Tactical-Life's 10 Best Shotguns & Similar Firearms of 2017

Barrett Sovereign Rutherford best shotguns

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Barrett Sovereign Rutherford
When you think of Barrett, your mind likely wanders to the iconic big .50 that the company is known for, not a finely-crafted double gun. But Barret is seeking to change all of that with the Sovereign Rutherford, an over and under built in the tradition of the Italian greats. The double combines A+-grade walnut with classic checkering and a coin-finished box lock with custom engraving. A single selective trigger and automatic ejectors make it as at home in the field as it is on the skeet range. Available in gauges from 12 to 28, starting at $2,200.

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Remington Model 870 DM
Remington Model 870 pump-action shotguns have long been the gold standard for tactical, home defense, military, law enforcement and traditional sporting markets for their dependability and ease of operation; a proven platform with more than 11 million sold now revolutionized with a new detachable magazine. The 870 DM is stacking the odds in your favor with quick-loading 3- and 6-round magazines, allowing you to instantly alternate loads. A total of six DM models are currently available, with suggested retail prices starting at $529.

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Mossberg 590 Shockwave
Short-barreled shotguns are serious and intimidating. They’re handy in tight spaces and pack a punch well above their weight class in most cases. Traditionally, they’ve also been National Firearms Act (NFA) regulated items that require a $200 tax stamp, all of the associated paperwork and wait times of six months or longer, depending on how quickly the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives can process requests. So, while a stubby scattergun is appealing to many shooters for defense work, their appeal is somewhat limited due to the additional cost and paperwork that has always gone along with them. But what if you could legally get a similar class of weapon without all of the extra cost and paperwork? Then you’d have the new Mossberg Shockwave, available for $455.

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Benelli M4 H2O Tactical
Benelli’s M4 Tactical 12-gauge shotgun was designed in 1998 to meet the exacting performance and durability specifications of the United States Marine Corp. This unique, auto-regulating gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun has been deployed around the world and remains the combat service shotgun of the U.S. Joint Services. The new M4 H2O Tactical is an enhancement of this proven shotgun platform, one which adds a Titanium Cerakote finish for increased corrosion resistance and durability. Suggested pricing on this next-gen M4 Tactical is $2,299.

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Winchester Super X4
The Super X shotguns have built a worldwide reputation for speed, reliability, and handling. The design engineers at Winchester Repeating Arms have built the SX4 to carry on the success of its predecessor, the SX3, improving on the attributes that made the gun a fan favorite. Those that have shot both say that this evolution has done just that, with the new Super X4 being lighter, faster cycling, smoother swinging and more ergonomic than ever before. Suggested retail starts at $939.

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Henry Lever Action .410
You probably don’t think of lever guns and shot shells, but some of the first repeating scatterguns used a lever to keep the tube stuffed. Henry is going back into history to bring us a versatile gun that is sure to bring smiles to faces anywhere it is used. The Lever Action .410 shotgun is a perfect trail gun, putting rabbits in the pot or keeping serpents at bay. Load up with pellets for partridge and pigeons or slugs for fox and coyotes, varmints and pest control. And did I mention it was fun? This may just be the perfect plinking gun. Available with a 20-inch barrel with a cylinder bore and adjustable sights or 24-inch barrel tapped for interchangeable chokes topped with a brass bead, starting at $850.

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CZ 620/628 Field Select
For those who want a light, classy pump gun to carry in the field, look no further than the CZ 620/628 Field Select. Built on a gauge-specific 7075 aluminum action, this 20- or 28-gauge pump has a deep glossy blue finish and select grade Turkish Walnut. A set of interchangeable chokes lets you tune constriction and the full forend and pistol grip help make this lithe shotgun feel good in the hands. With a 28-inch barrel, both variants clock in at well under six pounds, lightening the load for those full days chasing birds. Comes complete with five interchangeable chokes and a MSRP of $429.

Remington Model 870 Tac-14 best shotguns

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Remington Model 870 Tac-14
Heads up, Model 870 fans: Remington is introducing a brand new, non-NFA 14-inch barrel version of that shotgun you know and love. Big Green is calling this one the Model 870 Tac-14. Boasting a Shockwave Raptor pistol grip, a Magpul MLOK forend, a bead sight, the Tac-14 also features a receiver milled from solid steel, a black oxide finish and an overall length of 26.2 inches. Here’s the kicker: The 870 Tac-14 was built by Remington as a “firearm,” not a SBS or AOW. Therefore, it’s not governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA), meaning—you guessed it—no ATF NFA registration or tax stamp is required. However, state and local laws may apply here. Remington’s new Model 870 Tac-14 will be available at a suggested retail price of $443.

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Syren XLR5 Sporting
Syren, a division of Caesar Guerini and Fabarm, is dedicated to producing firearms exclusively for women. These are designed for ladies from the ground-up, not slightly modified versions of existing guns. For 2017, Syren introduced the XLR5 Sporting for female shooters interested in a 12 gauge clays gun. The gas-operated system has been calibrated for target loads, even very light recoiling 7/8 ounce shells, making the gun easy to shoot for even the most recoil sensitive shooters. The stock is configured to fit the female form, with a smaller pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, and optimized cast, pitch, and length-of-pull. This lightweight shotgun tips the scales at 7.4 pounds, and pricing starts at $2,050.

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Kalashnikov USA KS-12 & KS-12T
The wait is over: Kalashnikov USA’s first AK shotguns—the KS-12 and KS-12T—are now shipping to dealers. Developed after a lengthy testing and evaluation process, Kalashnikov USA CEO Brian Skinner said “We have finally reached the point of being more than satisfied with the remarkable quality and reliability of these products. These firearms are truly worthy of the Kalashnikov name. We are extremely proud to introduce these to the market, and are confident of their success in the AK arena.” Look for pricing to start around $1,000.

We take shotguns for granted, but when push comes to shove they get the job done. They are so versatile that they have found their way into just about every niche of the gun world. Capable of throwing bird or buckshot, slugs, or the new mixed defensive rounds, there’s not much they can’t do. And their “point and shoot” nature makes them ideal for inexperienced shooters, or during high-stress situations.

As at home on the battlefield as they are in the duck marsh, the flexibility of the scattergun is unmatched. Take a look at some of the best shotguns and similar firearms introduced in 2017; you might just find a new companion for the dove field or your cruiser.

For more information about the, in our humble opinion, 10 best shotguns and similar firearms of 2017, please visit the following sites.

Barrett Sovereign Rutherford
barrettsovereign.com

Remington Model 870 DM
remington.com

Mossberg 590 Shockwave
mossberg.com

Benelli M4 H2O Tactical
benelliusa.com

Winchester Super X4
winchesterguns.com

Henry Lever Action .410
henryusa.com

CZ 620/628 Field Select
cz-usa.com

Remington Model 870 Tac-14
remington.com

Syren XLR5 Sporting
syrenusa.com

Kalashnikov USA KS-12 & KS-12T
kalashnikov-usa.com