Marty Fischer
With the evolution of improved non-toxic loads for waterfowlers, more and more outdoor enthusiasts are being introduced to duck and goose hunting. Gun makers have recognized the influx of new hunters too, and they are constantly introducing the newest, latest, greatest waterfowl guns to the ever-expanding market.
Of course, every waterfowl enthusiast wants to have the best of the best when it comes to their shotgun, but make no mistake, one size does not fit all. There is a variety of options for duck and goose hunters to choose from, so let’s take a look at some of the more popular offerings currently available on the market.
Browning Maxus II
If you want to talk about a company that stepped up its game in waterfowl guns, look no further than Browning and their new Maxus II product line. Waterfowl hunters will love the new Wicked Wing Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat model that is available with a 26 or 28-inch barrel, 3 ½-inch chamber and comes with three Invector Plus Goose Band choke tubes. The new features on the Maxus II are designed to allow a more custom fit, easier shell loading, and less recoil and maintenance after a day in the blind.
Winchester Super X4
For decades, the Winchester Super X line of shotguns has been a standard by which many semi-automatic shotguns are judged. Winchester has made bold moves with their new Super X4 by offering a wide array of options in both 12 and 20 gauge models. You can get either gauge in a compact model for lady and youth shooters as well with a 24, 26 or 28-inch barrel. Barrels feature TRUGLO fiber optic sights for better target acquisition.
Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro
Now manufactured under the REMARMS brand, the V3 Waterfowl Pro is exactly that, a gun designed specifically for the duck and goose hunter. This gun has the features that waterfowlers love from camo choices like Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, burnt bronze cerakote finish, three black extended chokes (IC, M & F) oversized bolt handle, fiber optic sight and midbead and the ability to quickly cycle both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch loads. The V3 Waterfowl Pro comes with a shoulder sling to making the trip to your favorite duck hold much easier.
Mossberg 935 Waterfowl Pro
When many hunters think of shotguns from O.F. Mossberg, they think of turkey guns, but Mossberg has answered the call of waterfowl hunters too with a number of new models including the Mossberg 935 Waterfowl Pro series of guns. This gun is available in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades and is complimented with a rich brown cerakote finish on the exterior metal surfaces. The gun features the Mossberg Stock Drop System, which allows hunters to more custom fit the stock of the gun. Each gun features a 28-inch barrel with a fiber optic sight and three chokes to allow for close, medium and long range shooting.
Benelli Black Eagle 3
If you are a waterfowl hunter, chances are you’ve put your hands on a Benelli Black Eagle 3 shotgun at some point over the past couple of years. Since this is an inertia-operated action, which means the gun cycles from the recoil of the shell instead of through gas ports, waterfowl hunters have long loved the “shoot in all elements” reputation of Benelli guns.
The Black Eagle 3 features an upgrade in looks and functionality over its Black Eagle 2 predecessor. The ergonomics are more appealing and the gun moves in the hands comfortably. The gun is available in a variety of camo patterns including Mossy Oak Original Bottomland. It comes in both left- and right-hand configurations, is available in 3-inch 12 and 20 gauge and 3 ½-inch in 12 gauge only.
Without question, today’s gun makers have the waterfowl hunter in mind. These new guns have pointing and handling features never before found on shotguns for the waterfowl hunter.
