Shotgun Review: OL Ranks the Best New Shotguns of 2011
We torture tested eight new shotguns in our 2011 Gun Test.
Is the domestic shotgun market dead? No, but the only truly new shotgun that can claim to be made in the U.S. is the Remington Versa Max, a solid waterfowl gun built on a cleverly simple gas-recoil system. Its prospects look good. Here's a breakdown of the shotguns we tested ranked in order from the highest score to the lowest score. AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENTAdvertisement |
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Comments (9)
I won't be ponying up big bucks for a new high-end gun until the kids are out of the house, but I still enjoy the reviews. I always check out the used racks and sometimes you can get a premium gun at a bargain price. It's nice to know how it should perform.
One of the most common complaints of the gun tests is the expense of the guns involved. One point to keep in mind is that the requirements to be a part of the test are very clear--the shotgun or rifle has to be new, not just a minor upgrade to an existing model. So the universe for what qualifies is pretty tight. When gun companies come out with less expensive models, we test all of them. But they also make higher-end guns as well--and we test those too.
Moishe,
The issue with the VersaMax was a tweak that needed to be made to the trigger plate assembly--a very small item and it only affected a couple hundred shotguns, all of which Remington has accounted for. So I wouldn't let that deter you one bit.
I have read bad reviews on early Versa Max, in fact tgey have recalled quite a few.
I have shot skeet with a Friends Beretta xplor light
And it is very good.
Thin28,
Average people are not the only ones who read these evaluations and those who can afford shotguns with a higher price tag appreciate valid evaluations too. Some regard fine firearms as more than a utilitarian tool, and appreciate nice wood, finely done engraving and gold inlays, as opposed to black matte and synthetic, or God forbid, camo.
I hear you both- truly- but look at this in a different light. These high end guns set a standard...and sooner or later, other gun companies start to make knock-offs that we can afford. Look at Stoeger....when they came out with their version of the inertia action, Benelli bought them. I have hunted an 11-87 for 10 years and love it...but am tempted by the Versa-Max...if and only if they do as the editor suggested and come out with a lighter version chambered only for 2 3/4 and 3" shells....don't need the weight of the 3 1/2 gun, and don't need to waste money on 3 1/2 shells.
Gee do I shoot geese with a home defense gun, maybe the Stoeger M3500 except will my finger get tired of that 9 lb pull but for the price I would have to opt for that, even the Benelli at 1649 is only a 3 year savings plan. Your test team must smoke crack thinking the average person can afford 5k for a gun or don't you expect the average person to read your articles. Maybe you should come up with new test plans, 1 for the rich, 2 for wealthy, 3 for moderate income and 4 just for those of us who still think we can afford to hunt.
Ok great shotguns...now lets see some shotguns that we can all actually afford!
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)
Ok great shotguns...now lets see some shotguns that we can all actually afford!
Gee do I shoot geese with a home defense gun, maybe the Stoeger M3500 except will my finger get tired of that 9 lb pull but for the price I would have to opt for that, even the Benelli at 1649 is only a 3 year savings plan. Your test team must smoke crack thinking the average person can afford 5k for a gun or don't you expect the average person to read your articles. Maybe you should come up with new test plans, 1 for the rich, 2 for wealthy, 3 for moderate income and 4 just for those of us who still think we can afford to hunt.
I hear you both- truly- but look at this in a different light. These high end guns set a standard...and sooner or later, other gun companies start to make knock-offs that we can afford. Look at Stoeger....when they came out with their version of the inertia action, Benelli bought them. I have hunted an 11-87 for 10 years and love it...but am tempted by the Versa-Max...if and only if they do as the editor suggested and come out with a lighter version chambered only for 2 3/4 and 3" shells....don't need the weight of the 3 1/2 gun, and don't need to waste money on 3 1/2 shells.
Thin28,
Average people are not the only ones who read these evaluations and those who can afford shotguns with a higher price tag appreciate valid evaluations too. Some regard fine firearms as more than a utilitarian tool, and appreciate nice wood, finely done engraving and gold inlays, as opposed to black matte and synthetic, or God forbid, camo.
Moishe,
The issue with the VersaMax was a tweak that needed to be made to the trigger plate assembly--a very small item and it only affected a couple hundred shotguns, all of which Remington has accounted for. So I wouldn't let that deter you one bit.
One of the most common complaints of the gun tests is the expense of the guns involved. One point to keep in mind is that the requirements to be a part of the test are very clear--the shotgun or rifle has to be new, not just a minor upgrade to an existing model. So the universe for what qualifies is pretty tight. When gun companies come out with less expensive models, we test all of them. But they also make higher-end guns as well--and we test those too.
I have shot skeet with a Friends Beretta xplor light
And it is very good.
I have read bad reviews on early Versa Max, in fact tgey have recalled quite a few.
I won't be ponying up big bucks for a new high-end gun until the kids are out of the house, but I still enjoy the reviews. I always check out the used racks and sometimes you can get a premium gun at a bargain price. It's nice to know how it should perform.
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)