What Makes a Great Upland Shotgun
An upland shotgun should feel like an extension of your arm. These hunts demand instinctive shooting, not long-range precision. The best upland guns balance:
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Light weight (6–7 lbs): You’ll carry it far more than you shoot it.
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Quick handling: Swing and mount naturally for fast-moving targets.
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Balanced fit: A well-fitted shotgun centers your swing, improving accuracy.
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Durability: Upland terrain is tough—brush, mud, and rocks test your gun’s build quality.
Choosing the Right Gauge
12 Gauge
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Best for: Pheasants, chukar, and late-season hunts when birds flush farther.
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Pros: Versatile, available everywhere, strong pattern density.
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Cons: Heavier recoil and gun weight than smaller gauges.
20 Gauge
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Best all-around choice for most upland hunters.
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Pros: Light recoil, lighter guns, ideal for quail, grouse, and early-season pheasants.
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Cons: Slightly fewer pellets at long range, but modern loads offset this.
28 Gauge
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Best for: Skilled shooters, light field guns, quail, and woodcock.
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Pros: Incredibly light and elegant, low recoil, quick to the shoulder.
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Cons: Expensive ammo, limited range.
.410 Bore
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Best for: Youth or expert hunters on small game and pen-raised birds.
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Pros: Ultra-light, minimal recoil.
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Cons: Tight pattern, low pellet count—requires precision.
Action Types: Pros and Cons
Over/Under
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The upland classic.
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Pros: Two chokes for flexible range, natural balance, and simple operation.
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Cons: Higher cost and slightly heavier than single-barrel guns.
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Popular models:
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Browning Citori Hunter
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Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I
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CZ Redhead Premier
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Side-by-Side
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Traditional look and feel for purists.
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Pros: Slim, fast-handling, ideal for close-flushing grouse and quail.
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Cons: Less common, more expensive, and recoil can be sharper.
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Popular models:
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Fausti DEA SLX
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CZ Bobwhite G2
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Semi-Automatic
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Pros: Reduced recoil, fast follow-up shots, often lighter than O/U guns.
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Cons: More complex maintenance, less traditional feel.
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Popular models:
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Benelli Montefeltro
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Beretta A400 Upland
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Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen
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Pump-Action
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Pros: Affordable, reliable, simple to maintain.
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Cons: Slower follow-ups, less balance for instinctive shooting.
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Popular models:
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Remington 870 Wingmaster
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Browning BPS Field
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Weight, Fit, and Balance
A shotgun that’s too heavy wears you down; too light and it kicks hard and swings erratically.
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Aim for 6–7 pounds for most upland hunting.
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Gun fit is critical—stock length, drop, and cast should match your build. Consider a professional fitting if possible.
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Check balance: the shotgun should rest naturally between your hands when mounted.
Chokes and Loads
Chokes
Most upland hunters rely on:
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Improved Cylinder (IC): For close flushing birds (quail, woodcock, grouse).
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Modified: For pheasants or longer shots.
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Combination: O/U or SxS with IC/Mod pairing covers most situations.
Loads
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Lead or high-density non-toxic shot (#6–#8) covers most upland species.
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Check regulations—lead bans are expanding in certain areas.
Top Picks by Hunting Style
For Pheasant Hunters
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Browning Citori Hunter 12 or 20 gauge – classic, reliable, great balance.
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Benelli Montefeltro 12 gauge – lightweight and fast cycling for open country.
For Grouse & Woodcock Hunters
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CZ Bobwhite G2 20 or 28 gauge – quick pointing, traditional design.
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Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 20 gauge – elegant handling, ideal for dense timber.
For Quail & Mixed Bag Hunts
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Beretta A400 Upland 20 gauge – versatile semi-auto with minimal recoil.
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Franchi Instinct SL 20 gauge – ultralight and balanced for long days afield.
Maintenance & Care
Upland environments are dusty and rough on guns. After each hunt:
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Wipe down the metal with an oiled cloth.
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Check for debris or moisture in the action.
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Store uncased in a dry, ventilated place to prevent rust.
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Re-oil lightly before your next outing.
Buying Tips for Your First Upland Shotgun
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Shoulder multiple guns before buying—feel matters more than specs.
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Spend smart: Mid-range over/unders often outperform cheap or ultra-high-end options for everyday hunters.
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Consider resale value: Quality guns from Beretta, Browning, and CZ hold value well.
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Buy once, cry once: A well-chosen upland shotgun can last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
The best shotgun for upland bird hunting is the one that fits you perfectly, carries easily, and inspires confidence when the birds flush. Whether you favor the timeless look of an over/under or the fast function of a semi-auto, focus on balance, fit, and quality craftsmanship.
To explore outfitters and upland bird hunts across North America, visit Find A Hunt—your trusted destination for booking guided hunts and connecting with top hunting experiences.
