A new season is here, and success starts with the shotgun you carry in your hands. Every hunter has a different pursuit, so whether you’re crossing sage fields after sharp-tailed grouse or setting up in the duck blind for mallards, we’ve put together our top picks for the best hunting shotguns for this fall.
Top Pick For Upland Hunting
The Orion I – MSRP $1249
Elegant and versatile, the Orion™ I is built to turn heads while delivering performance in the field. The gloss-finished metalwork and rich Turkish walnut stock make it as much at home on the sporting clays course as it is behind a bird dog.
The Orion I is more than just looks. Its slim, streamlined action uses a set of sliding locking bars above the ejectors, which makes the shotgun noticeably trimmer and easier to carry than many over/under. Automatic ejectors clear spent shells in an instant, keeping you ready for the next covey flush.
Hunters who want different options can explore the rest of the family, including the Orion Sporting, Orion Matte, Orion Compact, and the Orion Side by Side (Available in 12, 20, 28, and .410) No matter your pursuit there’s an Orion to match every style of upland hunting.
Runner Up
The Element II Upland – MSRP $899
For hunters who prefer the speed and dependability of a semi-automatic, the Element™ II Upland is the workhorse of the field. Built on our proven inertia system, this shotgun is designed to cycle flawlessly while keeping maintenance simple.
The Element II Upland packs value into every detail. Oversized controls make it easy to operate with gloves, updated choke tubes deliver versatility across hunting scenarios, and the competition-cut receiver ensures fast reloads when the action heats up. It’s also compatible with the most popular magazine tube extensions, giving you room to grow the platform as your hunting needs expand. Reliable, feature-rich, and priced right, the Element II is the semi-auto you’ll reach for again and again.
Top Pick For Waterfowl
The SORIX – MSRP $1649
After years of testing and refinement, the SORIX™ debuted in 2024 as the next generation of Weatherby shotguns. Built for the harshest conditions, it has quickly earned a reputation as a waterfowler’s dream.
At its core is our trusted inertia operating system, tuned for rugged dependability and crisp performance. But what sets the SORIX apart are the features designed for serious hunters: a competition-cut receiver for quick reloads, oversized controls that stay easy to use in cold or muddy conditions, and the SHIFT SYSTEM™ lets left-handed hunters swap the charging handle and safety for left-handed operation.
Each SORIX is offered in a range of finishes and patterns to match your environment and style. For those who want something truly unique, our expert stock finishers hand-paint certain models, ensuring no two are exactly alike. Every brushstroke makes your shotgun one of a kind, just like the hunts you’ll take it on.
Whether you’re breaking ice on a frigid morning or calling ducks during a late-season storm, the SORIX is built to thrive where other shotguns dare not to go. Its balance of speed, reliability, and adaptability makes it the ultimate partner for waterfowlers who demand the best out of every hunt.
Runner Up
Element II Waterfowler – MSRP $799
Engineered with precision and tailored for the avid hunter, the Element II Waterfowler boasts an array of features designed to elevate your shooting experience. It features oversized controls including a larger slammer button, charging handle, and safety to ensure seamless operation in less-than-ideal conditions.
The Element II utilizes our field-proven inertia recoil system which provides reliable cycling shot after shot. Available in 12 and 20 gauge with a 28-inch barrel, the Element II Waterfowler delivers consistent performance in all conditions.
Its precision engineering and intuitive controls ensure every shot is smooth and reliable, making it the ideal companion for both novice and experienced waterfowl hunters.
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