Baker's Dozen: 13 Shotguns for Upland Bird Hunting

If you're looking for a new shotgun for your upland bird hunting this season, whether it's grouse, pheasants, doves or quail, here are some great firearms for 2018. 

Check out 13 of the best and newest shotguns we featured this summer in our 2018 Gear Issue magazine editions.

This is an overview of bird-hunting shotguns. Do your research to pick the right firearm for your specific upland-bird hunting needs.

Benelli ETHOS Sport

Comes in 12-, 20-, 28-gauge. Feature a recoil-absorbing cheek comb, raised carbon-fiber rib barrel porting, and increased barrel length. Cycles the lightest of loads. benelliUSA.com $2,269

Winchester SX4 Upland Field

The fastest shotgun in the world just got better. Improved ergonomics and larger operating buttons make overall function fast and easy. Gas-operated, 3-inch chamber. winchesterguns.com $1,109.99

Browning Citori White Lightning 12 Gauge

Left in the white, the beautiful finish of this gun is just the beginning. A pistol-like grip and unique forearm optimizes control and shot placement. 28-inch barrel length; 3-inch chamber. browning.com $3,199.99

Savage 320 Field Grade

Available in 12- and 20-gauge, this Stevens series pump shotgun offers dual slide bars, a rotary bolt, rugged synthetic stock and interchangeable chokes. Available in 26-inch and 28-inch barrels. Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo pattern, black matte barrel. savagearms.com $239 to $274

Mossberg 930 Autoloader

The versatile design, 26-inch barrel and interchangeable choke system makes this a great all-around choice for the Western quail hunter. Smooth cycling, low-recoil, reliable. 12-gauge, 3-inch chamber. mossberg.com $597

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Benelli Montefeltro 

Although it's not new, the Montefeltro is still a top upland gun from Benelli. It's slim, sleek, lightweight and ultra-fast on the swing. I know semi-auto is sacrilege in some circles, but this has been my go-to for years. Available in 12- and 20-gauge with multiple finish and upgraded engraving options. benelliusa.com, starting at $999

Franchi Instinct SL

The Instinct SL Over/Under shotgun from Franchi is a fine gun to bring into the grouse woods. This sporting model gives people multiple length options in 12- and 20-gauge models (26-inches and 28-inches) and a new 16-gauge 28-inch version as well. Comes standard with auto ejectors, barrel selector, auto safety and a set of choke tubes. franchiusa.com $1,399 

Savage Stevens Model 555 

The Stevens Model 555 12-gauge gives hunters a chance at an over/under at an unbeatable price. It has chrome-lined barrels, interchangeable chokes and a tang-mounted safety for great functionality on fast-flying birds. savagearms.com $599

Mossberg SA-20 Youth Bantam

New for 2018, Mossberg introduced the SA-20 Youth Bantam All-Purpose Field gun. This is great for younger hunters and new upland enthusiasts. It combines value, function and durability that will keep shooters on target and happy. mossberg.com $449

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Wood 

Benelli expanded its SBE3 line this year to include a wood version featuring a satin walnut stock. Instead of using the ComforTech 3 system found on SBE3 synthetic stocks, the wood version's stock features Benelli's Progressive Comfort system, which uses three layers of interlocking fingers that are engaged based on the amount of recoil produced by different loads. benelliUSA.com $1,919

Savage Fox A Grade 

The Fox A Grade from Savage is a box-lock, side-by-side shotgun that's available in 12- or 20-gauge models with 26- or 28-inch barrels. Each of the four guns in the series feature a checkered American black walnut stock, splinter fore-end, and a bone and charcoal case-colored receiver. savagearms.com $4,999

CZ Supreme Field 

CZ-USA's Supreme Field shotgun features a one-piece CNC-cut receiver finished in a polished nickel chrome and Turkish walnut stock. The Supreme Field is chambered in 12, 20 and 28 gauge, with automatic ejectors standard on all three. It's shipped in a protective hard case with five interchangeable extended chokes. cz-usa.com $1,700 

Benelli 828 U O/U Compact

Those looking for a dove gun to use before handing it down to a son or daughter should look no further. Benelli's 828U O/U Compact is the perfect hand-me-down. With 26-inch stacked barrels, a 14-inch length of pull and all the amenities shooters have come to expect from Benelli, the 828U might just be the ideal dove gun. benelliusa.com $3,000

Contributing: M.D. Johnson, Tim Brandt, Scott Haugen, Dennis Foster