The prices of sporting guns have risen sharply over the past few years, most recently driven by a mix of higher manufacturing costs, supply chain disruptions and a wave of tariffs. 

For wing and clays shooters, the impact is already impossible to ignore. What were once  relatively accessible sports are now under financial pressure for both newcomers and longtime participants – even putting some of our cherished American traditions at risk for future generations.

For 2026 in particular, the whiplash originates from tariffs on raw materials used to manufacture sporting guns, components and ammunition; increased oil prices that impact manufacturing and transportation; and inventories being prioritized for conflicts worldwide. For the weekend clay shooter or upland hunter these market dynamics translate into a direct hit on our wallet. And at the bottom of the food chain (the cash register of your local firearms dealer), tariffs alone on the finished product can add anywhere from 10 to 30 percent on the retail price of an over/under, side by side, pump  or semi-auto made in Italy, Germany, the UK, Turkey or Japan.

Shotgun Life has compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly sporting guns at price points that should keep you in the field and on the clays course. The shotguns here may not be the absolute least expensive, but we tried to strike a balance between affordability, safety and reliability. It’s doubtful that any of them will ever become a family heirloom, but we’re looking at where we can prudently take the next step rather than gaze at the horizon.

Beretta A300 Ultima (MSRP ~$1,000) 

Beretta’s 300 series of semi-autos has a long and well-deserved legacy for affordability and reliability. The latest Beretta A300 Ultima is gas-operated with key features available including Beretta’s tried-and-true Kick-Off Recoil System that uses hydraulic dampeners to reduce recoil. Different models address wingshooting and clays shooting. Enlarged controls make the shotgun easier to use with gloves. The standard capacity is 3+1. Visithttps://www.shotgunlife.com/go/88t1

The Beretta A300 Ultima

CZ Redhead Premier (MSRP ~$1,000)

The Redhead Premier is a Turkish-made over/under with a silver satin chrome receiver, gloss black chrome barrels and Turkish walnut stock. It’s available in both 12 and 20 gauge, with 26-inch and 28-inch barrels. The shotgun is suitable for both wing and clays shooting. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/jaym

The CZ Redhead Premier

Franchi Affinity 3 (MSRP ~$1,000)

For 2026, Benelli’s Franchi Affinity 3 feature slimmer foreends, higher grip checkering, and adjustable LOP recoil pads that can reduce felt recoil by up to 50 percent, according to Franchi. It runs on the same inertia-driven operating system as Benelli shotguns but costs roughly half of Benelli’s flagship Silver Black Eagle 3. Offered in 12 and 20 gauge, finishes include synthetic, walnut and camo. Depending on the model, the Franchi Affinity 3 can fitted with 28-inch or 30-inch barrels. The capacity is 4+1. With options, prices can approach $1,400. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/sgq5

The Franchi Affinity 3

Mossberg 500 (MSRP ~$600.00)

The Mossberg 500 pump has become a legend because it’s low-priced, easy to use and reliable. In essence, the Mossberg 500 is a platform for a wide range of configurations. There are models for hunting turkeys, upland birds and bigger game with their slug models. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/w96d

The Mossberg 500

Pointer Side by Side (MSRP ~$700.00)

It’s hard to find a good side by side for under $1,000, but the Pointer series follows through with their catalog of inexpensive over/unders and semi-autos. Available in both 12 and 20 gauge, the Pointer Side By Side has attractive Turkish walnut (the guns are made in Turkey). With 28-inch barrels, the Pointer Side by Side is thoroughly modern with a single trigger, barrel selector and extractors. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/jx3e

The Pointer Side by Side

Retay Gordion (MSRP ~$900.00)

Retay says that their semi-autos have actually improved on the industry-standard inertia operating system by eliminating the so-called “Benelli click.” The Retay Gordion features their Straight Line  Inertia Transfer Action paired with the patented Inertia Plus bolt/Rollover Torsion Spring Action. The shotgun has a single-piece all-alloy receiver. The Gordion comes in Turkey and Standard versions in 12 or 20 gauge with barrel lengths of 24, 26, and 28 inches. A variety of camo, synthetic and traditional walnut stocks are offered. The capacity is 4+1. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/jcbg

The Retay Gordion

Savage/Stevens 555 (MSRP ~$850.00)

The Turkish-made over/under features a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver with steel inserts. The company makes an entry-level standard model, plus sporting and a trap variants. Gauges available: 12, 20, 28, and .410. The 12 and 20-gauge shotguns ship with 30-inch barrels and the subgauges can be fitted with 26 or 28-inch barrels. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/k0c2

The Savage/Stevens 555

Stoeger Condor (MSRP ~$500.00)

Stoeger’s over/under Condor comes in three different models: Field, Competition and Supreme. Barrel lengths vary between 26-30 inches depending on the model. Available gauges are 12, 20 28 and .410, but some are restricted to specific models. The Field comes in black synthetic while the Competition and Supreme marry a blued receiver with walnut. The Stoeger Condor is made in Brazil. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/9inc

The Stoeger Condor

TriStar Viper G2 PRO Sporting (MSRP ~$900.00)

A gas-operated semi-auto, the Viper G2 is offered in synthetic black with either red or blue receivers as well as Turkish walnut  (with an optional adjustable comb) on a blued receiver. It has a 30-inch barrel and a 5+1 capacity. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/jgnt

The Tristar Viper G2 PRO Sporting

Weatherby Orion Sporting (MSRP ~$1,100.00)

The Weatherby Orion Sporting over/under is available in 12 or 20 gauge with 30-inch ported barrels. The shotgun features a high gloss Grade A walnut stock with diamond point checkering and adjustable comb on high gloss blue receiver. It’s manufactured in Turkey. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/jgnt

The Weatherby Orion Sporting

Although price is important, there are other considerations when buying an affordable sporting gun that are really no different than buying a British best gun. Look for a comfortable fit, a gun that swings easily, manageable recoil and one that also makes you feel confident in order to enhance your shooting experience and performance. Ultimately, though, price should never be compromised for safety.

Irwin Greenstein is the publisher of Shotgun Life. You can reach him through the Shotgun Life Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shotgunlife/

Irwin Greenstein

Irwin Greenstein is Publisher of Shotgun Life. Please send your comments to letters@shotgunlife.com.

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