beretta Mobil Chokes and features over-molded rubber grips on the stock and forend. It’s available in four 12-gauge versions, with 26- to 30-inch barrels and Realtree Max-5 camo. Tristararms.com

 

 

Franchi Affinity 3

This lean, functional shotgun uses the Inertia-Driven System and is available in Realtree Max-5. Its trim forend helps keep your eye close to the bore axis, allowing quicker, more intuitive pointing. The custom-grade controls — including the bolt handle, bolt release and magazine port — are oversized for use with gloved hands. And the TSA recoil pad makes the Affinity 3 easy on the shoulder. Franchiusa.com

 

 

Browning Maxus

A limited-production 2017 SHOT Show Special Maxus comes in Realtree Max-5. Chambered for shells up to 3-1/2 inches, the gun has a 26-inch barrel and Dura Touch camo finish. The Maxus also features Browning’s Lightning Trigger, Speed Lock Forearm and Power Drive Gas System, with large exhaust ports that dump gases faster with heavy loads, and a piston with a stroke that’s about 20 percent longer for better reliability with light loads. Browning.com

 

 

CZ Swamp Magnum

This 3-1/2-inch-chambered over-and-under has a polymer stock in Realtree Max-5 with all metal work blacked out. The gun features an automatic safety, which engages every time the action is opened, increasing safety in the duck blind. It comes with a full set of extended black chokes. Cz-usa.com

 

Editor’s Note: Realtree licenses 27,000 products that can be found in more than 38,000 retail locations worldwide. Whether customers are looking for rugged outdoor equipment or everyday gear that enhances their active lifestyle, it can be found in a Realtree pattern. If you’re interested in growing your business with a Realtree licensing program, let’s talk! Find out more and contact us here.