May 05, 2017
By Paul Rackley
Shotguns are the most versatile tools available to hunters, as they can be used to take everything from deer to turkeys to doves and even small game .
Every hunter has at least on shotguns, though most probably have quite a few more.
Those with a solitary shotgun, or maybe even those who just have a space to fill in the safe, should look at these shotgun introductions from the 2017 National Rifle Association 's Annual Meetings & Exhibits.
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While many hunters prefer pump or semi-auto shotguns, there are true benefits for single barrel shoguns, such as they are great for newer shooters and they force concentration because it only has one shot. The Stevens 301 single-barrel shotgun comes in three chamberings — 12, 20 and .410, with a black, synthetic stock and a black, 26-inch carbon steel barrel. It is also available in a compact version, with a 22-inch barrel in 20 gauge and .410.
MSRP: $173
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Visit Savage Arms for more information
Also from NRA Atlanta 2017
Franchi has redesigned its Affinity line of Inertia-Drive semi-auto shotguns, with some features that reduce recoil and make the shotguns easier to operate, such as an oversize bolt handle and bolt-release button, as well as an enlarged loading port. It also uses a TSA recoil pad, which allows length-of-pull adjustments for a better fit, and comes with an ambidextrous safety, a chrome-lined barrel, a red-bar fiber-optic front sight and interchangeable chokes. The Affinity 3 handles 2 3/4-inch loads, while the 3.5 goes up to the powerful 3 1/2-inch loads. And both shotguns come with a seven-year warranty.
MSRP: $849 (Affinity 3 in black synthetic), $1,029 (Affinity 3.5 in black synthetic)
Visit FranchiUSA.com for more information
The Stoeger P3500 is a pump-action shotgun capable of handling everything from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2-inch magnum loads. It is available in either black or Realtree MAX-5 camo in both 26- and 28-inch configurations. Its ribbed barrel is chrome lined for durability, and it comes with a fiber-optic front sight, sling studs and a rubber butt pad, as well as a five-year warranty.
MSRP $399 ($449 for Realtree MAX-5)
Visit Stoeger for more information
