Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting

Archive: January 2026

New Soft-Goods Collection from Avian-X Raises the Bar on Shotgun Protection in the Harshest Waterfowl Hunting Conditions

Monday, January 26, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #avianx, #floatingguncases

IRVING, TX – January 2026 – Leveraging decades of innovation in the waterfowl-hunting industry, Avian-X® enters the soft-goods space in a big way in 2026 with a purpose-built lineup of waterproof and floating shotgun cases and neoprene gun sleeves designed to deliver in the harshest hunting conditions. 

Welded Waterproof Gun Cases 

Engineered for complete waterproof protection in the harshest waterfowl conditions, the Welded Waterproof Shotgun Cases pair rugged 600-denier shells with fully welded seams to keep moisture out. Inside, 10mm closed-cell foam padding and reinforced impact zones safeguard shotguns from bumps, drops, and rough travel, while quarter-length zippers provide easy access and quick cleaning in the field. Compatible with most shotguns, including models with 30″ barrels or extended chokes, each also features an AquaGuard-sealed front pocket for secure gear storage and a cushioned, no-slip shoulder strap for reliable carry in any weather.

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New for 2026: Upgraded Benelli M2 Field

Sunday, January 25, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #benellim2, #semiautomaticshotguns, benellishotguns

Used across waterfowl marshes, turkey woods and upland cover, Benelli’s M2 pairs dependability with responsive handling—built to perform in demanding environments while remaining light enough for all-day, on-the-move hunting. For 2026, this proven field platform advances with a foundational upgrade focused on shooter comfort and control.

All M2 Field shotguns now feature a more technical stock design engineered to enhance ergonomics during high-volume shooting days. The updated stock integrates Benelli’s Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system alongside the Combtech Recoil Cheek Pad.

The Progressive Comfort stock works in harmony with Benelli’s Inertia Driven system, employing progressively stiffer, interlocking recoil-absorbing leaves that adapt to the shooter’s chosen shotshell load. This system effectively moderates felt recoil across a wide range of ammunition—from light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads—allowing the M2 to remain composed and comfortable shot after shot.

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Stoeger Adds New Sporting Model to M3000 Shotgun Series

Saturday, January 24, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #semiautomaticshotguns, #stoegerm3000, #stoegershotguns

Accokeek, MD – For 2026, Stoeger adds a new model to its popular M3000 semi-auto shotgun lineup with the M3000 Sporting model (#36084). This performance-driven sporting shotgun boasts the standard features of oversized controls, enlarged ejection and loading ports, 30-inch ported barrel and extended choke tubes along with the aesthetic upgrades for shooters who prefer a classic shotgun. This sporter is built to be used on the range and in the field, not just admired.

The new M3000 Sporting model’s design enhancements include a satin walnut stock and forend, catering to shooters who prefer a more traditional look and feel. The walnut furniture pairs with a nickel receiver and a gloss blue 30-inch ported barrel to further enhance the classical aesthetics. The broadway-style rib is engineered to cut barrel heat and mirage while providing a bold, easy-to-track sight picture—promoting a natural, heads-up shooting posture that delivers consistent comfort and confident target acquisition shot after shot. These are complemented by the matte blue trigger, bolt release, and bolt handle.

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Franchi Evolves the Affinity Platform with New 2026 Models

Friday, January 23, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #affinity3, #franchiaffinity, #inertiadrive, #semiautoshotguns

January 2026, Accokeek, MD – After debuting the next generation Affinity 3 and Affinity 3.5 in 2025 – the platform’s first major evolution in more than a decade – Franchi builds on that momentum for 2026 with the introduction of 15 new models across both lineups, offering hunters expanded options to make the Affinity their own. 

Within the Franchi family, the Affinity is a true do-it-all Inertia Driven® semi-auto—trusted for its proven reliability, clean operation, and the kind of field performance that holds up across seasons. Paired with Franchi’s signature craftsmanship and Italian design influence, the updated Affinity lineup brings together tradition, function, and modern refinement in one familiar platform.

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LandTrust and Turkeys For Tomorrow Announce Partnership to Support Wild Turkey Recovery on Private Lands

Thursday, January 22, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #conservation, #landtrust, #turkeyhunting, #turkeysfortomorrow

Turkeys for Tomorrow (TFT) and LandTrust are excited to announce a new partnership. Both are invested in science-led conservation dedicated to the recovery and long-term sustainability of wild turkey populations across the United States.

At the core of the partnership is a simple, direct commitment: every turkey hunt booked on LandTrust generates a $10 conservation contribution to TFT, with 100% of those funds supporting TFT’s research, habitat, and private-land-focused conservation work.

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Post Hunting Season Shotgun Maintenance

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #shotguncleaning, #shotgunmaintenance

Now that hunting season is coming to a close, it’s time to shift your focus to post-hunting season shotgun maintenance. Proper maintenance is crucial to keeping your shotgun in top condition and ensuring it performs at its best when you need it most. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips on how to properly clean and store your shotgun for the off-season.

Essential Post-Hunting Season Shotgun Maintenance Tips

After a long hunting season, your shotgun is likely in need of some TLC. The first step in post-hunting season shotgun maintenance is to give it a thorough cleaning. Start by disassembling your shotgun and removing any dirt, debris, or residue from the barrel, chamber, and action. Use a high-quality gun cleaning kit to clean the bore, chamber, and action, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay special attention to the choke tubes, as they can become clogged with debris and affect the performance of your shotgun.

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Mossberg Adds Maverick® SA Semi-Auto Shotguns to Lineup

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #mossbergmaverick, #mossbergshotguns, #semiautomaticshotguns

NORTH HAVEN, CT – Mossberg International is pleased to announce the introduction of the Maverick® SA Semi-Auto line of shotguns, a versatile, value-focused semi-automatic platform built to deliver reliable performance season after season. The Maverick SA continues Mossberg International’s tradition of offering quality, dependable shotguns at an accessible price point.

The new 12-gauge Maverick SA Semi-Auto shotguns are engineered as true multi-season workhorses, chambered for both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shotshells and featuring a 6-shot capacity. Available with either classic walnut stocks or durable synthetic furniture, the Maverick SA line offers configurations suited for a variety of shooting environments and personal preferences.

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This Beretta-Webley & Scott Collaboration Opens Door to Collectors

Monday, January 19, 2026
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Shotguns
Tags: #beretta, #berettablshotguns, #shotguncollecting, #webleyandscott, #webleyandscott900

If you were the managing director of the Harris & Sheldon Group on Regent Street in London during the 1970s, you were probably suffering from financial heart burn directly related to your acquisition of the stalwart Birmingham gunmaker, Webley & Scott.

Yes, you were quite pleased with the other companies in your diversified portfolio that churned out office furniture, fishing tackle, luggage and consumer goods. But the 1970s saw an international influx of new-generation competitors to the British trade such as Beretta, AyA, Miroku, SKB and Browning who sold superior mid-market sporting guns at lower prices. For a an old-guard Brit who enjoyed a few gin and tonics over lunch at the club, it may have been a bitter pill to swallow. The U.S., Europe and Japan were leapfrogging British manufacturing by capitalizing on post-war industrial innovation, in particular when it pertained to that Harris & Sheldon financial black eye, the 180-year-old Webley & Scott.

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The Importance of a Post-Shot Routine in Clays Shooting

Monday, January 19, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #claysshooting, #postshotrooutine

A solid post-shot routine is one of the most underrated elements of consistent clay shooting performance.

When it comes to clays shooting, having a solid post-shot routine can make all the difference between hitting your target consistently and struggling to find your aim. The post-shot routine is a critical element in a shooter’s overall performance, as it helps maintain focus, analyze shots, and make necessary adjustments for the next target. In this article, we will explore the importance of a post-shot routine in clays shooting and why it is crucial for success in this competitive sport.

A post-shot routine acts as a mental reset button. It creates a consistent rhythm between shots, keeps your mind from spiraling after misses, and prevents overconfidence after hits. In essence, it makes every shot feel like the first one.

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