9 Best Waterfowl Shotguns that Debuted in 2021

Browning Maxus II

Improving upon the well-loved Maxus, Browning pulled out all stops and delivered a top-performing new autoloader in a sleek design packed full of ultra-modern features such as their Lightning Trigger, patented Speed Load Plus feeding system, and magazine cutoff. Coming in a variety of stylish finishes, the Maxus II handles like a dream with an oversized bolt handle, rubber overmolding, and ramped trigger guard, offering a more comfortable grip and better control. The new SoftFlex cheekpad and Inflex recoil pad, combined with the Power Drive Gas System, further reduces felt recoil. A screw-on magazine cap and nickel Teflon coating add a few more feathers in its cap. The Maxus II carries on the trusted Browning legacy that hardcore waterfowlers and competition shooters have come to expect. MSRP $1,939.99 - $2,069.99 | browning.com

Retay Gordion Waterfowl Bottomland

The newly designed Gordion waterfowl shotgun has every bit of innovation Retay is known for delivering. The Inertia Plus floating bolt system effectively eliminates misfires and reliably cycles shells even in the most unfavorable conditions. Hunters and sport shooters enjoy the handling and performance of the Gordion, with its Easy Load port and specially designed trigger group. Retay continues to produce straight-shooting and better-built shotguns with deep-bore drilled barrels and a weight-forward balance point that contribute to faster recovery during volume shooting. MSRP $899 | retayusa.com

Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler (True Timber Viper)

Engineered with a long list of tech specs, the dependable XLR5 has quickly become a duck blind favorite. Touted as one of the fastest-cycling semi-autos on the market, the Pulse Piston gas system is simpler, easier to clean, and just plain reliable. The tapered TRIBORE HP barrel design improves down-range performance while reducing recoil and accommodates an extra full choke, unlike most other shotguns out there. The XLR5 comes outfitted with oversized controls and a rubberized feel to optimize its user-friendliness. Bred from competition shooting, the Long Rib increases the sighting plane, reduces glare, and provides a more comfortable head position for the gunner. MSRP $1,895 | fabarmusa.com

Syren XLR5 Waterfowler

Following the fit and form of the female anatomy, the Syren XLR5 is racing to become the ideal shotgun for the maidens of the marsh. Thoughtful design aside, this 28-inch 12-gauge cuts down on recoil through the gas-operated Pulse Piston system which bleeds off pressure and doesn't punish the shooter. Properly weighted and balanced, the XLR5 mounts, swings, and handles with ease. Finished in the fashionable Realtree Max-5 camouflage pattern, the package comes complete with hard case, five interchangeable choke tubes, and a five-year warranty. MSRP $1,985 | syrenusa.com

Impala Plus Nero Black Synthetic

Designed and engineered around the time-tested inertia operating system, the Nero is simple in form and function, proving itself to be a robust and reliable duck gun on a budget. With a rock-solid two-piece carrier, the Impala Plus system quickly cycles shells and will gobble up whatever you feed it. This 3-inch 12-gauge semi-automatic is garnering attention as an uncomplicated, clean-running feather-busting machine. A synthetic stock, aluminum receiver, five choke tubes, and stock-adjusting shims round out the Nero’s appeal. MSRP $449.99 | impalaplusshotguns.com

Weatherby 18i Waterfowler Realtree Timber

The feature-loaded 18i Waterfowler was created with a premium shooting experience in mind. A single piece receiver made of lightweight, precision-machined billet aluminum ensures simplicity and strength. An advanced polymer stock was included for a seamless fit and feel with a soft touch on the cheek and a textured foregrip and palm for secure handling. Keep your eyes on the prize and stay on target with the high-luminosity LPA fiber front sight. With a 28-inch chrome-lined bore and 3.5-inch super magnum chamber, the Weatherby is ready to take on all the action.   MSRP $1,239 | weatherby.com

Benelli BE.S.T. Super Black Eagle 3

Benelli’s flagship duck and goose gun, the Super Black Eagle 3, is a long-time industry leader and continues to be a top contender, with the addition of the company's BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) technology turning heads and taking stock in the market. Using diamond-like carbon particles, the multi-layers of the BE.S.T. technology creates an impenetrable armor that protects treated metal against abrasion and corrosion, even from extreme exposure to saltwater. The bulletproof beauty that set the inertia gun standard from North Carolina to the Bering Sea with features like the famous ComforTech stock and Crio chokes continues to lead the way. Barrels in both 26” or 28” lengths are available. MSRP $2,199 | benelliusa.com

CZ 1012 Synthetic Bottomlands Semi-Auto

The CZ 1012 Synthetic Bottomlands semi-auto 12-gauge – in Mossy Oak’s famed Bottomland pattern – delivers the need for minimal maintenance, ultra-reliability, and is capable of firing thousands of shells without so much as a muddy hiccup. Using a spring within the bolt to store energy during the shotgun's recoil, CZ-USA says the gas-less system uses this stored energy a split second later to rotate and unlock the twin lugs from the barrel extension. That results in kicking the spent shell out as the gun cycles another one into the chamber. MSRP $715 | cz-usa.com

Savage Renegauge

Offered in a variety of finishes including Mossy Oak’s Shadow Grass Blades camo, the Renegauge features a synthetic stock and forend, a 28-inch barrel that is fluted, a red fiber-optic sight bead, flush mount chokes (improved, modified and full chokes come with the gun), oversized controls, an easy-to-use shell loading port, and a vent rib. But it’s what’s on the inside of this new Savage shotgun that really shines, starting with the D.R.I.V. (Dual Regulating Inline Valve) gas operating system. By shedding excess gas before the bolt is driven, the result is consistent ejection of magnum and low-brass shotshell loads, fast cycling of those shells, and less felt recoil on each shot. With the ability to use different recoil pads, cheek pads, and shims (all provided), each waterfowler can get a customized fit thanks to the ability to adjust the shotgun’s length of pull, comb height, and drop at heel. MSRP $1,649 | savagearms.com

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