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The Pros and Cons of Cerakote for Shotguns

Friday, May 10, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: cerakote, cerakoteforshotguns, cerakoting, cereakotewaterfowlguns

When it comes to maintaining your shotgun, many options are available to ensure its longevity and improve its appearance. One such option that has gained popularity in recent years is Cerakoting. However, before deciding whether or not to Cerakote your shotgun, it’s crucial to understand the process, weigh the benefits, and consider any potential drawbacks. This article is aimed at providing an analysis of each of these factors to help you make an informed decision.

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Legacy Sports International Shows Us How Cerakote is Done

Tuesday, April 07, 2020
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Shotguns
Tags: cerakote, legacy pointer shotguns, legacy sports international

We tend to associate embellished shotguns with extravagant engravings of pastoral bliss rendered in masterpieces of steel. But head down-market to the other 99 percent and you can order a field or clays shotgun personalized with your own visual flash for about $600.

Your budget alternative comes courtesy of the same coatings that protect your shotgun against the elements and handling, and applied on the Turkish-made Pointer semi-automatics sold and customized by Legacy Sports International in Reno, Nevada.

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Thompson/Center Arms Introduces the ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: thompsoncenter, thompsonencoreturkeyshotgun, turkeyhunting
Thompson

March 17, 2026 — Thompson/Center Arms today announced the launch of the ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun, a purpose-built modern turkey platform engineered for hunters who demand uncompromising precision, adaptability, and performance when it matters most.

Designed for the intensity of first light through fly-down, the ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun features a compact, highly maneuverable profile that shoulders quickly and naturally, whether from a blind or against a tree. At just 39 ¾ inches overall and weighing only 6 ¼ pounds (gun only), it offers exceptional balance and control in tight hunting scenarios. A tight-patterning barrel paired with an Xtra Full choke tube delivers repeatable accuracy and devastating terminal performance on gobblers that refuse to close the distance.

Finished in proven Mossy Oak® Original Bottomland®, the shotgun disappears into spring woods while standing up to harsh field conditions. The receiver and barrel are protected with Moss Green Cerakote, providing corrosion resistance and durability season after season.

Built on Thompson/Center’s renowned ENCORE interchangeable platform, the ProHunter Turkey Shotgun allows hunters to swap between rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader configurations, maximizing versatility and value. Its single-shot, break-open action promotes safe, deliberate shooting, while a swing hammer and nitride-treated trigger, sear, firing pin, and bushing ensure smooth operation and long-term reliability. An automatic hammer block safety with bolt interlock further enhances confidence in the field.

The shotgun is drilled and tapped for a scope and equipped with steel fiber optic adjustable sights, giving hunters multiple aiming options to match personal preference and terrain. The over-molded FlexTech stock with integrated compression arches reduces felt recoil and enhances comfort during long sits.

The ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun is available in .410 gauge (#6029R), 20 gauge (#6021R), and 12 gauge (#6020R), each with an MSRP of $1,000.

For hunters looking to expand their ENCORE system, Thompson/Center also offers ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun Barrels, available in .410 gauge (#6030R), 20 gauge (#6060R), and 12 gauge (#6050R). These 24-inch matte blued barrels feature 3-inch chambers, fiber optic adjustable sights with an extended turkey choke, and are drilled and tapped for a scope base. MSRP for barrels is $450.

With the ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun, Thompson/Center Arms delivers a refined, lethal solution for serious turkey hunters who refuse to compromise.

For more information, please visit: tcarms.com.

ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun

Specs

  • Receiver and Barrel in Moss Green Cerakote
  • Overall Length: 39 ¾ in
  • Drilled and Tapped for a Scope with Steel Fiber Optic
  • Adjustable Sights
  • Weight: 6 ¼ lbs (gun only)
  • MSRP: $1,000

Features

  • Interchangeable Platform between Rifle, Shotgun, and Muzzleloader
  • Single-Shot Break-Open Action Design
  • Swing Hammer, Nitride Treated on Trigger, Sear,
  • Firing Pin and Bushing
  • Mossy Oak Original Bottomland Over-Molded FlexTech
  • Stock with Compression Arches
  • Xtra Full Choke Tube
  • Automatic Hammer Block Safety with Bolt Interlock

ENCORE PROHunter Turkey Shotgun Barrels

Specs

  • 24″ Matte Blued | 3″ Chamber
  • FO Adjustable Sights with Extended Turkey Choke
  • Drilled and Tapped for a Scope Base
  • Available Gauges: .410ga (#6030R) | 20ga (#6060R) | 12ga (#6050R)
  • MSRP: $450

About Thompson/Center Arms: Founded on innovation and precision, Thompson/Center Arms has built a legacy of trusted firearms for hunters and shooters. With a renewed focus on heritage, performance, and American craftsmanship, T/C Arms continues to deliver products designed to perform from the range to the field. For more information, visit www.tcarms.com.

Benelli’s New Models for Super Black Eagle 3, 828U, M2 Field and Ethos

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: benelli, benelliethos, benellim2, benellisuperblackeagel3

In a sweeping set of announcements in January 2026, Benelli expanded and enhanced their Super Black Eagle 3, 828U, M2 Field and Ethos.

828 U Supersport

Developed as the ultimate over/under clay-crusher, the 828U SuperSport A.I. is built around Benelli’s Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrel technology— a decisive advancement that delivered tighter shot strings and patterns with up to 50 percent deeper penetration and increased velocity compared to conventional shotgun barrels. The result is unmistakable authority, even as targets stretch distance, speed, and difficulty.

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Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. — Expanded Sub-Gauge Line, Enhanced Controls

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: 28gaugeshotguns, benelli, semiautomaticshotguns, superblackeagle

January 2026, Accokeek, MD — Benelli’s Advanced Impact (A.I.) evolution continues to gather momentum in 2026 as the Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. lineup expands with new 28-gauge models, new camouflage offerings, and purposeful operational enhancements. Built for demanding environments and uncompromising performance, the latest SBE 3 A.I. updates reinforce Benelli’s leadership in modern waterfowling shotguns.

Benelli’s Advanced Impact barrel technology has established a new benchmark in shotgun performance, maintaining higher pellet density while delivering increased velocity and penetration compared to conventional barrel designs. From open water to tight timber, and from first light to final shot, A.I. technology delivers decisive results—on both clays and birds alike.

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RETAY Launches Gordion Gamekeeper Edition Shotgun at 2026 NWTF Convention

Thursday, February 12, 2026
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #retaygordiongamekeeper, #retayshotguns, #turkeyhunting
Gamekeeper

Easton, MD – RETAY, a leader in innovative firearm design, is proud to announce the official launch of the Gordion Gamekeeper shotgun. This highly anticipated addition to the Gordion lineup will debut at the 2026 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Gordion Gamekeeper is engineered specifically for the dedicated turkey hunter who demands reliability and loves Mossy Oak. Building on the proven Gordion platform, the Gamekeeper Edition incorporates specialized aesthetics and performance upgrades tailored for the modern turkey hunter with a premium cerakote finish receiver and a Mossy Oak Original Bottomlands camo stock and forend.

“The Gordion has already established itself as the best-in-class inertia shotgun for price point and performance,” says Michael Narus, VP of Sales and Marketing for RETAY. “With the Gamekeeper Edition, we’ve listened to our turkey hunting community to deliver a timeless Mossy Oak look and feel on the best turkey shotgun platform on the market.”

Key Features of the Gordion Gamekeeper Edition:

  • Inertia Plus™ Bolt System: RETAY’s world-class system that prevents “bolt-bounce” and ensures the shotgun is always in battery, providing ultimate peace of mind when the shot of a lifetime presents itself.
  • Deep Bore Barrel™: Precision-drilled barrels (not hammered) that ensure perfectly straight bores and consistent, dense patterning for long-range ethical shots.
  • Enhanced Ergonomics: Over-sized bolt handle and release for easy operation with gloved hands.
  • Easy-Load/Unload Magazine: A specialized flat-loading gate designed for fast, snag-free reloading in the field, and quick unloading feature
  • Interchangeable Choke System: Includes a full suite of chokes, including a specialized turkey choke optimized for heavy-weight shot.

About RETAY: RETAY is located in Easton, Maryland, and is the premier manufacturer of high-performance firearms. RETAY, known for their deep bore dilled barrel, factory lengthened forcing cone, patented “Inertia Plus™ bolt system”, and limited lifetime warranty. RETAY continues to push the boundaries of firearm dependability and accuracy.

Banshee Brands Inc.
PO Box 281
Easton, MD 21601
P: 800-977-5749
www.bansheebrands.com

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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Benelli Expands Super Black Eagle 3 28-Gauge Model Series

Thursday, January 23, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #benelli28gauge, #benellisuperblackeagle3, benellishotguns
SBE 28

January 2025, Accokeek, MD – The sub-gauge renaissance has taken a firm hold across the sporting landscape, injecting a new level of fun and participation for many waterfowl and upland hunters while presenting new challenges and tactics for turkey hunters. Benelli is proud to have led the charge in nurturing the growing 28-gauge category with entries represented in the Super Black Eagle 3 and Ethos lines.

For 2025, Benelli adds three more models in this exciting chambering to the Super Black Eagle 3 series.

In a nod to the outstanding performance of 28-gauge TSS loads for turkey hunting and the typical run-and-gun nature of the sport, Benelli has added a 24-inch barrel model to its already extensive roster of 28-gauge SBE3 shotguns. Boasting Mossy Oak® Bottomland Original™ camo paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote treatment on the barrel and receiver, this shotgun hits all the marks for a hard-use, fast-handling hunting shotgun — whether that hunt takes you after spring gobblers, woodland grouse, timber ducks, or doves.

In addition, Benelli expands the SBE3 28-gauge line with two new color configurations available for 28-inch-barrel shotguns. The new patterns are waterfowl-focused with GORE™ OPTIFADE Marsh furniture combined with Patriot Brown Cerakote and GORE™ OPTIFADE Timber working with a Tungsten Cerakote.

Much of the 28-gauge appeal comes from the soft-shooting nature of these shotshells. Since the SBE3 offers a firm foundation in comfort thanks to its recoil-absorbing ComforTech stock, shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and ergonomic controls, an SBE3 in this chambering is the easiest-shooting yet most rugged semi-auto shotgun on the market today. 

For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.

Benelli Adds Advanced Impact Technology to Famed SBE3 Shotgun Line

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #benellisbe, #benellisuperblackeagle, benellishotguns
SBE

January 2025, Accokeek, MD – Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3 is heralded around the world as the most advanced, most rugged, and most dependable hunting shotgun ever developed. Now, Benelli takes the proven SBE3 platform to even greater heights with the integration of the new Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrel and choke system.

Advanced Impact is the latest in a long list of technological innovations by Benelli engineers to enhance shotgun performance and shooting comfort. The A.I. system is comprised of an innovative barrel bore contour coupled with Benelli’s new Advanced Impact CRIO® chokes. Combined, the A.I. barrel and choke deliver a payload downrange with greater velocity and energy than standard shotgun barrels up to 50% greater on-target penetration. What’s more, the unique design of the barrel and choke enhances pellet density and promotes more uniform spread. This means the shot not only hits harder and penetrates deeper, but also puts more pellets on the target.

Four new SBE3 models featuring the Benelli A.I. system are offered for 2025.

The Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. comes in 12-gauge (3 1/2-inch) or 20-gauge (3-inch) chambers with 28-inch barrels and GORE™ OPTIFADE Timber camo. The gray anodized receiver compliments the gray Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) barrel finish, providing industry-leading protection from rust and corrosion.

Rough-weather hunters will also appreciate the new Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. Cerakote models. Offered in 12-gauge (3 1/2-inch) or 20-gauge (3-inch) chambers with 28-inch barrels, these semi-auto shotguns feature a durable Cerakote receiver and barrel finish in either FDE or Patriot Brown, both of which pair with Realtree® Max-7™ or Mossy Oak® Bottomland™ camo furniture, respectively.

All four shotguns boast standard features that have made the SBE3 series to top choice for hunters who demand maximum performance and dependability with no sacrifice in handling or shooting comfort. Each of the SBE3 A.I. models run on Benelli’s Inertia Driven® system for reliable cycling in the worst conditions and include Benelli’s ComforTech™ 3 stock for all-day shooting ease, plus an upsized bolt handle and bolt release for effortless operation when wearing gloves.

If you thought the Benelli SBE3 series shotguns couldn’t get any better, you’re in for a surprise the moment you pull the trigger on any of the new-for-2025 SBE3 Advanced Impact models. MSRP: $2999 – $3199 depending on model.

For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.

Introducing the Derrick Mein Signature Series: A Special Edition Falcon Pro Kit by Ranger Shooting Eyewear

Sunday, July 28, 2024
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: News

RANDOLPH, MA – Ranger Shooting Eyewear is excited to announce the launch of the Derrick Mein Signature Series, a Special Edition Falcon Pro Kit built in collaboration with our newest signed ambassador, champion shooter Derrick Mein. This exclusive kit embodies what makes Derrick a standout in clay target shooting and an Olympian.

The Derrick Mein Signature Series features a tough Navy Cerakote Falcon Pro frame with black nose pads and bayonet temples to cut down on glare. It includes two new Claysight lenses, Dark Amber and Light Amber, specifically chosen by Derrick to match the lighting conditions he encounters while shooting. These lenses come with Hydro-Coat and Anti-Reflective coating, offering the highest optical clarity and the most enhanced target definition in the industry.

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