Beretta celebrates the iconic 680 platform, a symbol of reliability and timeless style, chosen by over one million hunters and shooters. Produced in a limited edition of 1,526 hunting shotguns and 1,526 sporting shotguns, the 687 Silver Pigeon 500 Years is a tribute to a true Italian legend: a tireless icon at the side of generations of enthusiasts around the world.
Featuring a dedicated serial number, selected Grade 3 walnut wood and a classic floral engraving enhanced with gold details — including the Beretta 500 Years logo on the bottom of the receiver — this limited-edition shotgun combines refined aesthetics with the renowned performance of the Beretta 680 platform.
Its flawless locking system, characterized by the iconic trapezoidal shoulders and dual conical locking lugs, ensures strength and reliability, while the Beretta Steelium® barrels with an 80 mm double progressive forcing cone deliver outstanding ballistic performance.
Main Features:
MicroCore® recoil pad
Grade 3 walnut wood
Dedicated serial number: 1,526 hunting pieces, 1,526 sporting pieces
Laser floral engraving with gold details
Gold 500 Years logo on the bottom of the receiver
Rounded fore-end
Steelium® barrels: profile with 80 mm double progressive forcing cone
Optimachoke® HP chokes
Hunting: 6×6 mm top rib; Sporting: 10×8 mm top rib
June 12, 2026 — Renowned for delivering high-quality gear and accessories for firearm training, cleaning, and transport, Birchwood Casey has announced the expansion of its product lineup with the introduction of several new gun cleaners, all 100% biodegradable.
Dedicated to helping hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts protect their most valuable gear since 1948, the brand stays true to its roots with the launch of its Synvex™ Copper Cutter, Synvex™ Carbon Cutter, Synvex™ CLP-X Oil, and Synvex™ Bore Wash, a lineup of biodegradable gun cleaners delivering powerful, modern formulations designed to remove fouling with the efficiency of traditional petroleum-based solvents.
Synvex™ Carbon Cutter dissolves heavy carbon and powder buildup on bolts, brakes, and more, and is safe to use on metal, polymer, and coated surfaces. The formula also stays on surfaces long after application, so there’s no need to worry about rapid evaporation.
Synvex™ Copper Cutter offers the simplest way to remove stubborn copper and lead fouling, while also preventing future fouling buildup on everything from bore steel to other sensitive finishes.
Synvex™ CLP-X Oil cleans, lubricates, and protects in one simple step, quickly penetrating the metal surfaces on any firearm, leaving a moisture-displacing, rust-preventing shield that reduces both friction and wear. The synthetic-based formula is also MIL-PRF-63460F-rated, making it appropriate for use on U.S. military weapons.
Synvex™ Bore Wash is safe for use on everything from Cerakote and hydro printing to plastic and wood, breaking down oil, grease, and grime without leaving unwanted residue behind.
“This new line of gun-cleaning products provides a more environmentally responsible way to maintain firearms,” said Jeff Mcnail, VP of Brand Management. “Each is non-corrosive, low-odor, formulated to be safer on skin, and also breaks down naturally over time, which is a win for hunters and shooters alike, regardless of level.”
Created for shooters who demand both reliability and accountability from all their gear, the new lineup proves firearm maintenance can be effective, efficient, and environmentally mindful all at once.
You can also learn more and check out the entire family of GSM brands at www.gsmoutdoors.com.
About Birchwood Casey: The premier provider of gear and accessories tailored to training, cleaning, and transporting firearms, Birchwood Casey has been serving shooters—from competition-caliber to collectors and gunsmiths—since 1948. Dedicated to seeing both novice and experienced shooting enthusiasts through the full spectrum of learning to handle and maintain their firearm, as well as advance their technical and tactical shooting skills, the brand boasts an extensive assortment of innovative products ranging from holsters, cases, and gun-care equipment, to benches, throwers, targets, and more, all with a long-standing commitment to quality.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. June 3, 2026 – In front of hundreds of Ducks Unlimited (DU) members and volunteers at DU’s 89th National Convention in Tampa, Florida, DU elected new volunteer leaders, including President Dr. Rex Schulz and Chairman of the Board Robert “Bob” Spoerl.
As DU’s 48th president, Dr. Rex Schulz, a resident of Quincy, Illinois, will work with the thousands of DU volunteers, staff, supporters and partners to further the mission of Ducks Unlimited in conserving wetlands that benefit not only waterfowl, but also other wildlife and people.
“Being elected president of Ducks Unlimited is not about a title,” Schulz said. “It’s about making a promise. A promise to fight for every acre of wetland, every flight of migrating waterfowl, and every community that depends on healthy water and wild places. Together, we will honor the legacy of those who came before us by pushing even harder for the future we believe in, one where conservation isn’t just something the members, volunteers and supporters of Ducks Unlimited do, it’s who we are.”
Schulz previously served as DU first vice president. He continues to serve on the Ducks Unlimited Canada Board and is a trustee of Wetlands America Trust, the land trust and foundation arm of Ducks Unlimited. He also serves on several DU national committees.
After 30 years of pathology service to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, Schulz recently retired from West Central Pathology Specialists as a founding partner and president. He is an avid waterfowler, upland bird hunter and golfer. He and his wife, Lori, live in Quincy, Illinois, and they together manage her family’s Centennial Farm for deer and turkey.
In his new role as board chairman, Bob Spoerl, a Waupaca, Wisconsin resident, will ensure DU meets major mission-critical goals and will represent more than 650,000 Ducks Unlimited members at international, national, regional, state and local events. He serves on the board of Wetlands America Trust.
“Stepping into this role as chairman of the board is humbling and deeply meaningful,” Spoerl said. “For more than three decades, Ducks Unlimited has been part of my life, my family and my identity as a conservationist. To continue to help guide this organization, on behalf of more than 650,000 members who care passionately about wetlands, wildlife and the future of our continent’s waterfowl, is an honor beyond measure. Together, we will protect the landscapes that shaped us, strengthen the mission that unites us, and ensure that the next generation inherits a world rich in habitat and opportunity.”
Spoerl, who served as DU’s 47th president, is the retired president of Premium Brands. He continues to serve on the Ducks Unlimited de México and Ducks Unlimited Canada Boards, as well as several national committees.
He is an avid waterfowler, deer and elk hunter, and passionate conservationist who splits his time between Waupaca and Scottdale, Arizona, with his wife, Kim. Spoerl manages his Wisconsin property for maple syrup production.
The Spoerls are Ducks Unlimited John E. Walker President’s Society Members, DU Grand Slam Legacy Sponsors and Ducks Unlimited de México Legacy Sponsors.
In concurrence with the elections, Chairman of the Board Chuck Smith officially completed his two-year term.
Ducks Unlimited’s new members of the board include:
James Cook Doug Frey Richard Godfrey Jake Hansen Chad Hohenwarter Dallas Hempstead John Killen Mike Link Brian Mattison Nyleen Troxell Stowe Peggy Sundstrom Jim Talbert Orlin Taylor Mark Woodward
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation for a Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
May 28, 2026 — Four-time Olympic Gold medalist Vincent Hancock is another step closer to competing for a record fifth gold medal in Men’s Skeet in Los Angeles in 2028. Hancock was victorious at the 2026 Shotgun National Championships in Men’s Skeet. The event was held May 16-20, 2026, at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.
In a new format, eight shooters qualified for the finals including Federal’s Hancock and Conner Prince. Hancock, coming into the finals with the #1 bib, would break all 36 targets presented to win by one over Christian Elliot, representing the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. “It was a tough competition this week with the weather and a stacked field of athletes. I had to fight hard to shoot as well as I did and I’m incredibly thankful to have won the USAS National Championship again,” said Vincent Hancock, 4-time Olympic gold medalist.
Hancock previously won the National Championship in Men’s Skeet in 2023 and was a silver medalist in 2025. “Thank you to Federal for supporting this journey and ensuring that I’m always working with the best equipment and gear possible,” said Hancock. Conner Prince finished the championship in eighth place. Both Hancock and Prince qualified for a place on the Men’s Skeet National Team for the U.S.A.
In the Women’s Skeet National Championship, former Olympic Champion Amber English finished the event with a bronze medal. English, who won gold in Tokyo, shot extremely well against a deep field of the best skeet shooters in the world. English was named to the USA Women’s Skeet Development team.
Federal Ammunition products are available at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on all Federal products and to sign up to receive notifications about new product availability, rebate promotions, and other brand news via email, visit www.federalpremium.com.
About Federal Ammunition: Federal, headquartered in Anoka, MN, is an ammunition brand of The Kinetic Group, owned by CSG, a globally diversified industrial group based in Prague, Czech Republic. Since 1922, Federal has been a leader in ammunition innovation, delivering high-quality sporting and hunting products to shooters worldwide. With a commitment to conservation and the outdoor community, Federal continues to manufacture industry-leading ammunition that enhances the shooting experience while supporting outdoor traditions.
May 20, 2026 — For the third consecutive year, Team Remington’s Brandon Powell claims the Main Event Championship at the NSCA Northeast Regional. With 828 shooters competing for the title, Powell bested a deep field by three targets to add to his impressive list of career regional victories. Powell captured his three-peat at the M&M Hunting Preserve in Pennsville, New Jersey, host of the 2026 Northeast Regional. The event drew a total of 1,019 shooters and ran from May 11-17, 2026.
“It’s pretty awesome to maintain that title for three years in a row,” says Team Remington’s Brandon Powell. “I think this is the largest regional ever held,” says Powell. In 2024 and 2025, Powell defeated the field of 520 and 596 shooters to win the Main Event. Besides the Main Event, Powell won the Sporting Accessories Masters Cup and the Fiocchi Super Sporting events and finished third in the B&P Preliminary and fourth in the 5-Stand competition.
Also claiming top prize for Team Remington was Braxton Oliver. Fresh off his World English title, Braxon defeated a field of 481 shooters to win the B&P Preliminary ahead of teammates Turner Parcell and Brandon Powell. Oliver also finished second in FITASC, third in Super Sporting, and fourth in the Main Event to round out an excellent regional performance.
Turner Parcell was victorious in the 20-gauge event with teammate Michael Luongo finishing in third place. Luongo continued his strong finishes in the sub-gauge category with a Runner-Up medal in the 28-gauge event.
Team Remington competes and wins with Remington Premier shotshells. Top quality, consistency, and accuracy come standard when trap, skeet, or sporting competitors shoot the iconic Premier STS and Premier Nitro families of ammunition.
Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.
May 13, 2026 — Beretta is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its refreshed Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I lineup with the introduction of updated 28-gauge and .410 bore field models, alongside the first-ever sub-gauge sporting configurations in the Silver Pigeon I family.
Following the 2025 refresh of the iconic Silver Pigeon I platform, which introduced a redesigned top lever and refined engraving updates, Beretta now extends those enhancements across its sub-gauge offerings. The new 28-gauge and .410 bore field models transition into the updated Silver Pigeon I design, while new Sporting variants give clay target shooters access to the same trusted Beretta over-and-under in lighter recoiling sub-gauge options.
“The 686 Silver Pigeon I has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted over-and-under shotguns in the world by combining timeless Italian craftsmanship with proven field performance,” said Caleb McMillen, Sr. Product Manager of Beretta USA. “With this latest expansion, we are completing the transition of the refreshed Silver Pigeon I family while introducing new sporting options that give sub-gauge shooters even more versatility on the range.”
Built on Beretta’s legendary low-profile 680-series action, the refreshed sub-gauge field and sporting models retain the premium features that define the Silver Pigeon I line, including:
Cold hammer-forged Steelium® barrels
Enhanced floral receiver engraving
Select European walnut stock and forend
Redesigned top lever geometry for smoother operation
Beretta interchangeable choke system
The refreshed Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 28-gauge and .410 bore field models and new sub-gauge sporting variants are available now through authorized Beretta dealers nationwide and online.
About Beretta: Established in 1526, Beretta is the world’s longest-standing industrial dynasty, with a legacy spanning 16 generations of continuous family ownership. For 500 years, firearms bearing the Beretta name have been trusted and used around the world. Beretta USA Corp. was established in 1977 and quickly became the provider of the most widely deployed sidearm in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta USA is part of Beretta Holding Group, which includes over 50 global subsidiaries and 20 renowned brands. Beretta manufactures, distributes, and markets a complete range of firearms, accessories, and apparel. The company also owns and operates six Beretta Gallery retail stores worldwide.
Team Krieghoff’s Sheaffer Stanfill shot a perfect 500×500 at the 30th annual Krieghoff Masters Championship, held April 30 through May 3 at Forest City Gun Club in Savannah, Georgia. The event is a highlight of the skeet season, drawing more than 300 competitors from across the country to compete for awards in all four gauges and Doubles. Throughout the week, Krieghoff and duPont Krieghoff staff were on site, providing gunsmithing support, product knowledge, and the opportunity for shooters to try Krieghoff shotguns on the demo field.
Stanfill claimed both HOA and HAA Open Champion titles, running every target across all four gauges to secure the top overall position. Team Krieghoff’s Alessandro Vitale followed with a 497×500 as Runner-Up on the HAA podium.
On the Ladies’ side, Team Krieghoff’s Katie Fichtner claimed the HOA Champion title with a 397×400, while Lindsay Plesko secured 3rd place with a 393×400.
Earlier in the week, Team Krieghoff swept the Men’s Doubles podium. Vitale took the Championship, with Stanfill as Runner-Up and Connor Ball in third, all with perfect 100×100 scores. On the Ladies’ side, Katie Fichtner claimed the Doubles Championship with a 98×100.
In the 20 Gauge Open, Stanfill ran 100 straight to take Runner-Up, while Fichtner placed third in Ladies with a 99. In the 28 Gauge Open, Stanfill recorded another perfect 100 to take the Open Championship, with Fichtner as Runner-Up in Ladies with a 99. After a shoot-off in the .410 Open, Vitale took the Champion title, with Stanfill taking 3rd, and Fichtner earning Runner-up on the Ladies podium.
The chance to win a Krieghoff K-80 competition shotgun is a highlight of the event each year. Krieghoff congratulates Bob Fried, winner of the 2026 K-80 raffle.
Krieghoff thanks Forest City Gun Club, event sponsors duPont Krieghoff, White Flyer, and Winchester, and all participants for making the 2026 Masters a successful event.
About Krieghoff International: Dieter Krieghoff, fourth generation of the Krieghoff gun making family, established Krieghoff International, Inc. in the United States in 1986. Originally founded as a European hunting gun manufacturer in 1886, Krieghoff has evolved into one of the top names worldwide in competition and field shotguns, as well as hunting rifles. With a reputation for reliability, longevity and outstanding customer service, Krieghoff firearms are the choice of champions. Located in Ottsville, PA, Krieghoff is the sole importer and main service center in North America. For more information visit www.krieghoff.com.
MONTPELIER, Vt. — April 30, 2026 — Hunting safely during Vermont’s spring turkey hunting seasons is easy if you follow tips issued by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Hunter Education Coordinator Nicole Meier strongly encourages all hunters to have a safe turkey hunt. “A safe and successful hunt is one in which the hunter enjoys their time afield whether they come home with a turkey or not,” said Meier.
With the opening of the regular May 1-31 spring turkey, Fish and Wildlife urges hunters to consider these safety tips:
Never shoot unless you are absolutely sure of your target and what is beyond it. Look for a beard as only turkeys with beards are legal during the spring season.
Never stalk a gobbling turkey. Your chances of getting close are poor, and you may be sneaking up on another hunter.
Avoid red, white, blue, or black in clothing and equipment. A tom turkey’s head has similar colors.
Stick with hen calls. A gobbler call might draw in other hunters.
Avoid unnecessary movement. This alerts turkeys and attracts hunters.
Don’t hide so well that you impair your field of vision.
Wrap your turkey in blaze orange for the hike back to your vehicle.
Always sit with your back against a tree trunk, big log or a boulder that is wider than your body. This protects you from being accidentally struck by pellets fired from behind you.
Place decoys on the far side of a tree trunk or a rock. This prevents you from being directly in the line of fire should another hunter mistakenly shoot at your decoy.
Wear hunter orange while moving from set-up to set-up. Take it off when you are in position.
If you see another hunter, call out to them, but don’t move until they respond. You may ruin the hunt, but you may have avoided injury.
Make sure you know your effective range when shooting. For the most clean and ethical shot, make sure your shotgun is patterned and you are shooting within your effective range.
From April 21–26, the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, hosted the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship, where more than 1,300 competitors from 19 countries gathered for six days of intense international competition.
The week culminated in a dramatic Super Final, where the top six competitors from the Main Event advanced to a 25-target shoot-off in front of a packed stadium audience. With each target counting toward every shooter’s final score, the pressure mounted with no room for mistakes. Entering the Super Final in second position with 186 of 200 targets, Team Krieghoff’s Braxton Oliver edged ahead to claim the World Championship title with a final score of 205. Derrick Mein also secured a podium finish, taking third place with a score of 204.
“Shooting a Krieghoff has made a huge difference in my game, especially in a tournament like this. Last year, we made a few updates to the stock and forearm to fine-tune the fit and feel. It’s been extremely consistent, and I couldn’t be happier with how smooth it performs,” said Oliver.
Team Krieghoff athletes were well represented across the leaderboard throughout the Main Event. In their first year with Team Krieghoff, Kiersten Sales earned Lady Runner-up and added a third-place result in FITASC Lady, while Jonathan Prince secured third place in the Junior category. Joe Zeitler placed fifth in the Veteran division.
Momentum built early in the week during preliminary and side events, where Team Krieghoff competitors recorded a wide range of podium finishes. Turner Parcell claimed High Overall in the Preliminary Event, while Madison Sharpe stood out with a Lady Championship in both the Preliminary and 5-Stand events, along with a Lady title in the Lone Star Cup. Mike Wilgus earned the Preliminary Veteran Championship, and Brandon Powell added multiple podium finishes, including Runner-up in Super Sporting and third place in 5-Stand.
Additional highlights included Shelby Moon, Lady Runner-up in Super Sporting, and Jonathan Prince, who added another podium appearance with third place in 5-Stand Junior. In his first year with Team Krieghoff, Jacob Judson recorded multiple Junior podium finishes across events, including Runner-up in the Lone Star Cup and third-place finishes in both 20-gauge and 28-gauge competitions. Rick Mein took third place in the Lone Star Cup Super Veteran category.
Joe Zeitler earned multiple podium awards across disciplines, including third place in American Field Sporting Veteran, Runner-up in 20-gauge Veteran, Runner-up in 28-gauge Veteran, and Champion in both .410 Bore Veteran and Sub-Gauge High Overall Veteran. He also secured High Overall in Sub-Gauge and Runner-up in 20-gauge Overall.
Mike Luongo added to the team’s success with a High Overall win in .410 Bore and a third-place result in Sub-Gauge High Overall. Kiersten Sales added a Runner-up placement in the Winchester Ladies Cup, while Kayla Kane, in her first year with Team Krieghoff, earned Runner-up honors in 28-gauge FITASC Lady. Rounding out the week, Joe Zeitler secured a Runner-up spot in Friday Sport Skeet Veteran.
“We’re incredibly proud of Braxton and our entire Team Krieghoff sporting clays team this week,” said Jennifer Colucci, Marketing Manager at Krieghoff International. “Seeing our long-standing pro staff and pro instructors mentoring new team members, along with the results across so many events, says a lot about this team and the Krieghoff firearms they trust in competition.”
Following a successful week in San Antonio, Team Krieghoff now turns its focus to the Northeast Regional Championships at M&M Sporting Clays in Pennsville, NJ, May 12–14.
About Krieghoff International: Dieter Krieghoff, fourth generation of the Krieghoff gun making family, established Krieghoff International, Inc. in the United States in 1986. Originally founded as a European hunting gun manufacturer in 1886, Krieghoff has evolved into one of the top names worldwide in competition and field shotguns, as well as hunting rifles. With a reputation for reliability, longevity and outstanding customer service, Krieghoff firearms are the choice of champions. Located in Ottsville, PA, Krieghoff is the sole importer and main service center in North America. For more information visit www.krieghoff.com.
San Antonio, Texas (April 27, 2026) – Blaser Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh McBrayer as Chief Executive Officer of its U.S. operations.
McBrayer brings more than a decade of experience with Blaser Group, including the past four years as Director of Shotgun Sales in the United States and seven years with the company in Germany. During his tenure in Germany, he served as Brand Manager and International Sales Manager, overseeing key markets including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Benelux, South America, and the United States.
In his new role, McBrayer will oversee the company’s portfolio of premium brands, including Blaser, Mauser, J.P. Sauer & Sohn, John Rigby & Co., Liemke Thermal Optics, and Minox Optics.
“We have worked with Josh for many years and are thrilled to see him step into the role of CEO for Blaser Group in the United States,” said Christian Socher, Chief Sales Officer of Blaser Group in Germany. “He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in developing sales channels and dealer networks worldwide, while building strong, long-term partnerships. His deep expertise in both rifles and shotguns makes him an invaluable member of our team and positions him well to drive continued growth in the U.S. market.”
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, McBrayer has more than 20 years of experience in business development and major account management. He is a lifelong hunter and avid shooter, with hunting experience in more than 20 countries. McBrayer is also the incoming President of DSC South Texas and has been actively involved in the conservation community for much of his life.
In his new capacity, McBrayer will lead Blaser Group’s U.S. operations into its next phase of growth and profitability. His extensive experience in developing and strengthening global sales networks—particularly in the United States—has been instrumental in building enduring relationships with partners and expanding the company’s market presence.
“I am honored to continue my journey with the Blaser Group team in San Antonio in this new role as CEO,” said McBrayer. “Blaser Group represents one of the finest organizations in the industry, and I look forward to further increasing brand awareness and market share in the U.S. After working across both international and domestic markets for the past 10 years, I am excited to leverage my experience to build upon the strong reputation of our premium products.”
Join an elite group of readers who receive their FREE e-letter every week from Shotgun Life. These readers gain a competitive advantage from the valuable advice delivered directly to their inbox. You'll discover ways to improve your shooting, learn about the best new products and how to easily maintain your shotgun so it's always reliable. If you strive to be a better shooter, then our FREE e-letters are for you.
About Shotgun Life
Shotgun Life is the first online magazine devoted to the great people who participate in the shotgun sports.
Our goal is to provide you with the best coverage in wing and clays shooting. That includes places to shoot, ways to improve your shooting and the latest new products. Everything you need to know about the shotgun sports is a mouse-click away.
Contact
Irwin Greenstein
Publisher
Shotgun Life
PO Box 6423
Thomasville, GA 31758
Phone: 229-236-1632
