UPDATED: The annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show now underway in Las Vegas is turning out to be a shotgunner’s dreamland, with some dandy introductions.
For openers, Benelli has announced three more models in the Super Black Eagle 3 series with new 28-gauge additions.
According to a company announcement for 2025, Benelli has added a 24-inch barrel model to its already extensive roster of 28-gauge SBE3 shotguns. Boasting Mossy Oak Bottomland Original camo paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote treatment on the barrel and receiver, this shotgun hits all the marks for a hard-use, fast-handling hunting shotgun — whether that hunt takes you after spring gobblers, woodland grouse, timber ducks, or doves.
In addition, Benelli has expanded the SBE3 28-gauge line with two new color configurations available for 28-inch-barrel shotguns. The new patterns are waterfowl-focused with GORE OPTIFADE Marsh furniture combined with Patriot Brown Cerakote and GORE™ OPTIFADE Timber working with a Tungsten Cerakote.
The SBE3 offers a firm foundation in comfort thanks to its recoil-absorbing ComforTech stock, shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and ergonomic controls, an SBE3 in this chambering is the easiest-shooting yet most rugged semi-auto shotgun on the market today.
Benelli’s Nova 3 Hunting continues the Nova’s innovative one-piece and corrosion-proof framework with a 100% Poly-Mod construction, forming a strong, unitized receiver and buttstock configuration. This gen 3 version includes a reshaped buttstock and forend with the more aggressive Ergo-Evolved Diamond Grip scalloping for improved grip and operation in all weather conditions. The trigger guard is also enlarged and re-profiled for enhanced use when wearing gloves.
Continuing the functional upgrades, the Nova 3 Hunting boasts a larger ejection port and faster 3-inch chamber to deliver a 14-percent shorter cycling stroke when compared to the original Nova. The ejection port contour lines now blend with the receiver for a sleeker look and aesthetic continuity. All this, combined with a beveled loading port for smoother, faster loading, Benelli’s rugged M4 bolt face, and a manual shell stop for clearing the chamber without releasing a round from the magazine, translates to a fast-operating, ergonomic pump-action shotgun hunters can depend on.
The Nova 3 Hunting debuts with a 12-gauge 2 3/4- and 3-inch chamber in 26- or 28-inch barrel lengths. Each configuration is offered in black synthetic, Realtree® Max-7™ camo, and Mossy Oak® Bottomland™ camo. Standard features include IC, M, and F Mobil choke tubes, vented rib with red bar sight, and a drilled and tapped receiver for optic installation. MSRP: $529 – $629 depending on model.
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
Stoeger’s M3000-series semi-auto shotguns, known for their durability, reliable performance, and practical sensibilities, are spreading into the turkey hunting market with the introduction of two models developed for hardcore spring longbeard hunters.
The new M3000 Turkey Edition and the M3020 Turkey Edition come chambered in 12- and 20-gauge 2 3/4- and 3-inch, respectively. With their 4+1 capacity and included extra-full turkey choke, these Turkey Edition shotguns have what it takes to deliver payloads with quick, accurate authority.
The M3000-series Turkey Edition models offer maximum concealment in a broad range of hunting environments courtesy of their buttstock-to-muzzle Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish. Furthermore, each gun offers diverse sighting options. Both include an easy-to-see Hi-Viz® fiber-optic front sight atop the 22-inch barrel along with optic-mounting capabilities. The M3000 Turkey Edition receiver is cut at the factory to accept optics using supplied adapter plates that have an RMR or Burris footprint, while the M3020 Turkey Edition comes with an installed Picatinny rail for no-fuss optic mounting.
Since turkey guns often require hands-free carry, both models include a color-matching paracord-style adjustable sling.
MSRP $699
Also for 2025, Stoeger expands its M3000 lineup into the personal defense realm with the addition of the all-new M3000 Tactical.
Powered by the “cycles-anything” Inertia Driven® system, with its clean operation and rotating bolt head for positive lockup, the M3000 Tactical is the practical choice for those looking for a highly capable, always dependable semi-auto shotgun for home and personal defense.
The M3000 Tactical begins with a Tungsten Cerakote® receiver fitted with an 18.5-inch barrel. The barrel comes with a breacher-style choke and a pedestal front sight that is built to take the hard knocks. This sight works in conjunction with a robust ghost ring rear sight for fast and accurate sight picture acquisition. Those who prefer an optic can take advantage of the included Picatinny rail or the factory optic cut using supplied adaptor plates that have an RMR or Burris footprint.
Validating the shotgun’s fighting credentials is a tactical-style stock hosting an ergonomic pistol grip with an integrated buttstock. The stock includes both M-LOK and QD mounting points for diverse sling positioning and a prominent cheek riser to ensure good eye alignment with the open sights or an optic.
As with all M3000-series shotguns, the M3000 Tactical features a large bolt handle, an oversized bolt release, and a large safety button to assist in high-stress operation. Similarly, the loading port is beveled to promote fast reloading.
The M3000 Tactical is offered in a 2 3/4- and 3-inch 12-gauge chamber with a 4+1 capacity. MSRP is $449.
To learn more about the Stoeger handguns and shotguns, visit StoegerIndustries.com.
Franchi, a leader in precision firearms known for exceptional performance and Italian craftsmanship, has introduced the new Instinct Sideplate SPLX — an over/under shotgun that blends bespoke quality and artistry with performance that is second to none.
The Instinct Sideplate SPLX is built around a new and extended sideplate-style polished aluminum receiver. In keeping with Franchi’s Italian heritage, the receiver is embellished with intricate engraving along the sides and bottom. Further accentuating the design are gold inlays of quintessential upland species surrounded by a medallion-type motif. The 12-guage model features partridge and pheasant engravings while the 20-gauge model comes with quail and chukar on either side of the receiver. These gold inlay birds provide the perfect accent to the Instinct Sideplate SPLX’s gold-plated trigger and inlayed gold Franchi receiver logo and “F” on the trigger guard.
As expected, AA-grade walnut in a luxurious satin finish comprise the Prince of Wales stock and Schnabel forend. Each piece of furniture hosts expansive checkering, offering a firm grip for the firing and support hands. The fine balance of the shotgun coupled with a vented rib and high-visibility red fiber-optic front bar sight work to ensure quick shouldering, a fast sight picture, and swift, confident swings on flushing and passing birds.
Mechanically, the Instinct Sideplate SPLX is designed for easy and efficient operation. Automatic ejectors clear empty hulls to facilitate fast reloading while the safety lever automatically moves to the “on” position when the action is opened. The barrel selector switch is ergonomically positioned on the tang for easy manipulation.
Both 12- and 20-gauge models, chambered in 2 3/4- and 3-inch, host 28-inch blued barrels tipped with included extended chokes in C, IC, M, IM, and F. A custom-fitted hard case is also included with the Instinct Sideplate SPLX to ensure safe transport. MSRP: $2849.
For waterfowl hunters, Franchi presents a redesigned platform with the all-new Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite and Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elite. Built for the waterfowler, the Affinity Waterfowl Elite series enters 2025 with a fresh look that holds to the manufacturer’s Italian craftsmanship heritage while advancing performance-driven refinements in operation, comfort, and handling.
A quality waterfowling piece must be smooth to mount, easy to swing, and maintain a solid grip in the hands under the toughest of conditions. The Affinity Waterfowl Elite’s upgrades meet those criteria with a thinner forend and more robust checkering, offering exceptional grip for decisive mounting and muzzle control.
To ensure fast, fumble-free loading, the Affinity Waterfowl Elite comes with a new two-piece shell latch. This innovative design, combined with a larger loading port, makes reloads quick and easy when the birds are coming in hot. Other functional upgrades include a larger, elongated bolt release button and an oversized and textured bolt handle so you never miss a beat — even when wearing gloves.
The Affinity is known for its soft-shooting yet hard-hitting manners, and the revised Affinity Waterfowl Elite continues that tradition with a new adjustable TSA recoil pad system. In addition to its up to 50% reduction in felt recoil, this pad can be adjusted for length-of-pull by adding or removing the included spacer.
The Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite comes with a 12-gauge, 3 1/2-inch chamber in a 28-inch barrel configuration. Finish treatments include GORE® OPTIFADE™ Waterfowl Marsh with Burnt Bronze Cerakote® or GORE® OPTIFADE™ Waterfowl Timber and Cobalt Cerakote®. For the Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elite, 12- or 20-gauge chambers in 3-inch are offered — 28-inch barrels for the former and 26-inch barrels for the latter. Both versions are offered in the same color configuration as the 3.5 shotguns. MSRP: $1429 – $1599 depending on model.
To learn more about Franchi’s shotguns and bolt-action rifles, visit FranchiUSA.com.
