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.
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.
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.
This evolution of the 828U platform marks the first appearance of Benelli’s signature “SuperSport” configuration in the Over/Under series, pairing modern materials with unmistakable Italian refinement. A brushed nickel-plated steel receiver, carbon-fiber wrapped stock and forend, gloss blue barrel finish, and nickel-accented trigger create a restrained yet commanding aesthetic; while Benelli’s ComforTech 3 and Combtech recoil-reduction systems are seamlessly integrated to maintain composure through long sessions and punishing conditions.
Benelli 828 over/under
M2 Field
All M2 Field semi-autos 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, extending the M2’s reputation for practical, hard-use performance with a noticeably refined shooting experience.
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.
Complementing the Progressive Comfort system, all M2 Field models are now equipped with Benelli’s Combtech Recoil Cheek Pad. Designed to reduce facial impact and vibration under recoil, the patented Combtech cheek pad sits atop the pinnacle of soft comb recoil reduction technology. Its removable design also allows shooters to fine-tune cheek weld with different height combs, ensuring a tailored fit and optimized shooting experience.
Benelli M2 Field
Ethos
New for 2026, the Ethos Cordoba line has been rounded out with the addition of 20- and 28-gauge A.I. barrels finished in Benelli’s highly durable matte black BE.S.T. coating. Each Cordoba model is equipped with Benelli controls and Crio A.I. chokes, reinforcing the line’s reputation for reliability in demanding environments. The addition of the 28-gauge marks the first sub-gauge A.I. model in the Cordoba series.
Rounding out the expansion is the new Ethos Upland A.I., representing the first sub-gauge chambering within the Ethos Upland family. The 28-gauge model joins the existing 12- and 20-gauge Upland A.I. shotguns, all featuring Benelli’s Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system and elegant AA-grade satin walnut furniture. Like the Cordoba models, the Ethos Upland A.I. is protected by Benelli’s rugged BE.S.T. finish in gloss black.
Benelli Ethos
Super Black Eagle 3
For 2026, Benelli introduces its first-ever 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 models, all of which are equipped with Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrels and chambered for 2 3/4- and 3-inch shotshells. These all-new offerings feature 28-inch A.I. barrels and are available in GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Marsh camo paired with Midnight Bronze Cerakote (model #12316) or GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Timber accented with Cobalt Cerakote (model #12336), Realtree® Max-7™ with FDE Cerakote (model 12366), and Mossy Oak® Bottomland™ with Patriot Brown Cerakote finish (12386), marking the debut of the SBE 3 A.I. platform in 28 gauge.
Benelli 28 gauge Super Black Eagle 3
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
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.
For 2026, Benelli introduces its first-ever 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 models, all of which are equipped with Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrels and chambered for 2 3/4- and 3-inch shotshells. These all-new offerings feature 28-inch A.I. barrels and are available in GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Marsh camo paired with Midnight Bronze Cerakote (model #12316) or GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Timber accented with Cobalt Cerakote (model #12336), Realtree® Max-7™ with FDE Cerakote (model 12366), and Mossy Oak® Bottomland™ with Patriot Brown Cerakote finish (12386), marking the debut of the SBE 3 A.I. platform in 28 gauge.
To improve function in harsh, cold-weather conditions, Benelli has also refined the SBE 3 A.I. operational controls. Updates include a larger cylinder-style bolt handle and a complete set of extended choke tubes, allowing for fast, confident manipulation even with gloved hands.
MSRPs for the 2026 Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. shotguns range from $2,849 to $3,099.
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shooting a bird gun at clay targets only hints at qualities that will spring to life in the field. On a five-stand, the squad’s rhythm, the advantage of lookers, and those soaring teals and long crossers, don’t truly demonstrate snappy field-gun performance – unless of course you’re thrown lots of rabbit targets. But in the field, when a zig-zagging bird dog bumps a covey, and an explosion of birds unexpectedly stuns your eyeballs, handling and precision, driven by adrenalin and instinct, instantly reveal the shotgun’s true DNA.
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About Shotgun Life
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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.
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