Top 5 Waterfowl Shotguns

Looking for a great duck gun? Whether you are looking for the best duck gun money can buy or a budget waterfowl shotgun, this list has it all. Here are a few key features to look out for when selecting your next waterfowl shotgun.

Action

Waterfowl shotguns are available in several action types. Your choice will greatly depend on shooting preference, and there are several options for each action type.

Semi Auto – Semi-auto shotguns are a common choice among waterfowl shooters thanks to their ability to fire multiple shots and cycle ammo very quickly. Unlike other styles, the semi-auto cycles rounds on its own after each trigger pull. There are several iconic semi-auto models available, like the Browning A5, Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, Mossberg 940, and more!

Pump Action – Pump action shotguns are a classic used throughout generations of hunters. Their simple operation, reliable performance, and affordable prices make them a trusted choice. Choose from models like the Winchester SXP, Remington 870, and Benelli Super Nova.

Over/Under – While not as common for waterfowl hunting as the choices above, over/under shotguns are trusted by many hunters. Their actions are simple to use, and the ability to select the barrel and choke gives them unmatched versatility. Check out models like the Browning Cynergy to experience impressive hunting performance from a break-action shotgun.

Chamber

Having a chamber that can shoot 3 ½ inch shells is not required for waterfowl hunting but does increase the amount of shot you can send down range.  Many popular models come with 3 ½ inch chambers if that is your preferred shell length for waterfowl hunting.  

Barrel Length

Most waterfowl shotguns come with barrels in the 26-30 inch range. These barrels give hunters enough length for the needed accuracy while still being balanced enough for shouldering and swinging.

From top of the line options to cheaper models, we’ve got it all when it comes to waterfowl shotguns. Here are our picks for the best waterfowl shotgun.

1

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Semi Automatic Shotgun

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Shotgun is a full redesign of the venerable Super Black Eagle platform. With carefully considered insights from Benelli pro-staff and veteran hunters, Benelli design engineers spent nearly 10 years in development with a focus on three areas of critical importance to the serious waterfowler: Improved ergonomics, intuitive, flawless functionality and an updated design, style and feel for the latest in modern waterfowling reliability that’s all about the end game: Absolute superiority in the most unforgiving conditions. All the amazing attributes that made the Super Black Eagle 3 one of America's favorite shotguns is now also available for southpaws in a firearm specifically engineered for those who shoulder firearms on the left side. 

 

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Shotgun is the semi-automatic shotgun capable of shooting, in addition to all traditional hunting loads,most steel shot loads. The Super Black Eagle 3 Shotgun also contains the innovative Comfortech System, Benelli’s exclusive full comfort system ensures excellent performance in term of reducing recoil and muzzle rise and making aiming quicker than ever. Especially for the new comb that minimizes muzzle climb and vibration.

 

ComforTech was the first recoil-reduction system of its kind. By splitting the stock diagonally and utilizing shock-absorbing chevrons the entire stock was transformed into a recoil pad. The chevron size and location has been optimized on Comfort Tech 3. Further, Benelli engineers created a new cheek comb pad called Combtech, which greatly reduces facial impact and vibrations. When considering total recoil, vibrations, and impact to the face are often overlooked. Benelli realized that improvements could be made to the stock comb to reduce facial impact and developed the Combtech System. Combtech is simple but highly effective in reducing force transferred to the cheek area, resulting in a softer shooting gun that allows you to shoot better.

 

Features

  • Oversize bolt handle
  • Inertia-driven
  • Easy Load system
  • Crio system technology

 

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2

Browning A5 Wicked Wings Semi Automatic Shotgun

Wicked looks, wicked performance. Be it a lift kit and bigger tires on the truck, the color of paint on the house, or even a tattoo, most people like a little personalization to separate them from the rest of the pack. Why should a shotgun be any different? Now waterfowlers can choose between a pair of Browning autoloaders with custom touches to make them stand out — in a good way. Wicked Wing autoloaders feature a Cerakote Burnt Bronze camo finish on the receiver and Burnt Bronze on the barrel. The oversized bolt release makes it easier to manipulate with gloves. A fully chromed bore adds corrosion resistance and longevity for year after year of shooting performance.

These blades run ducks in circles. Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades is a camo for today's duck hunter. It is not only extremely popular, it is proven effective. Combined with the "old school" humpbacked design and modern technology of the Browning A5, you have an ultra-reliable shotgun you can and will take everywhere in your pursuit of ducks and geese.

Building on The Legend. The original Browning Auto-5 is considered to be nothing less than a legend in the hunting and shooting sports. Though today's A5 shares only the name and humpback receiver profile with John M. Browning's original autoloader, these guns build on the legacy of reliability and performance earned by their namesake.

Features

  • Inflex 2, large recoil pad
  • Fully chromed barrel bore chamber
  • Aluminum alloy receiver, Burnt Bronze Cerakote
  • Brushed nickel bolt slide finish
  • Gold plated trigger



What Customers Are Saying

I would not purchase again

New out the box, first day shot 13 rounds out of it( Light trap loads) acquired a bulge in the barrel where the end of the choke tube should be. Called dealer, they contacted browning and was told browning would not warranty it. two months later browning sent a new barrel and choke tube for a small fee of little over $400.
- Coyote Hunter, 10/10/2024

About Browning

Browning is one of those classic, traditional companies with a long, proud history. To get to the very beginning one would have to go back to 1805, to the birth of Jonathan Browning in Tennessee. Jonathan was the father of John Moses Browning. Like many of his time he sought a life in the West, which eventually had him setting up shop as a gunmaker and gunsmith of some note in Nauvoo, Illinois and eventually brought him further West, with the Mormon pioneers to Ogden, Utah.

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3

Beretta A400 Xtreme PLUS KO Semi Automatic Shotgun

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus stock now feature a soft comb, which reduces the felt recoil imparted to the shooter’s cheek even further.  The A400 Xtreme Plus features Beretta’s exclusive Steelium Plus barrels, a first for hunting shotguns providing the best patterning possible from all hunting loads, along with further felt recoil mitigation. Further drawing from the competition world, the A400 Xtreme Plus barrel features a step rib with an integral mid-bead and fiber optic front bead in order to ensure the proper fit and sight picture for all conditions.  Further enhancing the A400 Xtreme Plus is the addition of an extended charging handle and bolt release from the factory to allow for easier manipulation during the coldest and rainiest days, as well as an enlarged loading port to allow for easier loading in adverse conditions.

What Customers Are Saying

A very fine blind gun.

I have fired over 250 target loads through this extrema 400 gun. No malfunctions; all fed properly. The mid barrel bead helps in making stock adjustments that result in the shooter looking directly down the barrel; with rear bead obscuring front bead. Included stock adjustment "washers" and length of pull spacers work very well. I am 68 years old and have swung a few scatter guns in my days. This is a very fine 3.5 " waterfowl shotgun. I look forward to hearing the sound of big Saskatchewan canada honkers pounding into the wheat stubble this fall!
- RockStomper, 5/21/2023

About Beretta

Established in 1526, Beretta is the longest-standing dynasty in the world, tracing its roots through 15 generations of continuous family ownership. Beretta balances precision, tradition, performance, and innovation in every product it offers. Whether it's for tactical and self-defense, waterfowl hunting, upland hunting, big game hunting, or competition shooting, Beretta offers a full range of guns, accessories, clothing, and more for today's modern sportsman. MidwayUSA offers top Beretta products like the 92FS Pistol, M9 Pistol, 1301 Tactical Shotgun, A400 Shotgun, and many more! Beretta has stood by its core value, “Quality Without Compromise” since the beginning, which has been a key to its long-term success.

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4

Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing Semi Automatic Shotgun

Maxus II Wicked Wing models have a lot to offer a shotgunner: Reliability, superior shooting comfort, a great trigger, intuitive handling and appearance. This is one shotgun that looks as good as it performs with a Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish applied to the receiver and barrel for protection superior to bluing. Day after day, whatever the weather, the Maxus II Wicked Wing is built to deliver the goods whether the ducks are cupped up and dropping into the decoys or just giving them a passing glance. The Maxus II builds on the success of the original, and adds a new look and more features that improve shooting comfort, performance and speed without sacrificing an ounce of the proven reliability the Maxus is lauded for. A SoftFlex cheek piece and  1-1/2" thick Inflex Recoil Pad combine to further reduce felt recoil and ease the sting of 3-1/2" magnum goose loads. Overmolded rubber panels that improve grip in all conditions have been added to the stock and forearm. The stock and forearm have been redesigned to be more comfortable. To fit an even broader range of shooters, the stock is now able to be easily trimmed up to 3/4". Perhaps the most noticeable change from the original is the addition of a screw-on magazine cap. This simple change was implemented after feedback from the Browning Pro Staff and public who wanted the ability to use a magazine extension for competition use.

 

Features

  • SoftFlex Cheek Pad increases shooting comfort 
  • Oversize bolt release and bolt handle 
  • Composite stock can be trimmed and is shim adjustable for cast, drop and length of pull
  • Rubber overmolding on stock and forearm add grip in all conditions
  • Trigger guard is ramped for easier loading
  • Nickel Teflon Coating on the bolt, bolt slide, shell carrier, bolt release and bolt handle protect and add lubricity
  • Lightweight magazine tube reduces weight
  • Chrome chamber and bore increase durability and corrosion resistance
  • Fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead
  • ABS hard case included
  • Three extended Invector-Plus Goose Band choke tubes included (F, M, IC)

 

 

 

About Browning

Browning is one of those classic, traditional companies with a long, proud history. To get to the very beginning one would have to go back to 1805, to the birth of Jonathan Browning in Tennessee. Jonathan was the father of John Moses Browning. Like many of his time he sought a life in the West, which eventually had him setting up shop as a gunmaker and gunsmith of some note in Nauvoo, Illinois and eventually brought him further West, with the Mormon pioneers to Ogden, Utah.

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5

Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl Snow Goose Semi Automatic 12 Gauge Shotgun 28" Gray Barrel Snow Camo Field Stock

Inside the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl Semi-Automatic Shotgun you’ll find a durable gas system that allows for up to 1500 rounds between cleanings and a host of corrosion-resistant internal parts/finishing (nickel boron-coated gas piston, magazine tube, hammer/sear), enlarged/beveled loading port, elongated elevator, and anodized follower for smooth operation. Outside, an adjustable stock allows for 1.25″ of LOP flexibility, the stock and streamlined forend feature Mossberg signature texturing for a secure grip, and a front fiber optic sight helps keep you on target. When layers of waterfowl are swirling in the sky above your blind, you want to be ready and these bold and functional 940 Pro Autoloaders are up to the task.

Features

  • Clean-running Gas-vent System
  • Quick-empty Magazine Release
  • Adjustable Length of Pull
  • Drilled and Tapped Receiver
  • Self-Draining Stock
  • Chrome-lined Chambers/Bores
  • Stainless Steel Return Spring
  • Adjustable for Drop at Comb/Cast
  • Accu-Set Choke Tubes
  • HIVIZ CompSight Fiber Optic Sight

About Mossberg

Founded by Swedish immigrant Oscar Frederick Mossberg in 1919, Mossberg has been manufacturing reliable firearms for the working class for over 100 years. Mossberg started with the .22 caliber Brownie Pistol and exploded into one of the most popular firearm manufacturers on the market. In 1962, Mossberg released the legendary Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun and has since released many other popular shotgun and rifle models like the 590, 835, and Patriot. Today, Mossberg offers a full line of shotguns, rifles, and pistols to fit the needs of hunters, precision shooters, tactical shooters, and law enforcement. MidwayUSA carries all of Mossberg’s most popular shotguns in pump-action, semi-auto, and break-action, bolt action and semi-auto rifles, and semi-auto pistols. We also carry parts and accessories for popular models that include barrels, sights, magazines, choke tubes, and more. Mossberg is still family-owned, family-operated, and committed to offering “more gun for the money.”

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