Though there were no earth-shattering new hunting shotguns launched at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, there were plenty of fresh, practical, and exciting scatterguns ready to hit the market.
Here’s what we found most appealing for hunters in a list that includes the Ruger name, a mean slug gun, sub-gauges, and much more.
Beretta AX800
Though technically launched in late 2025, SHOT Show 2026 marked our first look at the new Beretta AX800. This autoloading 12-gauge is purpose-built for waterfowl hunters, and this is a ground-up newbie for the powerhouse shotgun manufacturer.
There’s a 3.5-inch chamber, a reduced-recoil gas system, and a Steelium Plus barrel. The new system is advertised to run 36 percent faster and 46 percent cleaner. The AX800 stands apart with a modular, interchangeable grip and cheek piece, which aim for the ultimate in user customization. It also adds to the modern looks.
The KickOff Pro system is still present, but it surely looks different outwardly, as does the optics-ready receiver section. Multiple colorways and camo patterns are coming soon.
CVA Adds 28-Gauge to Spur Turkey Guns
We knew it was only a matter of time, but it sure is sweet to have this one in hand. Last year, CVA launched a single-shot, break-action turkey gun called the Spur and chambered it solely for the baby bore .410. Now, new for 2026, is a 28-gauge version of that handy single shot.
The Scout Spur 28 wears a 22-inch barrel, extended turkey choke, optics rail, and adjustable cheek piece. It is available in two finish options: one blued/OD green and the other Mossy Oak Bottomland camo/Patriot Brown. We’re pleased to see more manufacturers jumping on the 28-gauge bandwagon, since the round’s performance is considerably greater than the .410, with minimally increased recoil.
TriStar Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock
As over-under shotguns continue gaining traction in the hunting market, Tristar continues innovating in that space. The latest Upland Hunter is geared – ironically – toward turkey hunters. The newbie wears a thumbhole stock and mates camouflage against Cerakote coating for practicality and durability.
The Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock is initially launching only in 20 gauge, but more bores will likely come down the line. The scattergun on display shows 26-inch ventilated-rib barrels, a single selective trigger, extractors, and extended CT-5X choke tubes. In a cool move, the extended portion of the choke tubes is camouflaged to match the stock. Chrome-lined barrels and a familiar top tang safety round out the package.
Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo plays well with the Bronze Cerakote. The guns weigh in at 6 pounds. After looking at specs and getting a feel for the gun, it seems more at home as an all-around hunting gun rather than a turkey-specific meat getter, given its longer barrels. Although upland guns rarely use a thumbhole stock design.
Stoeger V7000
The new year brings about a fresh family of over-under shotguns from Stoeger. The V7000 is built as a crossover upland hunter and clay buster for the owner seeking a do-all double. Available in either 12 or 20 gauge, the V7000 and V7020, aptly named per gauge, share most features in common.
There are 28-inch blued barrels, walnut stocks, 3-inch chambers, a single selective trigger, a tang safety selector, automatic ejectors, a red fiber-optic front sight, and a set of extended choke tubes. Buyers will have a choice of either a black alloy or silver alloy receiver finish. Whether hunting game birds, small game, or sport shooting, the latest Stoeger entry aims to have you covered.
Ruger Red Label III
Count us squarely among those disappointed when the original Red Label was dropped from production but thrilled to see its return in 2026. What immediately gets us excited is the link with Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, the current builder of Ruger’s Red Label III.
CSMC builds some exceptional scatterguns, so we expect nothing less here. The Red Label III is precision-machined with a hand-fitted locking system. The guns ship with five screw-in choke tubes. At the time of this writing, the Red Label III will be available in two 20-gauge variants, hosting either 28-inch or 30-inch barrels, each dressed in lovely walnut.
TriStar Viper G2 Goes Magnum 28
Here’s one we’ve been anticipating for some time. TriStar’s Viper G2 family of semi-autos is not new, but its newly added magnum-length 28-gauge, built on that platform, is all the rage for 2026. In general, the 28-gauge chambering has long been underappreciated as a turkey gun, largely because few companies were building gobbler-specific guns. That’s especially true for the larger 3-inch chamber options.
That changes with Tristar adding this purpose-built Viper G2 Camo Turkey 28-gauge repeater with magnum 3-inch chambers. There’s a 24-inch ventilated rib barrel, chrome-lined chamber and barrel, and an extended turkey choke tube.
A pistol grip and optics rail help define the G2 Turkey model, but the magnum chamber will now become standard on all the Viper 28s. While we’re thrilled with the 28-gauge addition, the existing lineup chambered for 12 and 20 gauge, along with .410 bore, continues as well with the same features.
Savage Models 212 & 220 Harvester and Harvester Woodland
Just when you thought dedicated slug-hunting shotguns were dead, Savage revamps its existing line to make rifled-barrel shotguns cooler – and more accurate – than ever. Savage has been building a bolt-action series of Model 212 and 220 rifled sluggers for years, but the family gets a full revamp for 2026.
The same user-adjustable AccuTrigger from the rifles is found here, along with a 0-MOA Picatinny rail, detachable magazine, and threaded bolt handle. The barreled action is finished in gunmetal bronze Cerakote. The 22-inch carbon-steel barrel is fully rifled. These guns are available in both 12 gauge (Model 212) and 20 gauge (Model 220), plus a left-handed 20-gauge version.
Browning 825 Sub-Gauges
Every shotgunner is familiar with Browning’s Citori line of over-under shotguns. That family continues expanding with the advent of the 825 Citori in 2025, downsizing with the introduction of the exciting 825 Citori Small Gauges. This means the addition of 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410-bore options.
The young Small Gauges will be found on two lines: the 825 Sporting and the Field. Both offer extensive selections in all three gauges, each with 3-inch chambers. The new 825 Citori Small Gauges, in both Sporting and Field, will cover the needs of discerning clay shooters alongside upland hunters.
The same features driving the full-size 825 Citoris remain here, including a low-profile receiver, modern styling, Fire Lite 2 mechanical trigger, enhanced controls, and an Invector-DS choke tube system.
