Gun Tests reporters and editors on the scene at SHOT Show 2018 in Las Vegas scoured the show for new rifle, pistol, shotgun, and accessory entries for our readers to consider this year. Here’s a rundown on quite a few just-introduced scattergun choices for 2018, some of which we’ll be looking at for further examination later this year.
Browning
The Citori CXS (shown) and Citori CXT Adjustable Comb models are multipurpose over/under 12-gauge shotguns for various target-shooting endeavors. The CXS features a blued finish receiver with gold-accented engravings. The ported barrels are topped with a floating rib, and the stock and forearm are gloss-finished Grade II American walnut, with an adjustable comb and Schnabel-style forearm. The CSX is intended as a crossover shotgun for hunting, sporting clays, and skeet. SRP: $2540.
Also new is the Silver Field Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun. It has an aluminum-alloy receiver and black/charcoal bi-tone finish. This 3-inch gas-operated autoloader also features a stock and forearm in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo. Available with either a 26- or 28-inch barrel. SRP: $1140.
CZ-USA
For 2018, CZ-USA is rolling out its fanciest over/under shotguns, the Supreme Field, which feature Grade III wood and copious amounts of hand-engraved scrollwork. Its polished-nickel receiver features auto ejectors and a mechanical single-selectable trigger. Five extended chokes are included. SRP: $1700.
CZ-USA’s most affordable over/under shotgun gains two sub-gauge variants for 2018. Identical to the larger shotguns, but in 28-gauge and .410-bore, these diminutive shotguns are built on steel CNC actions, have a mid-rib, and are clad in Turkish walnut stocks. SRP: $679.
CZ’s 3-inch Swamp Magnum now has 26-inch barrels and extended choke options, the Reaper Magnum gives the turkey hunter the ability to choose a tight choke for long shots and an open choke for closer shots.
Mossberg
New options for the Shockwave include a 20-gauge version and a flat dark earth Cerakote finish, and a 12-gauge JIC (Just In Case) model that comes with a water-resistant storage/carry tube. SRP: $455.
Standard features of the Mossberg 930 shotgun include a smooth-operating dual-gas-vent system, a drilled-and-tapped receiver, an ambidextrous safety, and a stock-drop spacer system. The 930 handles 2.75- and 3-inch shotshells with ease, and the new versatile 26-inch-barreled Bottomland model comes with an expanded choke-tube set for both turkey and waterfowl. SRP: $560. The 28-inch-barreled black synthetic stock version makes a great choice for upland and waterfowl hunting. SRP: $560.
The 835 Ulti-Mag’s (pictured below) standard features include dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, an ambidextrous safety, and a clean-out magazine tube cap. The 835 Ulti-Mag shotguns handle all shotshells, including powerful magnum loads, and the over-bored 26-inch barrels provide reduced recoil and uniform, dense patterns. New for 2018 are a standard matte blue with a black synthetic stock version and a Bottomland-finished model. SRP: $604.
All SA-20 and SA-28 International Bantam shotguns come with a 12.5-inch length of pull and are popular with young and small-statured shooters. For 2018, Mossberg has three new offerings. The Walnut Youth comes in 28- and 20-gauge and has a 28-inch barrel with a ventilated rib. It weighs only 6.25 pounds. SRP: $570. The Black Synthetic Youth is now available in 28-gauge and also has a 24-inch ventilated rib barrel. It weighs only 5.5 pounds. SRP: $674.
Mossberg has three new Mavericks from which to choose. First is the six-shot Cylinder-bore 18.5-inch-barreled standard model with a flat dark earth stock. Next is a similar eight-shot version, but with a 20-inch barrel. And finally, there’s the six-shot, 18.5-inch model that comes with an ATI ShotForce folding stock, and weighs only 6 pounds. SRP: $296.
Rock Island Armory
Rock Island Armory is rolling out 20 new shotguns this year. They include one pump-action, four break-actions, and 15 semi-auto variants. The pump is an 18.6-inch-barreled smoothbore slug gun with a synthetic stock.
Break-actions include a 20-inch-barreled single-shot at 6.18 pounds, an over/under 28-inch-barreled 12-gauge at 7.18 pounds, a similar over/under Plus with a hand-engraved receiver, and an over/under Competition. All 12-gauge models accept 3-inch shells.
The semi-auto magazine-fed VR-60 is now offered in a range of colors, from tactical black and sand to rosy red and combinations.
This wicked-looking shotgun resembles the AR in profile and weighs about 8 pounds, depending on variation. It will handle 3-inch shells.And, Rock Island will produce the 5+1 magazine-fed Bull Rocket. This is a 12-gauge semi-auto bull-pup design with a 20-inch open-Cylinder barrel.
TriStar
Notable features on the new Viper 410 shotgun (shown below) include a beautiful Turkish walnut stock, a fiber-optic front sight, and a bronze finish. Out of the box, it weighs only 5.7 pounds.
Winchester
Winchester expanded the Super X4 semi-auto shotgun line to include the SX4 NWTF Cantilever Turkey model (shown below). It comes with a 24-inch barrel and a Weaver-style cantilever rail that makes it easy to attach an electronic sight or scope. This 3-inch model features a synthetic stock and forearm with full coverage in the non-glare Mossy Oak Obsession. A Truglo fiber-optic front sight and adjustable rear sight are standard. SRP: $1,070.
The new SX4 Cantilever Buck 12-gauge 3-inch semi-auto has a synthetic stock and forearm in a non-glare matte black finish. The 22-inch rifled barrel also features a Weaver-style cantilever rail, and a Truglo fiber-optic front sight and adjustable rear are standard. SRP: $960.
Produced in association with SHOT Daily at the 2018 SHOT Show.
