After hitting the massive SHOT Show floor in Las Vegas—where the air smells like gun oil and innovation—Game & Fish has rounded up the freshest hunting shotguns shaking up the market for 2024. We’re talking standout newcomers like the Benelli Montefeltro Ultra-Light with its featherweight Italian engineering (clocking in under 6 pounds for all-day treks), the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen revival blending retro vibes with modern inertia-driven reliability, and the Weatherby Element Gold that’s basically a budget-proof over/under screaming upland bird slayer. These aren’t just pretty pumps or semi-autos; they’re precision tools born from decades of field-testing, with features like extended forcing cones for tighter patterns and Cerakote finishes that laugh at mud and rain. G&F’s curation spotlights how manufacturers are dialing in ergonomics for real-world hunts, from turkey timber to duck blinds.
What makes this drop a big deal for the 2A community? These shotguns aren’t siloed for hunting only—they’re versatile workhorses that double as home-defense kings and range-day favorites, reinforcing why scatterguns remain the great equalizer in self-defense scenarios. The Benelli’s lightning-fast cycle rate? Perfect for follow-ups on clays or threats. Browning’s nod to heritage reminds us that innovation doesn’t erase tradition, countering anti-gun narratives that paint firearms as assault weapons. With ammo prices stabilizing and supply chains humming post-pandemic, these releases signal a booming market—implying more R&D investment and political ammo for defending our rights amid ongoing ATF overreach. If you’re a hunter or defender stocking up, prioritize these; they’re not just new iron, they’re future classics proving the shotgun’s enduring relevance in an AR-dominated world.
Bottom line: SHOT Show 2024 proves the hunting shotgun segment is alive, evolving, and unapologetically pro-2A. Grab G&F’s full list, hit your LGS, and gear up—the woods (and whatever else comes knocking) won’t wait. What’s your pick from the bunch? Drop it in the comments.
