6 Shotguns for a Successful Upland Hunt

Upland bird hunting season may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't start preparing for next season! Whether you hunt pheasant, quail, chukar or looking to try them all, you know the key to a successful upland hunt (besides a great dog) is a quality shotgun. Depending on who you ask, quality could mean reliability... or maybe it means versatility... or perhaps it's all about craftsmanship. Take a look at some top-notch shotguns that any upland hunter would love to own:

1. Beretta A400 Lite
The Beretta A400 Lite is an all-purpose semi-auto shotgun. It is durable and low maintenance with a self-cleaning action and black synthetic finish. The A400 also has a Blink gas-operating system which makes it one of the fastest semi-auto action on the market, capable of delivering four shots in less than one second. Since it is light weight (6.6 lbs.), this shotgun is equipped with two advanced recoil-reducing devices--the Kick-Off system within the buttstock (which absorbs up to 50% of recoil) as well as a super-soft, no-snag Micro Core recoil pad. If that wasn’t enough, the A400 comes with GunPod2 unit, a Bluetooth-compliant electronic unit that transmits all the information you want about a hunt to a smartphone app!


2. Caesar Guerini’s Ellipse Curve



If you’re looking for all the qualities of a luxury shotgun that doesn’t cost as much as your house, then the Caesar Guerini’s Ellipse Curve is right up your alley.  It is available in 28 and 20 gauges, and features beautiful engravings and craftsmanship. The Curve is more than just a shotgun, it’s a beautiful work of art.  But what sets this shotgun apart from the rest is its action. Not only does it provides a clean uncluttered look, but also makes for a trim profile. The trim lines make the Curve a responsive and natural pointing bird gun.

3. Franchi Instinct SL

That quick bird is no match for the Franchi Instinct SL. Along with its beautiful AA Grade Stain Walnut finish, this shotgun is swift, comfortable, and dependable. It is available in 12 and 20 gauges with 28” and 26” barrels, all of which are 6.0 lbs or less, making it one of the lightest over/under shotguns on the market. With its low weight and comfortable fit, the Instinct SL ensure that you won’t tire out during long days in the field.
 
4. Weatherby ORION® I

The Weatherby ORION® I is a beautiful and balanced over/under shotgun. Possessing the Weatherby name ensures that it has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee exceptional quality. The Orion is designed with a “A’ grade walnut stock, weights 7 lbs, and a Prince of Wales grip. This exquisite piece is available in 12 gauge with either a 26” or 28” barrel. Its weight allows for a smooth swing through and accurate shots making this an excellent choice for any hunter.

5. Browning Citori 725 Feather

The Browning Citori 725 Feather is one of the lightest field guns on the market. The Citori 725 Feather uses the same low-profile receiver design as other 725’s. However, this receiver is made of a light weight, high strength alloy instead of steel. In fact, this gun weighs about 13 ounces less than its full steel counterpart. It’s available in 12 and 20 gauges with 26” and 28” barrels. This light as a feather over and under shotgun will allow for steady leads and smooth shots, making all the difference in the field.

6. CZ Wingshooter Elite

The CZ Wingshooter Elite is the new and improved model of the CZ Wingshooter. The Elite is designed with CZ’s new CNCed 1-piece receiver and fully hand-engraved side plates. Its features include a single selectable trigger, ejectors, two-tone chromed finish, laser-cut checkering, solid mid-ribs, and pistol grip stock among other exceptional features. This shotgun has beautiful engravings with Turkish Walnut stocks and is available in 12 and 20 gauges with a 28” barrel. Take accurate shots on your next hunt (and look good doing it) with the CZ Wingshooter Elite!