When it comes to guns, I’m one of those people who believes that a lightweight upland shotgun is the best example of firearm excellence. One reason is because I’ve been hunting upland birds since I was a young child, and in doing so, I’ve carried an upland scattergun for well over half a century.
There’s just something about a fine upland double gun that brings a big smile to my face — and, incidentally, to the faces of others who love hunting upland game. As a result, we’re attracted to a sleek new 20-gauge over-and-under on your gun rack, even though our gun safes are already nearly full of shotguns made for that very purpose.
Chances are, some of your customers feel the same way. For those looking for a new upland shotgun — whether they need it or just want it — here are 10 options you might consider offering in your store. Note that in this article, we focus on double-barreled shotguns, including both over-and-unders and side-by-sides.
Beretta Ultraleggaro Kick-Off
Designed specifically to produce the lightest steel receiver shotgun on the market, the Ultraleggero offers the same strength and balance typical of Beretta shotguns, but with a lighter steel receiver, techno-polymer receiver inserts and an Extralight recoil pad. The result is a lightweight yet durable shotgun ideal for upland hunters seeking a quick-handling gun that quickly gets them on the flying game.
Chambered in 12-gauge, the Ultraleggaro Kick-Off comes with 26- or 28-inch Steelium Optima-Bore HP barrels that deliver high-quality performance and consistent shot patterns. The stock and forend are made from Grade 2.5 walnut, and the gun weighs only 6.4 or 6.6 pounds, depending on the barrel length. The length of pull for both models is 14.75 inches. An additional feature is that the side plates can be customized and 3D printed with personal designs. Prices start at $3,259.
Browning Citori 825 Field
The Browning Citori line has likely taken as many upland game birds as any other upland shotgun series, and the 825 Field is sure to uphold that reputation. This new shotgun skillfully balances tradition and technology, with looks and features that boost performance while honoring tradition.
The Field features a low-profile receiver that naturally points and swings smoothly through your target, making it ideal for those moments when a bird erupts at your feet in a flurry of wing beats or crosses your path from an adjacent field. The popular mechanical trigger from the Citori 725 has been upgraded to deliver even better performance and lighter pull weights than before. Dependability with lighter loads has also been enhanced. Available in 12 gauge with 26- or 28-inch barrels and 3-inch chambers, the Citori 825 Field has an MSRP of $3,319.
Caesar Guerini Tempio Field
The Caesar Guerini Tempio is designed to be a sleek and fast-pointing shotgun in the field — ideal for upland game hunters. Its low-profile receiver paired with a slim stock, a classic Prince-of-Wales grip and Schnabel forend make the gun well-suited for swift game birds. The Tempio features a modern style of “ornato” scroll with tasteful gold accents.
The action is further enhanced by a nickel finish protected with CG’s proprietary Invisalloy™ coating. Each Caesar Guerini game gun is carefully engineered to balance near the hinge point, distributing the weight evenly between the hands, which is the secret to a finely crafted shotgun. The Tempio also features a deluxe grade of Turkish walnut enhanced with a hand-rubbed oil finish. It’s available in 28-, 20- and 12-gauge, as well as .410 bore. MSRP is $6,125.
Franchi Instinct Sideplate SPLX
Franchi’s newest sideplate-style shotgun continues to transcend to a time when European gunsmiths crafted the most elegant firearms in the world. Sleek lines, luxurious wood, fine engraving and gold inlays combine to make this one of the most beautiful shotguns you’ve ever laid eyes on. The engraved aluminum receiver perfectly accentuates the gloss blue barrel and features exquisite engraving with gold inlay to match the gold-plated trigger.
The Prince of Wales stock and Schnabel forend are made from AA-grade walnut with checkering to provide a secure grip. A red fiber optic front bead on the ventilated rib sits atop the 28-inch barrel to help you get on target quickly. Five extended black screw-in chokes are included. Additionally, every Franchi over-and-under comes standard with a recoil pad to enhance shooting comfort with heavier loads and during long days in the field. The MSRP is $2,949.
Remington 816 Precision Field
Brand new for 2025, Remington’s 816 Precision Field is chambered in 12-gauge and accepts shells up to 3 inches. With a 28-inch barrel, the gun showcases the quality craftsmanship Americans expect from the storied Remington brand.
Features include ejectors, a manual safety, selector switch, single gold trigger, Prince of Wales straight cast stock, and a fitted recoil pad. Other features include a Schnabel forend, 24 LPI hand checkering, a hand-rubbed oil walnut stock finish, a front ivory bead, and a color case-hardened receiver with engraving. The metal is blued, and the gun weighs a light 7 pounds. The MSRP starts at $1,499. A side-by-side version called the 816 Precision Double was also introduced this year and should appeal to customers who love the classic feel of a side-by-side shotgun.
Spandau Arms Premier Field
The premier Field from Spandau Armswas designed for discerning shooters who value elegance and performance. Expertly crafted for exceptional balance and accuracy, this shotgun is built to excel on the range and in the field. The stainless receiver contrasts nicely with the blued barrel and the walnut stock and forend, creating a very visually appealing gun.
It’s available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, as well as .410 bore, with 26- or 28-inch barrels in each chambering. Features include a box lock action, mechanical triggers, and a barrel selector switch. A classic brass front bead serves as the sighting system and should appeal to old-timers who enjoy a traditional touch. With an MSRP of $1,349, this double will likely fall within the price range of more budget-conscious upland hunters.
Pointer Acrius
The Pointer line of affordable, reliable over-and-under shotguns is offered by Legacy Sports Internationaland is known for being a great value and a solid choice for bird hunters on a budget. Highlights include a Turkish walnut stock and forend, raised vent rib, fiber-optic front sight, extractors and barrel selectors. The barrels are chrome-lined for durability and longevity, and the mechanical trigger is short and crisp.
The laser-etched receiver enhances the gun’s appearance, and it is also available with a color case-hardened finish and in Mossy Oak Bottomlands or Realtree Max 5 camouflage. This shotgun comes in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, as well as .410 bore, with 28-inch barrels. Interestingly, the Acrius is also offered in a youth model in either 20-gauge or .410 bore with 26-inch barrels. It includes five choke tubes and has an MSRP of $589.
Webley & Scott 920 BC
This special over-and-under from Webley & Scottfeatures one steel action and two sets of barrels — one 20-gauge and one 28-gauge. Each barrel comes with its own forend, preventing any visible gap between the forend and barrels on the smaller gauge.
Available in 26-, 28-, 30-, and 32-inch barrels (both gauge barrels are the same length), the 920 BC is fitted with grade 2.5 Turkish walnut, a high-visibility front bead sight and an option for an auto safety to be installed. The 920 BC is also steel-shot capable for those hunting in areas that require nontoxic shot. Other features include a single selective trigger and ejectors. The gun comes with a fitted maker’s case and five chokes for each gauge. If this upland shotgun performs as well as it looks, it’ll be a real bird killer. MSRP is $2,499.
A Couple For The Side-By-Side Lovers
Of course, over-and-unders aren’t the only double-barreled shotguns in the upland bird game. Here are a couple of side-by-sides that are getting rave reviews and might pique your customers’ interest.
CZ Bobwhite G2
An updated version of CZ’s traditionally styled Bobwhite, the Bobwhite G2 model features a CNC-machined receiver and modern internals that streamline the action, while boosting service life and reliability. With double triggers for quick barrel changes and a straight, English-style grip, quick choke decisions can be made on the fly.
Finished in durable black chrome, the G2 resists rust much better than a blued gun. Its 28-inch barrels are threaded for choke tubes, and it comes with five flush-mounted chokes, from cylinder to full. The gun weighs only 7.3 pounds, so it is easy to carry in the field. The MSRP starts at $799, making it affordable for most upland hunters.
Weatherby Orion Sub-Gauge SxS
A trusted companion for both birds and clay targets, the Weatherby Orion is now available in 28-gauge and .410 bore. The straight English stock, splinter forend and double triggers give the Orion family a classic look. Plus, the swamp rib and brass bead provide a clear sight picture for accurate wing-shooting.
The Orion SxS comes with five extended choke tubes. Aimed at environmentally conscious bird hunters, the Orion SxS features extractors to ensure empty shells go into your pocket and not on the ground. Both sub-gauge models have 28-inch barrels and 3-inch chambers. The 28-gauge weighs 6.3 pounds, while the .410 bore weighs just 6.1 pounds.
