Best Of SHOT Show 2025: Top Shotguns

Here we’ve gathered some new scatterguns we found on the show floor at SHOT Show 2025 held in Las Vegas this past January.

by
posted on March 16, 2025
SHOT2025 Shotgun Lede 1
Clockwise, starting from top right: Beretta 686 SPI Sporting, Franchi Affinity 3.5, Browning Citori 825 Sporting, TriStar Arms Raptor II Walnut and Weatherby Element II.
Manufacturer photos

SHOT Show 2025 was action packed. More than 54,000 people visited Las Vegas specifically for the show, which was held January 21-24 and featured more than 2,800 exhibitors.

Here we’ve rounded up five standout shotguns that made their debut at SHOT Show earlier this year.

Beretta 686 SPI Sporting

Beretta 686 SPI Sporting
Manufacturer photo

Beretta’s redesigned Silver Pigeon I over-under lineup includes a new sporting 12-gauge model. New features include a B-Fast adjustable stock (pistol-grip, Schnabel fore-end) with a higher drop (35/55), 76 mm chambers, Extralight recoil pad, Steelium Optimabore HP barrels and a stainless-steel trigger. The Grade 2 oil-finished walnut furniture is complemented by floral engravings on the metal, which extend to the receiver tail and are engraved with a five-axis laser. MSRP: $2,699, beretta.com


Browning Citori 825 Sporting

Browning Citori 825 Sporting
Manufacturer photo

This new 12-gauge scattergun for sporting-clays fans and hunters turned heads at SHOT Show 2025. Available with 30-inch or 32-inch barrels, the Citori 825 Sporting over-under is designed for clay-target competition, and the 50/50 point of impact also make it a solid choice for wingshooting. The top and side ribs are ventilated, and the walnut stock features a close radius pistol grip with palm swell. MSRP: $3,679.99, browning.com


Franchi Affinity 3.5

Franchi Affinity 3.5
Manufacturer photo

This year, Franchi unveiled its next-generation Affinity 3.5 semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun lineup. Improvements include the addition of a two-piece shell latch, and the trigger guard has been expanded to a more rectangular profile, providing more room for your trigger finger. Available in 2¾-inch, three-inch and 3½-inch chamberings with a 28-inch barrel, you can choose from three finishes: black synthetic and matte blue, Realtree Max-7 or Mossy Oak Bottomland. MSRP: $1,249, franchiusa.com


TriStar Arms Raptor II Walnut

TriStar Arms Raptor II Walnut
Manufacturer photo

According to the folks at TriStar Arms, the new gas-operated Raptor II semi-automatic shotgun was designed “with functionality, reliability, quality and affordability at its core.” The Raptor II is available in 12-gauge and 20-gauge models, with the 12-gauge sporting a 28-inch barrel and the 20-gauge featuring a 26-inch barrel. The primary safety is located on the backside of the trigger guard. While three finishes are available, including black synthetic, walnut or Mossy Oak Country Roots Camo options, our top pick is the handsome walnut wood stock model. MSRP: $559, tristararms.com


Weatherby Element II

Weatherby Element II
Manufacturer photo

This semi-automatic shotgun is inertia-operated for reliable operation. Features include an oversized slammer button, charging handle and safety, along with a 28-inch chrome-lined barrel and a receiver with a competition cut for simplified loading. Three Crio Plus flush chokes and adjustable stock shims are included with the black synthetic version, which is our top pick of the three different Element II models. The Weatherby Element II is available chambered in 12-gauge or 20-gauge. MSRP: $669, weatherby.com

Latest

Wvuwins2025ncaa 2
Wvuwins2025ncaa 2

WVU Wins NCAA Rifle Championship For Record 20th Time

West Virginia University wins 2025 NCAA rifle team championship by one-point margin—the school’s 20th NCAA rifle title.

Cecelia Ossi Wins NCAA Smallbore Individual Championship For 2nd NCAA Title

Cecelia Ossi claims NCAA smallbore rifle individual title at 2025 championship in Kentucky on March 14.

New: MTM Case-Gard Suppressor Case

The MTM Case-Gard Suppressor Case provides an ideal blend of protection, functionality and convenience.

Armageddon Gear’s New Shotshell Belt Pouch Is ‘Built To Stand The Test Of Time’

Armageddon Gear announces new Shotshell Belt Pouch, the latest product in the company’s hunting gear lineup.

Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference Championship: Mount Aloysius College Ends Inaugural Season With Victory

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference Overall Aggregate Champion is Mount Aloysius College after the rifle team sweeps air rifle and smallbore.

Rainy Weather Does Not Stop Determined Rifle Shooters: 1975 National Matches

Despite constant downpours, Gary Anderson and Lones Wigger both had title runs at the 1975 National Matches.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.