Upland Shotguns
The best shotgun is the one that fits you. That's not a cop-out—it's the truth every experienced hunter lands on. A $500 gun you shoot well beats a $2,000 gun that doesn't fit your shoulder. That said, after miles of walking, a lightweight 20 gauge starts to make a lot of sense. And there's nothing like an old side-by-side to make the whole experience feel right.
What Separates Good from Great
Weight you can carry all day
A 7.5 lb gun feels fine at 8am. By 3pm, you notice every ounce. Sub-7 lb guns exist and they're worth seeking out.
Fit that lets you shoot instinctively
Stock length, drop, cast—it all matters. If you have to think about your mount, you'll miss birds. The gun should just appear where you're looking.
Reliability in dust and cold
Upland hunting is hard on guns. Dirt, snow, freezing temps. Semi-autos need to cycle every time. O/Us need to open clean.
The Call
"My 391 from 2003 still works flawlessly." The semi-auto standard.
Light, adjustable LOP, $500 less than the big names. Great value.
"Sweetest shooting gun I've ever had." 16 gauge magic.
The O/U most hunters save up for. Earns the reputation.
Solid Turkish gun. Won't win beauty contests but goes bang.
Shop Our Picks
As an affiliate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Product recommendations are based on our team's experience and research.